Scoliosis is more than a matter of posture; it’s a condition that can affect the way you move, breathe, and feel on a daily basis. It is a spinal condition that can affect any age. It develops irrespective of gender, race, geography, or socioeconomic factors. When the spine bends or twists sideways to either left or right, rather than remaining straight, it causes imbalance, discomfort, and noticeable asymmetry. Although the reason may not be obvious, correct treatment strategy with scoliosis physiotherapy can make the difference to posture correction.
When it comes to how many people have scoliosis, the condition is far more prevalent than many realize. A recent article in the Indian newspaper “The Hindu” [1] suggests that “Scoliosis treatment centres in the country estimate that around 2-3% of the population could be affected.”
If you have been looking for physiotherapy for scoliosis near me, this article will guide you on how physiotherapy assists in the effective management of scoliosis without surgery through spine strengthening, alignment of the spine, and correcting posture.
Understanding Scoliosis
Having scoliosis is like having a crooked spine. It means having a spine that is curved abnormally to the side, and it also rotates.
In simple terms, Scoliosis is the lateral curvature of the spine ie. the spine curves to one side in an “S” or “C” shape rather than following the straight line down the back. It may occur in one part or several parts of the spine, creating unevenness in alignment of the hips, shoulders, or ribs.
When scoliosis is diagnosed, it’s further classified as mild, moderate, severe, or very severe.
Did You Know?
Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man, the renowned sprinter and eight-time Olympic gold medalist has scoliosis, a condition affecting the spine.
Common Symptoms of Scoliosis
Following are the most common symptoms of scoliosis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently.
- Unevenly shaped shoulders or hips
- Curvature of the spine that can be seen
- Ribs look crowded on side of the concavity of the curve
- Shoulder blade on one side appearing higher than the other
- Stiffness and back pain
- Fatigue following prolonged periods of sitting or standing
- Finding it hard to keep the body in proper posture
- Reduced movement or flexibility in the back
While in Western countries screening of school children is routine, the same cannot be said of India. Scoliosis may evolve over time, hence the importance of routine posture screening and early scoliosis physiotherapy treatment. If you have noticed irregular shape of spine, or uneven shoulders, it’s time to take a professional assessment.
Types of Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a complex condition that can be classified into several types based on the age of onset, cause, and severity of the spinal curvature. Here are some of the main types of scoliosis:
- Congenital Scoliosis – May be present at birth as a result of abnormal formation of the spinal bones.
- Idiopathic Scoliosis – Most frequent form, usually occurring in teenagers, without a known cause.
- Degenerative Scoliosis – This type of scoliosis occurs in adults and is caused by degenerative changes in the spine, such as osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, or disc degeneration. It is more common in older adults and can cause back pain, stiffness, and difficulty walking.
- Neuromuscular Scoliosis – Result of neurological or muscular conditions like cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or muscular dystrophy.
- Early Onset Scoliosis (EOS) – This type of scoliosis occurs in children under the age of 10 and is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, or environmental factors during fetal development.
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) – This type of scoliosis occurs in teenagers or adolescents between the ages of 10 and 18. It is the most common type of scoliosis in this age group and is characterized by a lateral curvature of the spine.
Irrespective of the type, treatment for scoliosis aims at enhancing alignment, easing pain, and hindering curve advancement.
Causes and Risk Factors associated with Scoliosis
Though genetics and structural problems are major causes, some way of life habits can exacerbate symptoms of scoliosis.
Some common causes and risk factors are:
- Genetic predisposition – Family history of scoliosis
- Sudden growth in adolescence – When the growth of the spine is asymmetrical
- Neuromuscular disorders – Involving muscle balance and control
- Incorrect posture – Chronic slouching or asymmetric load on the spine
Poor ergonomic position at school or work can also increase curvature of the spine with time. For additional information about posture correction, refer to: Desk Job Pain? Try These Physiotherapy Exercises for Posture Correction
Which Treatment Is Best for Scoliosis?
The most effective scoliosis treatment varies with the degree of curvature and age of onset. Mild cases of scoliosis usually respond favorably to rehabilitation based on physiotherapy, whereas severe curves can necessitate bracing or surgery.
