Advance Physical Therapy

Advance Physical Therapy

Certified Postural Restoration Center · C2 Advanced Schroth Certified Scoliosis Therapists (BSPTS)

Certified Postural Restoration Center · C2 Advanced Schroth Certified Scoliosis Therapists (BSPTS)

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The Tremendous Advantage of Early Detection and Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis

February 21, 2015 by Susan Henning

While spinal curvature can develop at any time in a person’s life, there is a tremendous window of opportunity to rehabilitate these changes when it is noticed at a young age, before bony maturity is reached. In fact, idiopathic curvatures most frequently develop during growth spurts, before or during puberty.

The etiology or the reason scoliosis develops is the subject of much research, but so far, no answer has been identified and agreed upon. Often,the young person is very flexible, often very active. Because they are so flexible, they spend time in extreme postures- this is where they can feel a sense of stability, at an extreme end range of motion. Breathing patterns and breathing problems early in life, likely also play a roll in spine and rib cage position changes during development.  There are functional curves and structural curves. A functional curve results from a movement pattern or body posture. If that pattern or position persists and is continually reinforced, structural changes can then begin to occur. For instance,the spinal vertebrae begin to wedge and/ or rotate. As a curvature becomes more structural,it becomes more challenging to restore alignment.

In a growing child or adolescent, a window of opportunity is present even with structural curves. The term “vicious cycle” refers to factors which cause curve progression once the curve magnitude has passed a critical point. These factors include gravitational forces, breathing patterns, muscle imbalances, and the neurological body schema. However, all of these same factors can be employed to reverse the “vicious cycle” and transform it into a “victorious cycle”. This is most effective when bones are still growing and can be more easily reformed by carefully applied influences.

Scoliosis specific exercises utilize these very factors of muscle re-balancing, breath, gravity and body schema to reshape and realign the spinal segments and ribcage. The process of rehabilitation is challenging; it requires commitment, time and persistence from both the young person and from a supportive and involved parent. However, the rewards are tremendous! The young person is empowered by self awareness and by the experience of being able to self correct their posture and movement.

These skills will last their lifetime! While they may struggle and not fully appreciate the impact of their efforts initially, they will certainly in the future.

Filed Under: blog, Education, Postural Restoration, Schroth Based Therapy, Scoliosis Tagged With: conservative treatment of scoliosis, kyphosis, poor posture, postural restoration, posture, Schroth Method, scoliosis, scoliosis exercise, spinal curvature, treatment for scoliosis

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About Susan Henning

Susan graduated from NYU in 1986 with a BA in Physical Therapy. She worked in major medical centers first in New York City, later in San Francisco, CA. Her early interest was in neurological rehabilitation. Due to a longstanding interest in dance and movement she began studies in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy in the early 90’s. She pursued training in manual physical therapy approaches including Paris, Maitland, Mulligan and Jackson. Susan is among only a handful of physical therapists in the US with advanced certifications in both the Schroth Method and Postural Restoration for non-surgical treatment of scoliosis.

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Advance Physical Therapy is a physical therapist owned practice offering quality rehabilitation to clients in Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary and surrounding areas of the Triangle in North Carolina.

Our therapists are highly experienced in traditional physical therapy techniques and have specialized expertise in a variety of areas including Postural Restoration, Manual Therapy, Counterstrain, Schroth based Scoliosis Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Orthotics and Personal Training.

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