Patient Education

4 Easy and Effective Exercises for Scoliosis Relief In Adults

August 7, 2023 Focus Physical Therapy

Are you sick and tired of on-and-off pain from scoliosis?

Were you once able to push through the pain and continue playing with your grandkids or perform your duties at work but it’s now got to a point where the pain is too much?

At Focus Physical Therapy we can appreciate why it’s often easier to ignore your pain in order to keep up with your daily activities and not feel like a burden on your family.

However, by never addressing your scoliosis and the pain that comes with it you’re burdening yourself with a heavy load that can be treated and offer life-changing results.

Our expert team has helped thousands of patients who felt their pain could never be treated, find comfort and a new lease on life that they had lost in their 20s & 30s due to scoliosis.

If you find your scoliosis gets worse as the day goes on and often look for a chair after standing for long periods, you can discover these four proven exercises for scoliosis relief in adults. These exercises are just one of the reasons so many people come back to our clinic for advice and treatment regarding their scoliosis.

Types of Scoliosis

Firstly, before you treat your scoliosis, it is important to understand the different types of scoliosis. Adults may develop three types of scoliosis, including degenerative scoliosis, idiopathic scoliosis, and secondary scoliosis.

Degenerative Scoliosis

This is the most common type, where the spine’s curvature worsens over time due to spinal degeneration.

Idiopathic Scoliosis

This affects adults who had scoliosis in childhood, and the curvature increased after reaching maturity.

Secondary Scoliosis

This can develop due to an underlying medical condition or injury to the spine.

Exercises for Scoliosis

The following exercises can help alleviate your pain, improve your posture, and strengthen your back muscles affected by scoliosis, so you no longer have to miss out on playing with the grandkids and perform your best at work.

1. Thoracic Extension Exercise:

Sit on the floor with knees bent and feet flat.

Place your hands behind your head, elbows pointing outward.

Inhale and lift your chest, arching your back.

Hold for 5-10 seconds, exhale and relax.

2. Side Plank:

Lie on your side, elbow beneath your shoulder, feet stacked on top of each other.

Lift your hip so that your body forms a straight line.

Hold for 20-30 seconds, switch sides.

3. Leg Raises:

Lie on your stomach with your hands beneath your forehead.

Slowly lift your leg towards the ceiling, keeping it straight.

Hold for 10-15 seconds, switch sides.

4. Cobra Pose:

Lie on your stomach with palms on the floor near shoulder level.

Inhale and lift your upper body, stretching your spine.

Hold for 10-15 seconds, exhale, and relax.

Scoliosis Treatments for Adults

We know your scoliosis can cause significant pain and limit your ability to perform everyday activities. However, with the right exercises and treatments, you can manage scoliosis and get back to performing your best at work and at home. Try incorporating the above exercises into your routine, and consult with a professional to explore additional treatment options.

Exercise is one way to manage pain and improve function, but it may not be enough. Adults with scoliosis may require additional treatment.

If you’ve already tried massage therapy or chiropractic treatment, you may be hesitant about trying yet another treatment. That’s why at Focus Physical Therapy, we start with a thorough evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for you.

Physical therapy has a track record for being a fast and effective treatment for scoliosis, often surprising patients and offering relief in a staggeringly short period of time.

It’s time to take back control over your pain and stop putting up with unnecessary discomfort. Reduce your pain and improve your posture today.

Dealing with this yourself and not seeing progress? A cause-first evaluation is the fastest way to find out what’s actually going on.

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