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- 667 55 20 73
- mjgosteo@hotmail.com
- Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
SPECIFIC TREATMENTS
IN ALTERATIONS OF THE SPINE
What is scoliosis? What is kyphosis?
Scoliosis is an alteration in the shape of the spine, a lateral deviation seen in the frontal plane. Kyphosis is an increase in the thoracic curvature that may be postural or may be caused by a growth disorder, juvenile kyphosis or Scheuermann’s kyphosis. Both processes are the most frequent alterations of the spine in adolescents. Both processes are briefly explained below.
When viewed from the side, the spine has natural curves, cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, which serve to better transmit the weight along the spine. They also have a function in relation to movement as well as a protective function. Seen from the front, the spine does not have to show any curvature. e function. Seen from the front, the spine does not have to show any curvature. When a curve appears at the front, it is called scoliosis. The most common type of scoliosis is idiopathic scoliosis (75-80% of cases), with an unknown cause. It develops during the growing years, being the most common adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Juvenile and infantile idiopathic scoliosis are less frequent and more aggressive. Idiopathic scoliosis is not only a change in the frontal plane, also affects the three dimensions of space, there is a lateral deviation, a change of the natural curves of the spine and a twisting configuration that is transmitted along the spine.
Juvenile kyphosis, or Scheuermann’s kyphosis, often goes misdiagnosed as a “bad posture” of the adolescent. It is characterised clinically by an increase in thoracic kyphosis and radiologically by an increase in thoracic kyphosis above 40° Cobb, wedging in three consecutive vertebrae of more than 5° and irregularity of the vertebral plates. As well as idiopathic scoliosis, has an unknown cause, both processes are alterations of shape during growth and progress frequently during the pubertal spur.
Juvenile kyphosis is more common in boys than in girls, just as scoliosis is more common in girls than in boys. However, both processes can occur in the adolescent either boy or girl.
How do we approach it?
We offer conservative treatment for Idiopathic Scoliosis and Scheurermann’s kyphosis, in which the first step is to make a good clinical and radiological assessment in order to propose the treatment strategy that best suits the needs of the person and their family. This may consist of assessment, carried out by María José Gil, or Antonia Frontera, treatment consisting of corrective gymnastics, according to the Rigo concept-BSPTS method (Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School by Rigo) programme of exercises focusing on the importance of the three-dimensional correction of the curve.
disease) and we embrace the integral model of care for the adolescent or adult with a biopsychosocial orientation, in which we focus not only on the spine, but on the person who has developed this alteration of the spine.
Specific Physiotherapy for
Idiopathic Scoliosis and Juvenile Kyphosis
We seek to achieve a straightening of the trunk, activating weakened muscles and elongating shortened muscles, thus producing a three-dimensional correction of the curve, improving posture, both static and dynamic, to stabilise it and integrate it so that can be maintained during daily activities. The correction of kyphosis is simpler as it occurs in two planes and the straightening work usually has to be symmetrical. The aim is for each child to understand their own process and their own correction in order to apply it in the group, in exercises at home and to integrate it into daily life activities,
starting with body awareness work, so that each child can understand their own curve and thus understand their own correction routine. We work with mirrors for self-image recognition, with different types of materials and accessories. The aim is to help to recognise and improve the correction, with both manual and verbal stimuli from the physiotherapist.
In parallel to the exercise routine, we use manual therapy to help feel, integrate and relax the musculature, with the aim of making correction as easy and efficient as possible.
Physiotherapy specialising in other postural alterations
There is another type of scoliosis and also of kyphosis which is not structured (although with the passage of time it may become structured) and we call it “scoliotic attitude” or in the case of kyphosis, “postural round back”in this case, we study what the origin may be (pure postural, antalgic, inflammatory, etc.) and we act accordingly.
Based on the origin, severity of the curve, and the patient’s needs, we will plan a treatment plan that will combine manual therapy to increase body awareness and relax tense structures, with specific exercises to activate the muscles that stabilise posture.
