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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 offers great results. Our personalised Programme is suitable for both children and adults.
As part of our commitment to offering best-practice treatment that is backed up by the latest evidence, we have developed a multi-faceted solution for patients of all ages with mild-to-moderate scoliosis (of up to 50 degrees).
The Programme is designed to alleviate pain, improve function and quality of life, and slow, halt, or even reverse curve progression. The individualised plan is formulated to consider the age of the patient and the severity of the curve.
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.
There are several types. However, the majority – around 80% – are ‘idiopathic’, meaning the exact cause is unknown, although there are associated genetic faults. Idiopathic scoliosis starts in childhood and is often picked up during the teenage years. It affects more girls than boys.
Sometimes, a scoliosis can form because of degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoarthritis or disc degeneration, which can affect the spine unevenly and cause a curve to develop
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.
Every scoliosis is unique, both in its shape and in the way it affects your function and quality of life. Our osteopaths evaluate every aspect of your scoliosis, including its impact on your wider health.
Based on the belief that all parts of the body must be working together to function optimally, osteopathic treatment provides specific mobilisation, soft-tissue work and other techniques. These target areas affected by your scoliosis, both in the spine and elsewhere.
Exercise is an important part of any management plan for scoliosis. Corrective exercises are used to reinforce postural adjustments, so that over time the body can hold itself in a better position.
The advantage of a supervised programme of corrective exercise is that it targets your specific needs.
We’re proud to be able to offer this bespoke service, which combines with targeted
movement and exercise to halt curve progression and provide pain relief. SpineCor braces offer dynamic support for 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.
OCHK is an integrative practice, where we have the advantage of other in-house therapies that can form part of the support team. These include counselling to help with body image issues and self-acceptance, or yoga therapy to help with breath-work and relaxation.
We’re aware of how scoliosis can affect other areas of your health and lifestyle, so while our primary aim is to provide the best outcome to correct or manage each patient’s
curvature, we recognise that every person is different and may need support in other ways. We can help and advise where necessary.
Get in touch to find out how our Scoliosis Programme can help you.
No matter whether your condition was caused by a sport injury, work posture or
otherwise, send us a message or give us a call to see how we can help.
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