Physiotherapy is a fundamental component in all phases of Scoliosis. It works by:
- Strengthening stabilizing muscles
- Increasing spinal flexibility
- Facilitating body awareness and posture control
- Reducing pain and stiffness
- Arresting or slowing curve progression
Signs You Need Scoliosis Physiotherapy
Early detection of the signs will prevent additional complications. You may require physiotherapy for scoliosis near me if:
- You have visible asymmetry in your shoulders (Difference in shoulder height)
- You have perceivable difference in hip height or position
- Your arms hang differently beside the body when standing straight
- You get ongoing back pain or stiffness
- You experience muscle imbalance or tiredness after simple activities
- You have been diagnosed with mild scoliosis and wish to prevent surgery
With posture correction physiotherapy, your therapist can correct your spine and retrain your muscles for enhanced balance. So what are you waiting for? Click here and book your session now!
How Physiotherapy Assists in Scoliosis: Posture Correction and Strengthening of Spine
You must know that early intervention yields the best results when treating scoliosis. Exercises guided by a trained physiotherapist may be the best non-surgical method of scoliosis rehabilitation. It is all about natural correction through exercise, stretching, and manual therapy.
Manual Therapy and Joint Mobilization
Physiotherapists apply hands-on modalities to mobilize stiff joints, release tension, and decrease stiffness in the spine. This enhances mobility and facilitates the body to realign naturally.
Targeted Stretching and Strengthening
Muscles on the curved side are lengthened and weak hence need strengthening. On the other hand, the muscles on the concave side are short and tight hence require stretching. Spine strengthening exercises focus on specific muscle groups that stabilize spinal alignment, i.e., back extensors, core, and obliques. Through increased strength and stability, these exercises decrease strain and promote more upright posture.
Posture Correction Training
Specialized posture correct physiotherapy methods teach the body to hold a balanced, neutral posture in everyday activities. Postural habit correction lessens pressure on the rotated spine and enhances overall alignment.
Breathing Exercises
Scoliosis tends to restrict lung volume as a result of rib cage rotation. Physiotherapist-taught breathing exercises increase chest mobility, promote increased oxygen uptake, and decrease fatigue.
Personalized Programs for All Ages
At ReLiva, physiotherapy experts craft personalised programs for each patient to focus on what’s most important for their stage of life apart from bringing pain relief:
- Children and Adolescents: Prevent curvature progression through growing years
- Adults: Effectively control pain, stiffness, and spinal degeneration
- Senior Citizens: Preserve flexibility and enhance balance through low-impact programs
Here at ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab, we have diagnosed and treated all forms of the condition, including severe cases, and helping to reduce spinal curvature severity in many cases. We are here to help you, or provide any guidance you might need. Simply book a session at a ReLiva center nearby and our experts will be happy to help!
Can Physiotherapy Minimize Scoliosis Curvature?
Yes. Repeated physiotherapy can decrease mild to moderate curvature by enhancing spinal balance and flexibility. It may not be able to fully straighten the spine but can change posture, alignment, and comfort dramatically.
Research studies [2] have shown that the combination of techniques and treatment methods seems to have better results in treating scoliosis, particularly using exercises. It is therefore safe to say that along with lifestyle modification, bracing and posture training, physiotherapy delivers long-term results without surgical risks.
How Frequently Should Scoliosis Physiotherapy be Done?
The majority of scoliosis physiotherapy patients begin with two to three sessions weekly. Frequency can be diminished to once weekly or every other week as posture and strength progress. Your physiotherapist may ultimately create a home exercise program for ongoing upkeep.
The length of time varies depending on the severity of curvature, compliance with exercises, and response of the body, but regularity is key.
Why Non-Surgical Scoliosis Rehab Works?
Non-surgical scoliosis treatment emphasizes training the spine using movement and strengthening instead of changing it through invasive techniques. It naturally enhances muscular balance, posture, and body awareness.
If you’re looking for effective non-surgical scoliosis treatment, book your session today with ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab. Our experts specialize in posture correction physiotherapy and personalized spine strengthening programs. Click here to call and schedule a convenient appointment right away.
Can Scoliosis Be Corrected with Exercise?
Exercise plays a crucial role in scoliosis management. It cannot completely straighten the spine but helps improve mobility, reduce pain, and strengthen supporting muscles.
