Therapy for scoliosis consists of several components. In principle, the aim is to guide the affected person on how to live with scoliosis without impairment as far as possible and what he can do to prevent his situation from worsening: scoliosis is a chronic growth deformity that usually progresses if it is not counteracted by therapy with appropriate scoliosis exercises in everyday life.
Scoliosis: therapy using multiple building blocks
The introduction is usually taught during inpatient therapy (outpatient for children under seven). Afterwards, those affected must continue to apply what they have learned on their own responsibility and consistently as part of their scoliosis therapy. The following pillars contribute to this:
- Training of the posture and its correction
- Training of body awareness and sense of movement
- Breathing training
- Training of behavior in everyday life (Possibly: instructing parents).
- If a scoliosis corset is necessary, instruction of how to use it
- Learning to deal with pain
These are all building blocks of Schroth therapy – a holistic method to treat scoliosis on several levels.
Again and again, Dorn therapy is also recommended (from the age of three) to treat scoliosis. Although the effectiveness of this gentle, side-effect-free method has not been scientifically proven, it is worth a try to use it as a supportive measure in consultation with the doctor.
Scoliosis: physiotherapy.
For decades, the “Three-dimensional scoliosis therapy according to Schroth” has been recognized and proven. This should begin as early as possible and is built on teaching the affected person ways to deal with scoliosis through active body and breathing work.
To this end, the above-mentioned building blocks are taught in various combinations and with different emphases – with or without equipment (sometimes also supported by a computer), in or out of water, supported by water or electricity applications. The latter is also used for pain therapy, as are additional relaxation exercises often offered.
If a corset is necessary for the therapy of scoliosis (for example, from a curvature angle of 20°), this is not only fitted, but also explained and trained how to use it.
Scoliosis surgery: methods
As a rule of thumb, scoliosis surgery is recommended when the angle of curvature is over 45°. However, the decision is made on an individual basis. The goal is to straighten the spine as well as relieve pain and other discomfort in one. At best, scoliosis surgery succeeds in stopping further curvature due to scoliosis.
There are various surgical methods that are selected depending on the findings. A metal implant is always inserted, which is usually not removed again. Often, the spine must be additionally stiffened in bones during scoliosis surgery to stabilize it.
Scoliosis: surgery with risks
Like any surgery, scoliosis surgery has numerous risks both because of the surgery itself and because of the anesthesia, for example:
- Bleeding
- Infections
- Wound healing disorders
- Nerve and organ injuries
The curvature can usually be greatly improved, but not completely eliminated. Some scoliosis sufferers find the stiffening in the lumbar spine area disturbing. In any case, the procedure must be discussed in detail with the attending physician. The benefits and risks of the respective therapy methods for scoliosis should also be compared.
