At OCHK, our scoliosis programme combines detailed osteopathic assessment, hands-on treatment and scoliosis-specific exercise to help adolescents and adults better understand and manage their spine.
The programme is led by Stephen Watts, Founder and Clinical Director of Osteopathic Centre Hong Kong. Stephen has completed the Schroth Best Practice Course in Melbourne, and the SSOL Schroth Practitioner course in Singapore, alongside his existing training in osteopathy, manual therapy, yoga therapy and SpineCor soft bracing.
Stephen has integrated concepts from modern PSSE — Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise — theory with his osteopathic approach to create a practical, structured and holistic pathway for scoliosis management.
The main elements of the OCHK Scoliosis Programme are now:
Here at OCHK, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive treatment approach to scoliosis. As such, we’ve developed the Scoliosis Programme, a combined therapeutic plan that provides structured support for selected children, adolescents and adults. Our personalized Programme is suitable for both children and adults.
The Programme focuses on a combined approach of manual therapy and corrective exercise depending on your needs, circumstances and goals. We also offer SpineCor dynamic bracing, where appropriate.
Scoliosis is a common condition where the spine curves sideways to more than 10 degrees. Its three-dimensional shape involves an element of twisting or rotation, causing a prominence in the ribs on one side. It can develop in people of any age, though it’s often first found in children and young teenagers.
Alternatively, there may be a functional cause, when the body is compensating for a problem elsewhere, such as in the hip or knee. It generally resolves when the cause is treated, although if it’s present for too long, the changes can become permanent. Other forms include congenital and neuromuscular scoliosis.
The condition typically develops gradually. You may notice:
If it becomes severe, scoliosis can adversely impact health. The change in shape of the body’s cavities can affect internal organs, including the heart, lungs, and digestive system. Compression in the spine can also result in nerve problems, such as back and leg pain, or bowel and bladder issues.
Everyone with scoliosis is different. The shape of the curve, the rotation of the spine and ribcage, the stage of growth, pain levels, movement habits and daily activities all influence how a person experiences their scoliosis.
Osteopathic treatment at OCHK does not claim to “straighten” a structural scoliosis on its own. Instead, the aim is to improve the way the body manages load, movement and compensation.
For some people, especially adults, the main goal is comfort, mobility and function. For children and adolescents, the programme may also include closer monitoring and scoliosis-specific exercise depending on growth stage and curve presentation
Schroth exercises are a form of scoliosis-specific exercise designed around the three-dimensional nature of scoliosis. Rather than giving generic core or posture exercises, the approach is adapted to the individual’s curve pattern, posture, symptoms and goals.
This active component is important because scoliosis management should not depend only on passive treatment. Patients need to understand their own curve, learn how to move with more awareness and build strategies they can use outside the clinic.
This is aligned with modern PSSE principles, where exercises are individualised, curve-specific and integrated into daily activities. SOSORT guidance recommends scoliosis-specific exercises based on 3D self-correction, activities of daily living, stabilising corrected posture and patient education.
We’re proud to be able to offer this bespoke service, which combines with targeted movement and exercise to support the body, reduce pain and in many cases reduce the curve.
SpineCor braces offer dynamic support for mild cases of idiopathic or degenerative scoliosis. Unlike the rigid plastic commonly used in other bracing methods, SpineCor uses flexible elasticated straps, which dynamically retrain the spine to adopt a more natural position.
SpineCor bracing may be considered in selected cases as part of a wider scoliosis management plan. It may be considered in selected situations depending on age, curve type, symptoms, growth stage, clinical findings and individual goals. In some cases, exercise and osteopathic management may be more appropriate. In other cases, a rigid brace or orthopaedic opinion may be more suitable.
If alternative bracing, imaging or specialist referral is required, we will explain why and guide you toward the appropriate next step.
Its role is to provide dynamic support and influence movement patterns while allowing a higher degree of normal activity than some rigid bracing options.
Suitability depends on age, curve type, clinical presentation and assessment findings.
Patients choose OCHK because we offer:
Our aim is to help patients understand their scoliosis, manage symptoms, improve movement and build a practical long-term plan.
Stephen Watts is the Founder and Clinical Director of Osteopathic Centre Hong Kong and leads the OCHK Scoliosis Programme.
He has worked in osteopathy and manual therapy for over 20 years and has a particular clinical interest in scoliosis, spinal mechanics and complex postural presentations.
Stephen’s scoliosis training includes
Stephen has adapted his osteopathic approach using concepts from modern PSSE theory and Schroth-based exercise to create a clear, practical and individualised pathway for scoliosis care.
His approach combines hands-on treatment, movement education, scoliosis-specific exercise and appropriate referral guidance where required.
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional change in the shape of the spine. It usually involves a sideways curve together with rotation of the spine and ribcage. The effect can vary greatly from person to person.
In adolescents, management often focuses on monitoring growth, understanding progression risk and supporting movement. In adults, management is often more focused on pain, stiffness, function, strength and quality of life.
The OCHK Scoliosis Programme is a structured approach to scoliosis assessment and management. It may include clinical assessment, education, hands-on treatment, movement advice, exercise strategies, monitoring and referral for imaging or specialist input where appropriate.
No. SpineCor bracing may be considered in selected cases as part of a wider scoliosis management plan. Suitability depends on age, curve type, clinical findings, symptoms and individual goals.
Adults with scoliosis may benefit from treatment aimed at improving comfort, movement, strength and day-to-day function. The goal is usually not to “correct” the curve, but to help the body manage load more efficiently.
This depends on age, growth stage, curve size and clinical presentation. Children and adolescents who are still growing may need closer monitoring than adults. We will advise on appropriate next steps after assessment.
Specialist referral may be appropriate if a curve appears to be progressing, if symptoms are unusual, if neurological signs are present, or if imaging, bracing or surgical opinion may be required.
Osteopathy should not be presented as a guaranteed way to straighten structural scoliosis. At OCHK, osteopathy is used to improve comfort, mobility, load-sharing and function. For scoliosis-specific curve management, we combine osteopathic care with Schroth-based exercises and appropriate monitoring.
Schroth exercises are scoliosis-specific exercises designed around the individual’s curve pattern. They use three-dimensional postural correction, breathing strategies, strengthening and daily-life awareness to help patients better manage their scoliosis.
Yes. Adults with scoliosis may benefit from treatment focused on pain, stiffness, movement, breathing mechanics, posture awareness and strength. In adults, the goal is usually not to “correct” the curve, but to help the body manage load more efficiently.
No. SpineCor soft bracing is only considered in selected cases. Suitability depends on the person’s age, curve type, growth stage, symptoms, clinical findings and goals.
Not everyone needs immediate imaging. However, X-rays are commonly used to measure scoliosis using the Cobb angle and to monitor progression where appropriate. If imaging or specialist review is indicated, we will explain why.
This depends on the type of scoliosis, symptoms, curve presentation, age, goals and how much support is needed with exercise. After assessment, we will explain the recommended plan and review schedule.
Book a scoliosis consultation with OCHK to discuss assessment, management options and whether our Scoliosis Programme may be suitable.