These exercises must always be performed under professional guidance since incorrect techniques may aggravate the curve or stress the spine.
Successful exercise types involve:
- Stretching exercises – Enhance spinal flexibility and release tightness
- Strengthening the core – Support the trunk and shield the spine
- Spine stabilization exercises – Strengthen muscles that support good posture
- Breathing and thoracic expansion exercises – Enhance chest mobility and lung function
Scoliosis Physiotherapy Exercises to Do at Home:
For those who are doing scoliosis physiotherapy exercises at home, we are listing some commonly prescribed ones. Remember – You should strictly follow exercise guidelines given to you for your scoliosis condition. At ReLiva, your physiotherapist may prescribe these or more exercises, but the guidelines attached to performing each of these will be targeted at your specific spine correction.
- Side stretching for lateral flexibility
- Cat-camel and pelvic tilt for spinal mobility
- Bird-dog and plank variations for core activation
- Shoulder retraction exercises for postural balance
These strengthening spine exercises and posture correction physiotherapy programs allow for continued progress made in clinic.
Lifestyle and Home Care Tips for Scoliosis Management
Scoliosis care doesn’t stop at the clinic. Daily habits are an important part of keeping the spine properly aligned to avoid recurrence of pain.
Here are some daily lifestyle tips to help with Scoliosis:
- Sit up straight, with both feet flat on the ground
- Utilize chairs that have lumbar support for the lower back
- Avoid heavy backpacks or unevenly balanced shoulder loads
- Sleep on a firm mattress to maintain proper spinal alignment
- Maintain activity with low-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga, or cycling
- Rest for short periods every hour if you work or sit for extended periods
Your ReLiva physiotherapist will check your progress and suggest lifestyle changes appropriate to your condition and activity level.
To find out more about online consultations, tap here to see: Real recovery – Case study for Online Physiotherapy for Spinal Scoliosis.
Seeking expert opinion? Reach out to ReLiva physiotherapists today to develop a personalised Scoliosis Care program that maintains your spine aligned and pain-free.
Your Scoliosis Recovery Queries Answered
Q1. Is a physiotherapist able to treat scoliosis?
Ans. Yes, A physiotherapist is able to design a treatment plan incorporating manual therapy, strengthening, and posture correction physiotherapy to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and minimize curvature progression.
Q2. What is the ideal physical therapy treatment for scoliosis?
Ans. The ideal treatment integrates manual therapy, core stabilization, stretching, and functional training combined with posture correction focused on your spinal curve and lifestyle.
Q3. Can scoliosis be prevented?
Ans. Although structural scoliosis can’t always be prevented, good posture, exercise, and early scoliosis physiotherapy can control and manage its progression.
Regain Strength and Confidence with Expert Scoliosis Physiotherapy at ReLiva
Scoliosis can be a permanent condition, but through regular scoliosis physiotherapy, you can resume control of your posture, movement, and comfort. Your spine is strongest when you are strongest, and the proper physiotherapy ensures that for you without surgery or medication.
If you’re looking for scoliosis physiotherapy near me, come to ReLiva Physiotherapy & Rehab now. Our licensed practitioners are experts in spine strengthening exercises, posture correction physiotherapy, and non-surgical scoliosis rehab to enable you to move better, live without pain, and stand tall in confidence.
This post is based on the inputs from Dr Siddhika R. Patil (PT). Physiotherapist Dr. Siddhika is a skilled expert in orthopedic and musculoskeletal physiotherapy in Mumbai. She has worked extensively in the areas of physical rehabilitation and post-operative recovery, especially for sports persons and elderly individuals with joint pain. Her commitment to ethical, professional care and evidence-based practice ensures personalized, effective recovery for every patient she treats at ReLiva.
Scholarly References:
[1] R. Sujatha; “All you need to know about: scoliosis”; The Hindu, July 11, 2025
[2] “Physiotherapy Interventions for Preventing Spinal Curve Progression in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Systematic Review”; Tabish Fahim, Sakshi Virsanikar, Diya Mangharamani, Sabih N Khan, Shrikant Mhase, Laxmikant Umate; PMCID: PMC9650952 PMID: 36381707
