I had been a physical therapist for over 20 years when I discovered my beloved specialty. In all that time as an outpatient orthopedics and sports medicine physical therapist, I was pretty unaware of the specialized training needed for the treatment of scoliosis, kyphosis, and significant postural challenges as a clinical matter. Even now, only the physical therapists that have been specially trained have the knowledge needed to treat scoliosis. The number of physical therapists in the U.S. that have had the training is dreadfully small compared to the 3-5% of the population that need this kind of care. There is a disconnect between what people need (knowledge and services) and what is available.
During my scoliosis training I learned that despite solid research and the findings of SOSORT (the international body overseeing the conservative treatment of scoliosis), people are terribly uninformed about scoliosis and kyphosis in adolescents and adults. The proper information just isn’t getting out there! Unfortunately, a lot of misinformation IS getting out there. This is especially detrimental to girls and women who are far more likely than males to scoliosis. Kyphosis is more equally distributed amongst male and female but increases over time to 20-40% of those over the age of 60. Considering the potential trunk deformities, decrease in lung capacity, effects on body image and self-esteem, and pain/discomfort in later years, it is vitally important that people have a decent understanding about scoliosis/kyphosis and their appropriate treatment.
While there are a few enlightened physicians that understand and share the new information about treating scoliosis and kyphosis with exercise, it is not the norm. The medical schools have not caught up with the research. For adolescents, this leaves the majority of physicians doing little in the way of education and instead recommending a progression of observation, bracing, and surgery. The observation period is when the curve is small (10 – 25 degrees). Traditionally, the physicians don’t do anything except take x-rays every so often to monitor for progression of the curve. Once the curve reaches 25-30 degrees, they will put the middle to high school student in a rigid brace with no physical therapy. The brace will be worn 18-22 hours per day (if done correctly) for several years. However if the curve progresses with or without a brace to 50 degrees, they will recommend the teenager have her/his spine fused with rods and screws.
For adults, there is a similar story of misinformation and lack of information. Most people do not know that scoliosis and kyphosis can progress during adulthood especially with larger curves, pregnancy, and the aging process. There are protective things one can do to prevent progression or, once progressed, there are things that can be done to improve the situation. It is crucial that people receive this essential information!
What I need people to know, is that there is a well-researched, successful alternative. Caring, proactive parents and adults who are watching their posture change over time deserve to be given the information about physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) so that they can make their own decision about their lives. For adolescents, PSSEs can help keep the curve from progressing, avoid bracing, and decrease the risk of surgery. The observation phase is a terrific time to do these exercises but adolescents also greatly beneficial during the bracing phase. Often for adults, the exercises and postural education can greatly improve the appearance and discomfort they are experiencing. Once adults truly understand their particular scoliosis, it makes a huge difference for them. People need to have the information in order to make decisions for themselves and their families.
So, that’s what I want to do. I want to TELL AND EMPOWER PEOPLE. I’m on a mission to tell the world that there IS a well-researched, non-surgical, successful treatment for scoliosis and kyphosis using specialized techniques. I trust people with information. I trust them to make decisions. I’m starting with one person at a time but I hope to get better at this and spread this information to more and more people. Admittedly, its not fully clear to me yet just how one little ‘ole me is going to communicate so widely but, trust me, I’m going to keep at this until I do. If you feel the urge to help, become a ReSolve Ambassador and I’ll help you help me in this crusade to get the word out.