Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops a sideways curve and may also rotate. The curve can vary considerably from person to person.

Some people have scoliosis without experiencing any significant symptoms. Others may develop back pain, stiffness, muscle imbalance or changes in the way they move.

Scoliosis can develop during childhood or adolescence, but adults can also have scoliosis. Some adults have had a spinal curve for many years, while others may notice changes as they get older alongside age-related changes to the spine.

Scoliosis affects everyone differently. Some people may have no symptoms at all, while others may experience:

• Back or neck pain
• Stiffness
• Muscle tightness
• Muscle weakness or imbalance
• Reduced spinal or joint mobility
• Changes in posture
• One shoulder or hip appearing higher than the other
• Discomfort after sitting or standing for long periods
• Fatigue during certain activities
• Difficulty with particular movements or exercise

Importantly, the size or appearance of a spinal curve does not necessarily tell you how much pain someone will experience.

Yes. Although physiotherapy cannot simply straighten an established spinal curve, it can be useful for managing many of the physical problems associated with scoliosis.

Your physiotherapist can assess how your spine, muscles and joints are working together and identify factors that may be contributing to pain, stiffness or movement difficulties.

Treatment may include:

A tailored exercise programme can help improve strength, mobility and control around the spine, pelvis and hips.

Your programme will be based on your individual assessment rather than simply giving you a standard list of scoliosis exercises.

Weakness or imbalance around the trunk, hips and legs can sometimes affect how you move.

Specific strengthening exercises can help you build capacity and make everyday activities and exercise more comfortable.

Stiffness can contribute to discomfort and make certain movements more difficult.

Your physiotherapist can identify areas where mobility may be restricted and provide appropriate exercises to help you maintain movement.

If your scoliosis is associated with muscular or joint-related pain, physiotherapy can help you understand what may be aggravating your symptoms and develop strategies to manage them.

Having scoliosis doesn't mean you need to force yourself into a perfectly straight posture.

Instead, physiotherapy can help you understand how you move and how to vary your positions during everyday activities, work and exercise.

A diagnosis of scoliosis does not automatically mean that you need to stop exercising.

For many people, maintaining an appropriate level of physical activity is an important part of looking after their strength, mobility and general wellbeing.

Your physiotherapist can help you adapt activities where necessary and build your confidence to keep moving.

Your first appointment will begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and what you would like to achieve from physiotherapy.

Your physiotherapist may assess:

• Spinal and joint movement
• Muscle strength
• Flexibility
• Posture
• Balance and coordination
• Walking and movement patterns
• How your symptoms affect everyday activities
• Your current exercise and activity levels

This information helps your physiotherapist develop an individual treatment and exercise programme.

Scoliosis can sometimes occur alongside other causes of back pain, including age-related changes, muscle or joint problems.

This is why an individual assessment is important. Rather than assuming that every symptom is caused by the spinal curve, your physiotherapist can look at the wider picture and identify factors that may be contributing to your discomfort.

For many people, yes.

Having scoliosis does not automatically mean that running, walking, strength training, cycling, swimming or other forms of exercise are off limits.

The most appropriate activities will depend on your individual circumstances, symptoms and any other health conditions or injuries you may have.

A physiotherapist can help you understand how to exercise safely and progressively while taking your symptoms into account.

Consider seeking physiotherapy if scoliosis is affecting:

• Your everyday activities
• Exercise or sport
• Your mobility
• Your ability to sit or stand comfortably
• Your confidence with movement
• Your quality of life

If you have new, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, or symptoms such as significant weakness, numbness, changes in bladder or bowel function, fever or unexplained weight loss, you should seek appropriate medical assessment.

If you're looking for physiotherapy for scoliosis in Harrogate, Harrogate Physio Rehab provides individual adult physiotherapy tailored to your symptoms and goals.

We can help with pain management, mobility, strengthening, exercise and maintaining independence and activity.

Home visits are also available, where appropriate, for people who may find travelling to an appointment difficult or who would benefit from being assessed in their own environment.

If scoliosis is affecting the way you move or causing discomfort, you don't necessarily have to simply put up with it.

Contact Harrogate Physio Rehab to arrange an assessment and discuss how physiotherapy may be able to help.