Scoliosis Treatment
What Causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves sideways. It is usually characterized by an S- or C-shaped curvature of the spine. The causes of scoliosis are not fully known, but the following factors are thought to be involved:
1. Idiopathic Scoliosis: It is the most common type of scoliosis and its cause is unknown. It usually occurs during adolescence and develops without any obvious cause.
2. Congenital Scoliosis: It is a spinal deformity that is present from birth. It occurs as a result of incorrect formation of the spine during the development process of the baby in the womb.
3. Neuromuscular Scoliosis: It occurs due to muscle and nervous system disorders. For example, conditions such as cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, or muscular dystrophy can lead to neuromuscular scoliosis.
4. Traumatic Scoliosis: It is a type of scoliosis that occurs as a result of spinal trauma. Conditions such as an accident, injury or surgical intervention can cause scoliosis.
5. Postural Scoliosis: It occurs as a result of situations such as incorrect posture or prolonged incorrect sitting. This type of scoliosis is usually temporary and can be corrected.
Scoliosis is usually noticed in childhood or adolescence and may require accurate diagnosis and treatment. It should be evaluated by an orthopedic specialist and recommendations on treatment methods should be obtained.
What is Schroth Therapy?
Schroth Therapy is a special exercise and posture therapy used in the treatment of scoliosis. It was first developed in 1921 by German physiotherapist Katharina Schroth. This treatment method aims to correct the posture of scoliosis patients, reduce spinal curvature and improve respiratory function.
Schroth Therapy is based on individual assessment of scoliosis. Each patient's spinal deformity and curvature are analyzed individually and the treatment plan is tailored accordingly. Therapy aims to improve the balance and posture of the body using three-dimensional movements and special exercises.
The basic principles of Schroth Therapy are:
1. Posture Correction: Patient-specific posture correction exercises and positions are used to reduce scoliosis curvature.
2. Education: The patient is given training on correct posture and movement techniques in daily life. Thus, correct posture habits are gained to prevent the progression of scoliosis.
3. Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are performed to strengthen the respiratory muscles and increase the lung capacity. This helps to improve respiratory function.
4. Proprioception: Exercises are performed to control the movements and posture of the body with awareness. Thus, the patient's ability to correct his posture and maintain his balance is improved.
Schroth Therapy should be guided by a scoliosis specialist or physical therapist. Treatment is usually administered in individual sessions and the patient should regularly do exercises that can be done at home. This treatment can help stop or reduce the progression of scoliosis, relieve pain and improve quality of life. However, the effectiveness of the treatment may vary depending on the patient's condition and compliance with the treatment.
How Does Schroth Therapy Help People With Scoliosis?
Schroth Therapy can help people with scoliosis in a number of ways. Here are the benefits of Schroth Therapy for individuals with scoliosis:
1. Correcting Posture: Schroth Therapy aims to reduce scoliosis curvature. It helps to bring the spine into a more correct position by using specially designed exercises and posture correction techniques. This allows for posture correction and reduction of spinal curvature.
2. Strengthening the Spine: Schroth Therapy focuses on strengthening the spinal muscles of patients with scoliosis. Special exercises increase and support the spine stability by working the muscles in a balanced way. This makes the spine stronger and more resilient.
3. Improving Respiratory Function: Scoliosis can adversely affect respiratory function. Schroth Therapy includes breathing exercises that strengthen respiratory muscles and increase lung capacity. In this way, respiratory function is improved and breathing becomes more effective.
4. Reducing Pain: Scoliosis can cause back pain in some people. Schroth Therapy can help relieve back pain through correcting posture and strengthening spinal muscles. It can also contribute to the reduction of pain, thanks to the correct alignment of the spine and the regulation of load distribution.
5. Improving Quality of Life: Schroth Therapy aims to improve the quality of life of individuals with scoliosis. Improvements in better posture, reduced pain, increased mobility and respiratory function can improve participation in daily activities and overall quality of life.
Since Schroth Therapy is an individual treatment approach, it can give different results for each patient. The effectiveness of the treatment may vary depending on factors such as the patient's degree of scoliosis, age, posture habits and compliance with treatment. It should be guided and followed up regularly by a specialist practicing Schroth Therapy.
How are Schroth Therapy Applications Performed?
Schroth Therapy consists of exercises and posture correction techniques specially designed for the treatment of scoliosis. Below you can find the basic application methods of Schroth Therapy:
1. Evaluation and Measurement: Before Schroth Therapy is administered, a detailed evaluation is made by a scoliosis specialist or a physiotherapist trained in Schroth Therapy. This evaluation includes measurements to determine the patient's degree of spinal deformity, curvature, and spinal mobility.
2. Personalized Exercise Program: After the evaluation, an exercise program specific to the patient's scoliosis type and condition is created. This program aims to reduce the patient's curvature of the spine and includes exercises to correct the posture. The exercises are designed to strengthen the spine, use it in a balanced way and maintain a proper posture.
3. Posture Correction Techniques: Schroth Therapy uses special posture correction techniques. These techniques are used to ensure correct alignment of the spine and correction of curvatures. Methods that teach the patient to maintain correct posture and spine position during exercises or daily activities are applied.
4. Breathing Exercises: Schroth Therapy aims to strengthen the respiratory muscles and improve respiratory function. Breathing exercises aim to take deep breaths, increase lung capacity and ensure that breathing takes place more effectively. These exercises enable the patient to learn to activate the respiratory muscles, increase the depth of breathing and use both sides of the breathing in a balanced way.
5. Regular Practice of Exercises: Schroth Therapy should be done in a regular and disciplined way. Patients often attend therapy sessions and are then taught to do the exercises regularly at home. It is important to provide regular feedback to the specialist and monitor progress.
Schroth Therapy is used as part of scoliosis treatment and requires an individual approach. Therefore, it should be directed by a scoliosis specialist who will apply Schroth Therapy or a physiotherapist trained in Schroth Therapy. The therapy process may vary depending on the patient's progress and needs and may require regular follow-up.
Scoliosis is an abnormal S- or C-shaped curvature of the spine and usually occurs during childhood or adolescence. However, with scoliosis exercises, this condition can often be managed without the need for surgery. Below are three different exercises that can help manage scoliosis.
1. Lengthening Exercises: The muscles in the direction the spine curves are often shortened, so lengthening these muscles can be beneficial. For this, you can lie on the floor and lie in the opposite direction of the curvature. For example, if your spine is bent to the right, try reaching out to the left.
2. Strengthening Exercises: In the case of scoliosis, the muscles on the side of the curve are usually weaker. Strengthening these muscles can help the spine become more balanced. Strengthening exercises are usually done using a certain amount of resistance (for example, an elastic band or weight).
3. Posture Exercises: Good posture can alleviate the symptoms of scoliosis and help the spine become more balanced. These types of exercises often include posture correction techniques such as pulling the shoulders back and down, keeping the back straight, and placing equal weight on the feet.
These exercises can help manage the symptoms of scoliosis, but it's important to always discuss the right exercises with a healthcare professional. Each person's scoliosis condition and treatment needs are different, so talk to a physical therapist to find out if a particular exercise plan is right for you.
