There are two main forms of scoliosis – Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and Adult Degenerative Scoliosis:
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) develops during adolescence and progresses during the adolescent growth spurt. This is the crucial period for appropriate management of a developing scoliosis.
Any asymmetry of the trunk in a child or adolescent (uneven hips or waist, asymmetry of shoulder blades or shoulder height, presence of a rib hump) should be assessed by a physiotherapist trained in scoliosis management.
The severity of a scoliosis is measured from a whole spine xray. The magnitude of the sideways curve of the spine, together with assessment of future growth guides management of the adolescent with scoliosis.
The only proven clinically effective non-surgical management of a significant curve or one that has demonstrated progression is custom-made rigid bracing coupled with scoliosis-specific exercises.
Antill Physiotherapy is the only service in Tasmania providing both these management options.
Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
Adult Degenerative Scoliosis is a 3 dimensional deformity of the spine in adulthood associated with degeneration of the vertebral bodies of the spine. It is a strong driver of spinal pain. Similar to AIS, the two conservative management options of adult degenerative scoliosis are scoliosis-specific exercises and custom-made rigid bracing to support the spine.
Hyperkyphosis
Hyperkyphosis is an excessively rounded thoracic spine that, similar to scoliosis, may develop in adolescence or in adulthood and is strongly associated with spinal deformity and pain. As with scoliosis, the two conservative treatment options are hyperkyphosis-specific exercises and custom-made rigid bracing.
Antill Physiotherapy is the only service in the state that offers both scoliosis-specific exercise management and custom-made rigid bracing for the management of AIS, adult degenerative scoliosis and hyperkyphosis.
