Exercise and stretching are vital components of scoliosis correction. With scoliosis, the muscles on one side of the body become very tight. So physical therapists initiate stretching exercises to decrease rigidity. The more rigid the spine is, the more difficult it would be to achieve a curvature reduction. Whereas a more flexible spine is easy and increases the response time to treatment.
Although stretching isn’t a cure, it can help minimize muscle and joint pain related to scoliosis. Nevertheless, it is essential to talk to your doctor about adding specific exercises and stretching to your health care plan. The correct exercise techniques should depend on the location of the scoliosis curve. For instance, those with lumbar scoliosis need to focus on the lower back. Apart from Schroth therapy, therapists may also recommend the following:
Arm & Leg Raise. This routine is ideal for strengthening the lower back and core muscles, which gives the spine the bulk of its support. Start by lying down with your stomach, your legs straight, and your chin facing the ground. Extend your arms out over your head and keep your palms positioned flat on the floor. Raise one arm off of the ground and hold for two full breaths before lowering the arm back down. Repeat for each limb or lift an opposite arm and leg at the same time.
Pelvic Tilts. This simple technique helps strengthen your abdominal muscles. Lie on your back and bend your knees, so both feet are flat on the surface. Relying on your core muscles pushes your pelvis toward the ceiling and holds you for 5 to 20 seconds while breathing normally. Then, release and return to your original position, flattening your back toward the floor. Try to do this 10 times with the help of your functional rehabilitation therapist.
Cat-Camel Stretch. Gentler than most activities, cat-camel stretch can strengthen the muscles and tendons that support the spine. Begin by getting onto your hands and knees. Your knees should be spaced hip-width apart and your hands directly beneath the shoulders. Tighten your core and arch your spine upward toward the ceiling. Hold this position for about 10 seconds and release. Repeat the entire sequence at least three more times.
Latissimus Dorsi Stretch. The latissimus dorsi is the largest muscle that stretches across the back. It is responsible for keeping you upright, so it often gets sore from overuse. To do an overhead stretch:
- Stand straight up with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Point one arm straight up towards the ceiling and extend like you’re trying to touch it.
- Bend your hips to the opposite side of the arm you’re extending and hold for about 30 seconds.
- Repeat the process for the other side.
When exploring scoliosis treatment for adults, it should be learned under a healthcare specialist’s supervision, especially if there is pain. This ensures that you won’t be harming your skeletal system. Scoliosis-specific stretches can be a very powerful tool in increasing the spine’s flexibility. For additional information about spinal therapy, please visit NorAlign or call +971 4 340 0017.