Dr. Tamryn’s “Why”

I had been a physical therapist for over 20 years when I discovered my beloved scoliosis 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 as a clinical matter. Even now, only the clinicians that have been specially trained by one of the schools identified by SOSORT 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 large percent of the population that needs this kind of care. There is a disconnect between the knowledge and services people need 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 adolescent and adult scoliosis. The proper information just isn’t getting out there! And, 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 develop scoliosis. Considering the potential trunk deviations, effects on body image and self-esteem, pain/discomfort in later years, risk of curve progression, and overall quality of life it is vitally important that people have a decent understanding about scoliosis and its appropriate management.

While there are a few enlightened physicians that understand and share the new information about treating scoliosis with exercise, it is not the norm. The medical schools have not caught up with the SOSORT 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 considered “mild” (10 – 25 degrees) and the physicians traditionally simply monitor the curve every so often with x-rays as they “wait and see” if the curve progresses. This is the exactly the time when parents Once the curve reaches 25-30 degrees, they will put the middle to high school student in a rigid brace, again, 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 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 are well-researched, successful alternatives for the management of scoliosis. Caring, proactive parents of adolescents 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, decrease the need for bracing when begun early, and decrease the risk of surgery. The observation phase is a terrific time to do these exercises but adolescents also greatly benefit from them during the bracing phase. Often for adults, the exercises and postural education can greatly improve their scoliosis experience. 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 INFORM AND EMPOWER PEOPLE. I’m on a mission to tell the world that there are well-researched, non-surgical, successful treatments for scoliosis using specialized techniques.

Ready to be informed!?

Ask a question or request Dr. Tamryn’s “Scoliosis: Precautions & Why” for your scoliosis journey.