ORTHOPAEDIC REHABILITATION · Health guide
What Is Scoliosis? Signs and the Rehabilitation Approach
A patient guide to the signs of scoliosis, assessment of spinal curvature, monitoring during growth, and exercise and bracing options.
Updated: · General information
What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional condition in which lateral curvature of the spine is accompanied by rotation. It can occur in children, adolescents or adults for various reasons. Asymmetry of the shoulders, the waistline or the appearance of the trunk may warrant assessment.
How are diagnosis and follow-up carried out?
Examination and, where needed, measurement of the Cobb angle on a standing spinal radiograph are used. The treatment decision does not rest on the angle alone; growth, the type of curve and the change seen at previous check-ups are taken into account. The frequency of review and imaging is determined by the specialist.
Rehabilitation options
Scoliosis-specific exercise approaches may be planned in suitable patients with goals of movement control and function. Schroth is one such approach; it does not guarantee the same outcome for everyone, nor full correction. Bracing and surgical options are assessed separately by the relevant specialist; family education is included in the follow-up plan.
Why is the growth period monitored?
In the treatment decision, how much growth remains and the change seen at previous reviews matter as much as the degree of curvature. Asymmetry of the shoulders or the waistline may prompt assessment. Not every asymmetry is scoliosis; the diagnosis is supported by examination and, where needed, a standing spinal radiograph.
Exercise and bracing serve different purposes
Individually adapted exercises are planned to support movement control and function. The need for a brace, by contrast, is determined by the specialist according to the curve and the growth characteristics. Doing exercises is not a reason to stop wearing a prescribed brace on one’s own initiative; the approach is updated through regular review.
Your questions
Patient information
Is scoliosis caused by sitting badly?
Idiopathic scoliosis is not explained by poor posture alone. Generalisations that lead the family or the child to blame themselves are not correct.
Does every scoliosis require surgery?
No. Observation, bracing and other options are considered individually; the need for surgery is determined by specialist assessment.
