Are you someone with scoliosis? Are you wondering what the best scoliosis management plan is for you? Sometimes the information about scoliosis you hear from others or see online can be overwhelming and often confused with misconceptions. In this blog we’re here to help you understand what scoliosis is and which treatment options may be suited to you.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition of the spine characterised by lateral (sideways) curvature and rotation greater than 10 degrees, often forming an “S” or “C” shape. It can develop at any stage of life. While some cases are mild and symptom-free, others may cause asymmetries and postural changes, pain, reduced mobility, and restricted function.

Key Factors for Scoliosis Treatment

Treatment for scoliosis is always specific to the individual, as every curve is unique. Finding the right treatment option is often based on the following key factors:

• Degree (severity) of spinal curve:

Smaller degrees of scoliosis may be corrected by scoliosis-specific exercises and bracing. However, larger degrees of scoliosis often require more invasive treatments such as surgery for effective management. Larger scoliosis curves also typically progress (worsen) at a faster rate compared to small curves, however it is important to remember that small degrees of scoliosis can still progress.

• Age

Age can help determine the skeletal maturity of the individual’s spine. Scoliosis in adolescents has a strong likelihood of progression as the bones have not yet reached full maturity and are still growing. Scoliosis treatment also often differs between an adult and a child or adolescent due to factors such as presence of comorbidities, patient goals (e.g. work vs. school).

• Your individual goals and lifestyle

Effective treatment is always specific and individualised, and therefore takes into account your personal goals and lifestyle. Scoliosis treatment for someone who wishes to improve posture may look vastly different to someone who is focused on pain management.

Scoliosis Treatment Options

1. Physiotherapy & Exercise

In mild cases of scoliosis (less than 20°), physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises can be effective in correcting scoliosis curvature. These are exercises tailored to each individual for spinal correction and they must be prescribed by a trained physiotherapist or health professional.

Physiotherapy can also be useful in managing other symptoms resulting from scoliosis, such as pain, reduced strength & function, and limited mobility. This may include education on the condition and strategies for self-management, manual therapy techniques to alleviate symptoms and improve mobility, or exercise prescription to increase strength.

2. Bracing

Bracing is an effective non-surgical treatment commonly recommended for adolescents with moderate scoliosis curves (20-45°) who are still growing. The primary aim of bracing is to correct the scoliosis curve, or at least prevent the curve from worsening. Scoliosis braces are custom-fitted braces that are typically worn for 20-21 hours per day until the desired spinal correction or skeletal maturity is reached.

Braces may also be recommended for adults. In these cases, bracing will not help in scoliosis correction due to the completion of spinal growth, however it may be used to stabilise the curve and alleviate symptoms.

3. Surgery

Surgery for scoliosis is typically considered for individuals with severe spinal curves exceeding 45°, when non-surgical treatments have not been effective, or in cases where lung function is at risk. The most common procedure is spinal fusion, which involves permanently joining two or more vertebrae and stabilising the spine with metal rods and screws. Following surgery, a structured rehabilitation program with physiotherapy is essential to support recovery and restore overall function.

Ultimately, scoliosis management is different for everyone due to the uniqueness of each curvature and is most effective when guided by a health professional. If you have any questions about scoliosis or suspect you may have a spinal curvature, don’t hesitate to book a comprehensive consultation with our expert physiotherapists at UniquePhysio Bankstown. We’re here to support you and help develop a scoliosis management plan based on your individual health needs.