This introductory lecture and lab course is designed to teach the physical therapist assessment and treatment techniques for patients with curvature of the spine. As a result of participation, therapists will gain a greater understanding of scoliosis as a 3 dimensional asymmetry with attention given to effects of scoliosis on the sagittal, frontal and transverse plane. Information will be offered related to factors leading to curve progression, spinal precautions, safe performance of activities of daily living, radiograph review, and scoliotic curve pattern identification with specific, basic treatment techniques. In addition, advising patients in brace necessity, selection and wear with precautions surrounding various types of bracing will be covered…. Continue Reading →
Innovations in Spinal Deformities and Postural Disorders – PUBLISHED!
Innovations in Spinal Deformities and Postural Disorders is now published. For authors: Susan Henning, Lisa Mangino and myself, this was a most welcome notification. Our chapter is titled : “Postural Restoration: A Tri-Planar Asymmetrical Framework for Understanding, Assessing, and Treating Scoliosis and Other Spinal Dysfunctions”. This is the culmination of years of work in developing… Continue Reading →
What is Scoliosis Specific Exercise?
Scoliosis can have many forms. We have general categories for scoliosis and spine curvatures, but each is unique. Scoliosis Specific Exercise are designed to balance scoliosis curves. They address the unique curvatures of each person. Asymmetry is something all scoliosis curves have in common. Asymmetries occur in 3 dimensions: 1) Front to back, 2) Side… Continue Reading →
Spine Fusion Treatment with Postural Restoration
Patients and therapists often feel there is nothing to treat once the spine is fused. They feel it is too late. Patients can feel “stuck” in their fused postures and struggle with bending, turning and walking. Pain may develop in joints that are misused to make up for lost movement after fusion. Patients are often… Continue Reading →
Scoliosis and the Importance of Early Intervention
If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you or your child has scoliosis. I’m going to guess you have a pretty good sense of what scoliosis is. The most frustrating part for you might be trying to figure out what to do about it. Your MD may have said, “Come back in 4-6… Continue Reading →
The Importance of Arm Swing During Walking and Running
Arm swing is becoming a forgotten part of walking. We live in an era of cell phones, groceries, strollers, large purses and any number of other growing encumbrances. The ability to swing our arms freely is being lost. We forget that as mammals who happen to be up on two legs that our arms continue… Continue Reading →
Chronic Pain in Physical Therapy Students
Our own, Jean Massé, PT, DPT, PRC, OCS, ATC is an adjunct professor at The University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. She teaches physical therapy students about chronic pain, scoliosis and diagnosis. Over the years of her teaching at UNC Chapel Hill, she has had many students approach her with their own chronic pain… Continue Reading →
Surviving the Gym with Sensory Awareness
Getting to the gym to exercise with the intention of improving fitness and wellness is a great challenge and therefore a great achievement when accomplished. It is, however, beyond disheartening to see people in their chosen exercise routines working really hard at hurting themselves, either with their “trainers” or on their own. Most of us… Continue Reading →
How About My Aching Sacroiliac Joint?
Our bodies are amazingly capable of compensating, allowing us to continue to move and function in our busy lives. Unfortunately, compensation often comes with a cost. The Sacroiliac joint (SI joint) is a common source of compensation and pain when movement elsewhere in the body becomes problematic. The most common issue I see in the… Continue Reading →
Treating Scoliosis Conservatively: Getting the Message Out
Last month, our own Lisa Mangino PT, DPT, PCS, C/NDT, PRC was invited to Fayettville NC to present on “Current Concepts in 3 Dimensional Conservative Management of Scoliosis”. The objectives of the presentation were to help therapists gain an understanding of body imbalances related to scoliosis, to learn about scoliosis measurement tools and x-rays, and… Continue Reading →
