Scoliosis Treatment in Manchester I Physiotherapy Guide

Jan 5, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Mar 14

Scoliosis Assessment and Treatment in Manchester — SCOLIOSIS

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways and may also rotate, causing an abnormal spinal alignment. Instead of remaining straight when viewed from behind, the spine may form an “S” or sometimes a “C” shaped curve.

The areas most commonly affected by scoliosis are the thoracic spine (upper and mid back) and the lumbar spine (lower back).

Scoliosis occurs more frequently in females than in males. In many cases, the condition develops gradually and may not be immediately noticeable. It is most commonly identified during late childhood or early adolescence, particularly during periods of rapid growth.

What causes scoliosis?

n many cases, the exact cause of scoliosis is unknown. This type is referred to as idiopathic scoliosis, which is the most common form of the condition. Idiopathic scoliosis is usually classified according to the age at which it develops:

Infantile scoliosis: occurs between 0–3 years of age
Juvenile scoliosis: occurs between 4–10 years of age
Adolescent scoliosis: occurs between 11–18 years of age and is the most common type

Other Types of Scoliosis

In addition to idiopathic scoliosis, there are other less common forms of the condition:

Congenital scoliosis: This type is present at birth and occurs due to abnormal development of the spine during pregnancy.
Neuromuscular scoliosis: This form develops as a result of neurological or muscular conditions that affect the muscles and joints responsible for supporting the spine. These conditions can interfere with normal spinal alignment and lead to the development of scoliosis.

Assessment for idiopathic scoliosis — Physiotherapy Assessment for Idiopathic Scoliosis

What are the symptoms of scoliosis?

Adults with idiopathic scoliosis often experience more noticeable symptoms than adolescents. This is mainly due to age-related degeneration of the spinal discs and joints, which can place additional stress on the spine.

People with scoliosis may experience a variety of symptoms, including:

Lower back pain and stiffness
Muscle fatigue, often caused by increased strain on the muscles supporting the spine
Asymmetrical body alignment, such as uneven shoulders or hips
Numbness, tingling, or shooting pain in the legs, which may occur if spinal nerves become compressed or irritated

The severity and type of symptoms can vary depending on the degree of spinal curvature and the structures involved.

Diagnosis of Scoliosis

At Physio Pattern Manchester, the diagnosis of scoliosis is made following a comprehensive clinical assessment. This includes both a thorough subjective examination, where we discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any previous spinal problems, as well as a detailed objective examination.

During the physical assessment, we evaluate spinal alignment, posture, movement patterns, and muscle balance to determine the presence and severity of the spinal curvature.

This thorough evaluation allows us to accurately assess the condition and develop an appropriate treatment plantailored to your individual needs.

Did you know?

Scoliosis is a relatively common spinal condition and affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. Some important facts about scoliosis include:

Approximately 2–3% of the population is affected by scoliosis
An estimated 6 to 9 million people in the United States live with scoliosis
Although scoliosis can develop in infancy or early childhood, the most common age of onset is between 10 and 15 years old, often during periods of rapid growth
Studies show that around 23% of individuals with scoliosis report severe or distressing levels of pain, compared with only about 1.4% of people without scoliosis
Early diagnosis and monitoring are very important, as early intervention can help manage the condition more effectively
Scoliosis can run in families, suggesting that genetic factors may play a role in its development

Physiotherapy treatment for Scoliosis

Physiotherapy can be an effective approach for managing scoliosis, helping to reduce pain, improve posture, and restore better movement patterns. Working with an experienced physiotherapist at Physio Pattern Manchester can provide you with the guidance and tools needed to achieve long-term improvement and better spinal function.

Our approach focuses on identifying the underlying imbalances and movement dysfunctions that may contribute to the spinal curvature and associated symptoms.

1. Comprehensive Clinical Assessment

Treatment begins with a detailed subjective and physical assessment. During this stage we evaluate:

Your medical history and symptoms
Postural alignment and spinal curvature
Movement patterns and spinal mobility
Muscle imbalances and strength differences
Functional movement during everyday activities

This assessment helps us understand how the scoliosis is affecting your body and which structures are under stress.

2. Postural and Biomechanical Analysis

We then perform a more detailed evaluation of the biomechanics of your spine and surrounding structures, including:

Spinal alignment and posture
Hip and pelvic positioning
Muscle activation patterns
Movement control and balance

This allows us to identify compensations and asymmetries that may contribute to pain or functional limitations.

3. Neuromuscular Correction

If abnormal movement patterns or neuromuscular dysfunctions are present, we may use specialised techniques to help restore proper muscle activation and coordination, including:

Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT)
Proprioceptive Deep Tendon Reflex Therapy (P-DTR)

These approaches aim to improve communication between the nervous system and muscles, helping the body move more efficiently.

4. Functional Movement and Alignment Training

We may also incorporate Anatomy in Motion techniques to analyse and improve how the body moves during everyday activities such as walking and bending. This approach focuses on restoring natural movement patterns and joint function.

5. Individualised Rehabilitation Program

The final stage of treatment involves a personalised rehabilitation programme designed specifically for your condition. This may include:

Postural correction exercises
Spinal mobility and flexibility work
Strengthening exercises for the core and supporting muscles
Movement retraining to improve alignment and balance

Your physiotherapist will guide and support you throughout the rehabilitation process, ensuring the program is tailored to your individual needs and goals.