I have been seeing quite a few young people with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) —-an abnormal curvature of the spine. An X-Ray will reveal this curvature once your Physiotherapist or GP has noticed a curvature. It develops around the age of 11-18 and is measured using the Cobb Angle (fig.2) to assess the degree and then the progression of the curvature. Various methods and exercises are used by Physiotherapists to help reduce the Cobb Angle in AIS and more importantly to reduce the progression of the curvature.

Methods used include:
Spinal mobility exercises
Trunk strengthening exercises
Stretching of hamstrings or other tight muscles in the lower limbs
Movement re-education
Compound functional exercises such as squats, lunges
Advice on cardiovascular exercise and fitness
Clinical Pilates on a Reformer / Yoga
Encouraging a sport which the person enjoys and preferably uses both sides of the body

There is a lot of research surrounding the best way to manage patients with AIS, and at Optimal Health Physiotherapy a holistic approach is undertaken with patient-specific goals kept in mind throughout to decrease pain, improve function and enhance overall well-being. I always recommend referring a patient with AIS to an Orthopaedic Surgeon for professional monitoring as it is crucial to improve the patient’s health outcomes maximally whilst he or she is still growing. There is a short window of time where the opportunity to prevent further deterioration is available.