Scoliosis
Overview of What Scoliosis Is
● What is it? Abnormal sideways curvature of the spine that
usually occurs during childhood or early adolescence
● Most cases are mild, but some curvatures may continue to
develop as the child gets older, and worsen
● Severe cases of scoliosis may be disabling, causing
changes in the amount of space in the lungs, making it
difficult for the lungs to function properly
● In many cases, no treatment is needed, however, other
more progressive cases, the child may need bracing to
stop
the curvature from worsening or even surgical
interventions to straighten out severe curvatures
Causes
- Idiopathic
This occurs when other possible causes of the abnormal curvature are ruled out, making
up roughly 80% of the cases
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of scoliosis, developing around
11-13 years of age, and is usually diagnosed during puberty - Congenital
This is due to a malformation of one or more of the vertebrae in your spine, leading to
curvatures of the spine
This type of scoliosis generally develops at a younger age than idiopathic scoliosis - Neuromuscular
This type of scoliosis develops secondary to neurological or muscular diseases
Examples:
Spinal Cord Trauma
Cerebral Palsy
Muscular Dystrophy
Common Symptoms
● Sideways curvature of the spine
● Uneven shoulder height
● One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other
● One arm hanging down longer than the other
● Raised rib on one side when bending forward
● Uneven waist
● One hip higher than the other
● Muscular aches/pains
● Clothes not hanging properly
How Can ProTailored Physical Therapy in Fort Wayne Help?
Our therapists have been specially trained to perform various hands-on manual techniques to
address your musculoskeletal limitations. Some of the manual techniques you may experience at
ProTailored Physical Therapy includes:
● Manual therapy techniques
○ Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilizations
○ Dynamic and Static Cupping
○ Myofascial Active Trigger Point Releases
○ Muscle Energy Techniques
○ Dry Needling
○ Joint Mobilizations
● Stretching
● Strengthening Exercises
● Breathing Exercises
● Education on correct body mechanics during functional tasks (lifting, yardwork, carrying,
squatting, cleaning)
Exercises at Home
For more information on Scoliosis or believe you have this condition and would like to try
conservative treatment, reach out to one of our four Fort Wayne Physical Therapy
locations at ProTailored Physical Therapy by calling us at (260) 739-0300.