Scoliosis - promoting movement, finding posture

What physiotherapy and occupational therapy can do for spinal curvature

Scoliosis - a lateral curvature and twisting of the spine - does not only affect children and adolescents. It can also cause complaints such as back pain, muscular imbalances or breathing problems in adulthood. The good news is that in many cases, scoliosis can be effectively treated with targeted exercise therapy, functional strengthening and occupational therapy that is close to everyday life - without the need for a corset or surgery.

What is scoliosis?

In scoliosis, the spine is not only bent sideways, but also twisted in three dimensions - often accompanied by muscular imbalances. A distinction is made:

• Idiopathic scoliosis (usually in adolescence, cause unknown)

• Degenerative scoliosis (in adults, e.g. due to disc wear, muscular weakness)

• Neuromuscular or secondary scoliosis (e.g. in the case of neurological diseases)

Typical symptoms:

• Visible asymmetries (shoulder height, rib hump, pelvic position)

• Muscular tension and back pain

• Movement restrictions

• in the case of severe courses: Respiratory or organ problems

Important: Not every scoliosis causes symptoms - it is the functional impairment that is decisive, not just the findings.

Why targeted exercise is so effective

In the past, scoliosis was often treated with corset therapy or surgery. Today, it is clear that active, individually tailored exercise therapy can improve posture, reduce pain and maintain function - for children and adults alike.

Aim of conservative therapy:

• Improve muscular balance and postural control

• Maintain functional mobility

• Reduce pain through targeted relief and regulation

• Develop self-effective strategies for everyday life and work

Physiotherapy - actively balancing posture

In physiotherapy, the focus is not just on curvature, but on the entire organization of movement. It's about perception, strengthening, mobility - and a new relationship with your own body.

Therapeutic focus:

• Active corrective exercises according to Schroth, Spiral Dynamics or Functional Therapy

• Mobilization of unilaterally blocked sections (e.g. ribs, thoracic spine)

• Strengthening the weakened side - Stretching the shortened side

• Respiratory therapy to support thoracic mobility

• Medical yoga for perception, regulation and integration

Guiding principle: Posture is not "corrected" - it is experienced, understood and consciously moved.

Occupational therapy - making everyday life functional

Scoliosis also often has an impact on everyday life - be it through poor posture at work, one-sided strain at home or fear of movement. This is where occupational therapy comes in:

Occupational therapy approaches:

• Adaptation of activities in everyday life, household and work

• Training asymmetry-balancing movement patterns

• Pacing and load dosing for pain or exhaustion

• Individual workplace advice and posture support

• Promotion of self-care, body awareness and motivation to move

Goal: To manage everyday stresses and strains functionally - with less pain and more control.

Biopsychosocial approach - attitude begins with experience

At Hockenholz, we view scoliosis not only as a structural change, but as an expression of a dynamic body organization that is closely linked to perception, the nervous system and life history.

That’s why we integrate:

• Pain and posture education - posture can be learned, not fated

• Vegetative regulation through breathing, touch and mindfulness

• Resource-oriented movement therapy for more stability inside and out

• Interdisciplinary collaboration with orthopaedists, doctorsand psychotherapists

Conclusion: scoliosis needs movement - not perfection

Scoliosis is not a reason to panic - it is a reason to get to know your own body anew. With a holistic, individually tailored therapy plan consisting of physiotherapy and occupational therapy, posture can be improved, pain can be alleviated and movement can be experienced as a source of strength again.

Are you a therapist and want to deepen your knowledge of functional posture therapy and body awareness?
👉 Discover our training courses for pain physiology, medical yoga and sensorimotor training at:
www.hockenholz.com/weiterbildungen

Are you affected yourself?
We support you - professionally, empathetically and individually. In Berlin or via online counseling.