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physical therapy in adolescent scoliosis
Is physical therapy helpful in reducing the curves of an adolescent scoliosis?
My 14-year-old granddaughter has been diagnosed with a scoliosis. She has had physicals every year, but it was not observed until this year. We live in rural TN, but there is a med school here. Doctors in both Knoxville and here have said that there is nothing that can be done.
Since I have a scoliosis that required the fusion of 10 vertebrae to repair it with rods and bone, I am concerned because during my adolescence I wore a brace, did daily PT, and used traction to reduce the angles of my S-shaped scoliosis until I was 18. Both doctors said there was nothing to be done at this time for my granddaughter; one even said that her growth plates were already matured at the age of 14.
My daughter is, I guess, reluctant when it comes to advocating for decent healthcare for her children. I know I am not the mother here, but I am willing to advocate for her because I do not want her to go through what I have experienced. I have already suggested a Mayo Clinic evaluation, but my daughter is content to accept both of the opinions that have already been given and drop the issue.
Any input?
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Physical therapy is helpful if the therapist is good understands scoliosis.
Your grandaughter's growth plates are fixed, so she could have surgery if her curve is greater than 45 degrees.
There are other minor changes that can reduce the advancement of scoliosis. https://treatingscoliosis.com/scoliosis-dos-anddonts/#:~:text=Repeated%20extension%20of%20your%20thoracic,often%20causes%20rapid%20scoliosis%20progression.
I (may) have adult onset scoliosis, but have been told by an orthopedist that the one thing preventing the scoliosis from advancing is my fondness for chiropractics.
I admire your wading into a treacherous situation with your daughter. You are a very good grandmother. And you have an experience that you don't want your grandaughter to have.
I hope your daughter will heed your suggestions because you have very little power here. Scoliosis is broadly misunderstood, though the two opinions may be accurate.
You might explore with your daughter the struggles (tortures really) you've had with scoliosis so she is awed by the power of your motivation.
She might let you buy your grandaughter a new mattress.
There is a bracing system, even for adults, called Clear Scoliosis. There is also the schroth method a physical therapy technique that is usually too expensive.
I love your involvement as much as your daughter probably doesn't.
wishing you luck
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2 ReactionsThank you so much for your share!
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2 Reactions@lscarb85 I wanted to welcome you to Connect. There is a lot to learn here from other patients and just having your concerns heard by someone who understands helps a lot. Welcome!
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2 ReactionsScoliosis in childhood is different than advanced age scoliosis. What degree is her curve?
The lower curve is 30 degrees to the left and then it takes an abrupt change to the right at 40 degrees with a vertebra displaced posteriorly. That vertebra makes a bump in the middle of her thoracic cage.