An estimated six to nine million people in the U.S. are affected by scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that can cause poor posture, pain, and reduced flexibility. If you have scoliosis, physical therapy is both highly effective and non-invasive—so it should come as no surprise that it’s typically the first step in treating the symptoms and progression of scoliosis.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Scoliosis?
Much can be done to slow the progression of spine curvature and reduce symptoms, especially when scoliosis is caught early. Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to rehab your spine and reduce pain naturally. So, how can physical therapy help scoliosis? For vast the majority of patients, it can:
- Relieve strained back muscles to reduce back pain
- Improve posture
- Reduce the spine’s side-to-side curvature (Cobb angle)
- Slow down or stop the curve progression of the spine
- Minimize or eliminate the need for a back brace
- Rebalance back muscles and improve breathing function
Treating Scoliosis With Physical Therapy
Once your physical therapist has examined your spine curvature and ascertained your symptoms, they will provide you with a series of stretches and exercises that are tailored to your unique needs. For scoliosis, physical therapy exercises can:
- Stretch and strengthen strained back muscles
- Show you how to correct your posture and reduce muscle strain
- Stabilize your spine to prevent progression of the curvature and prevent further spine pain
Find Physical Therapy for Scoliosis in the Chicago Area
A licensed physical therapist is a medical professional who specializes in helping patients restore flexibility and reduce pain with targeted strength-building exercises, stretches, and manual therapy.
Ready to learn more about how you can rehab your spine and live with less pain from scoliosis? Physical therapy is only a few clicks away! Request a virtual visit or reach out to an IMPACT Physical Therapy facility near you in downtown Chicago, the southwest suburbs, or Champaign Urbana to start exploring your options today!
