Got Scoliosis? You’re Not Alone!!
Scoliosis: Girls and boys experience scoliosis at about the same rate, most often during their early teenage years. Girls, however, are far more likely to experience larger spine curvatures requiring, x-rays, therapy, bracing and sometimes surgery. This can add a lot of stress, fear and confusion to an already challenging time of life. Often kids […]
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 […]
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 […]
Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic & Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT)
SOSORT is an international scientific research society dedicated to furthering the most effective treatment of scoliosis by conservative methods. This society, made up of MD’s, PT’s and Orthotists meets yearly. SOSORT 2016 took place in May in Banff, Canada. This year’s meeting was specifically organized as a joint meeting with IRSSD (International Research Society of […]
All Scoliosis Braces Are Not The Same. You Be The Judge…
Comparison of the Boston and the Rigo-Cheneau Rigid Scoliosis Braces My colleagues (Susan Henning PT, PRC, Advanced Schroth Certified, Jean Masse PT, PRC Advanced Schroth Certified) and I (Lisa Mangino PT, PRC, Advanced Schroth Certified) at Advance Physical Therapy are seeing the positive effects that a good scoliosis brace can have on the growing spine […]
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 […]
A Physical Therapist Describes Treatment at Advance Physical Therapy
Tell us about your experience at Advance Physical Therapy (APT) and how your function has improved since beginning physical therapy. My reason for coming to APT was to address a mild scoliosis. While not debilitating or the source of intractable pain, it has contributed to severe muscle tension throughout my shoulders and neck, and it […]
67 year old female with a 52 degree lumbar curve due to scoliosis….
The following is a recent testimonial from a patient who traveled from Wilmington to Advance Physical Therapy in Chapel Hill for treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis: I have a smaller thoracic curve and kyphosis as well. I have tried different physical therapists, acupuncture, massage and exercise but nothing worked for the pain I was experiencing […]
Scoliosis and Helping Aging Spines Lengthen
Because our scoliosis approach is quite unique, we often have clients come in from out of town and stay for several days of intensive therapy. On a recent “intensive” situation like this, a patient wrote the following description of her experiences and initial outcome: “I’ve tried so many therapies and treatments for my scoliosis and […]
The efficacy of three-dimensional Schroth exercises in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A randomised controlled clinical trial
It is always affirming to see support in the literature for the changes we see case by case at Advance Physical Therapy every day. Recently, a randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of professionally administered, 3 dimensional Schroth exercise program for the treatment of scoliosis. I think there are two key points […]
Vicious to Virtuous Cycle in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis – Part 2
* Muscle Imbalance * Gravity * Breathing * Body Schema * Walking The Vicious Cycle describes how these factors, listed above begin to reinforce curvatures that have developed, often in hypermobile, restless, young people. (see part 1) However, it has been postulated that these same factors could be utilized to re-balance curvatures if applied in […]
Schroth based Scoliosis Treatment in the Physical Therapy World
On 3/19/15, Jean Masse, PT, DPT, PRC, OCS, ATC, was invited to speak to the UNC Physical Therapy Class of 2017 about scoliosis. Jean gave an eloquent and enlightening presentation to these students, inviting them to explore rehabilitation techniques utilized in Europe for nearly 100 years, but only recognized in the US beginning in 2008. […]
Scoliosis: From Vicious to Virtuous Cycle- Part I
As mentioned in my previous blog, the vicious cycle concept has been researched and developed by Dr. Ian Stokes. Simply stated, it describes how environmental and physiological factors contribute to the progression of a curvature once that curve has passed a certain limit. About 25 degrees is the generally acknowledged tipping point. What are these […]
Keep Your Eyes On Those Growing Spines!
Early detection and treatment of abnormal spinal curves during growth can make a tremendous difference in the health of the mature spine. Keep an eye on your growing child’s spine, especially between the ages of 9 and 14 with this simple test: Adams Forward Bending Test: Have your child stand with their feet together and […]
Adolescent and Adult Scoliosis Advanced Treatment Certification
Susan Henning, Jean Masse, and Lisa Mangino have completed their advanced training in managing older adults with scoliosis. These therapists have already completed intensive training and certification (C1) in managing Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) using Schroth based Methods, from the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS). The high level (C2) Schroth based certification program qualifies […]
Susan Henning PT, PRC Invited to Join SOSORT
In 2014, our own Susan Henning PT, PRC was again honored for her dedication to the progression of non-surgical treatment of scoliosis. She was invited to become a member of SOSORT – The ‘International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment‘. She is one of only a handful of American Physical Therapists with this […]
When to start treatment for scoliosis?
It is generally agreed that scoliosis is diagnosed when a curve of 10 degrees Cobb angle or greater is identified. Curves under 20 – 25 degrees are considered chaotic – that is – whether or not the curve will progress cannot be accurately determined. Once a curve reaches 25 degrees Cobb angle, it is likely […]
Advance Physical Therapy Treatment Featured at International Scoliosis Society Meeting
Wow! This has been an exciting week for Advance Physical Therapy and for a spotlight on our approach to conservative spine and scoliosis management. Advance Physical Therapy’s co-owner Susan Henning PT, PRC is a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of scoliosis management, was invited to present her work on the powerful combination of Schroth […]
Cutting Edge is Old News for Conservative Treatment of Scoliosis
I have spent the last year intensively studying, practicing and developing treatment for scoliosis using Postural Restoration and Schroth based Methodologies. Scoliosis is diagnosed when a 10 degree curvature of the spine is present. Since few U.S. pediatricians or spine surgeons are aware of the rehabilitation potential for scoliosis commonly utilized in Europe, families are […]
Susan Henning PT, PRC to Present on Scoliosis at National Symposium
Our own Susan Henning PT, PRC has been doing groundbreaking work towards improving the lives of people with scoliosis. Susan combines the Postural Restoration approach and Schroth based principles of spinal correction. She has had dramatic clinical results and has been asked to share her unique approach with other experts and practitioners in the […]
Scoliosis and Schroth Method of exercises:
This is a patient testimonial offered by the parent of a current patient at Advance Physical Therapy: C is a (13 yr old female) who had a scoliosis upper curve of 51 degrees and lower one of 45 degrees in Jan 2013. Two top Ortho surgeons in Raleigh both recommended surgery ASAP. We felt that […]
A Patients Perspective on Managing Her Scoliosis
61 Year Old Female with Scoliosis I have been working with Susan Henning since the autumn of 2010. I am a 61 year old female whose scoliosis was diagnosed at the age of ten during a pediatric check up. I was most fortunate to avoid back surgery since my spinal growth stopped at about twelve […]
Another APT Therapist Certified in Schroth-Based Scoliosis Rehabilitation
The most recent class of physical therapists certified in Schroth-based scoliosis rehabilitation at Scoliosis Rehabilitation, Inc. with instructors Beth Orthwein, PT, and Beth Jannsen PT (front row). Our pediatric PT, Lisa Mangino, is in the second row on the left. As she returns to work after spending 9 days in Steven’s Point […]
Scoliosis in Adolescents Needs PT Treatment – Don’t Wait!
Last night I spoke with yet another concerned parent about their teenaged child. Like so many others, this child was diagnosed some years ago, as a preteen, with mild scoliosis. This mother sought out the best medical help she could find and was told by a doctor, “Just wait and see what happens – there […]