Scoliosis & Schroth Method in Hong Kong

‘Scoliosis’ is the term used to describe a sideways curvature of the spine, most commonly into a ‘C’ or ‘S’ shape. It can occur at any age and may be related to an underlying condition (for e.g. congenital or neuromuscular), but most often (around 80% of the time) it is “idiopathic”, meaning that there is no identifiable condition or cause for the curvature.

The most common type of scoliosis, affecting around 5% of the population, is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It occurs after the age of 10 and is seen more commonly in girls. Recent research has identified a gene associated with a susceptibility to develop scoliosis. So, a child with a family history of scoliosis should be checked regularly by a health professional. This is particularly important between the ages of 9 and 14 when growth is most rapid, but it should be monitored for as long as adolescents grow: girls generally continue to grow for two years after commencing menstruation whilst boys can continue until they are 18.

Scoliosis does not normally exhibit any symptoms. It is often diagnosed when someone notices slight asymmetries in the child’s posture: unevenness in shoulder height, asymmetrical waist creases or rib prominences.

Because of the risk that it may progress rapidly as the child grows! Excessive curves, besides the aesthetic appearance, can cause additional issues such as joint stiffness, muscle weakness and tightness which may in turn lead to pain and restriction of movement in activities of daily living.

Our Physiotherapy sessions are typically 60 minutes in duration. For your initial assessment, please bring along your Doctors referral and any relevant investigation reports such as Xray or MRI for your Physiotherapist to review. Depending on your condition, the Physiotherapist may ask you to disrobe in order to access the areas which need assessment.  We also provide shorts, T-shirts and socks for you to use. Your Physiotherapist will assess your condition, make a musculoskeletal diagnosis and explain what treatment methods are best for your condition as well as the expected recovery process.

Our initial goal is to address and then treat your area of concern using evidence-based treatment techniques.  Every client is treated as an individual and your frequency of treatment will depend on many factors. Always feel free to ask your treating therapist what is the best treatment schedule for your condition.

The number of treatment sessions needed is dependent on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Everyone is different but generally acute conditions should feel significantly better after 3 weeks and your treatment sessions should decrease in frequency after that time. It is very important to discuss with your treating therapist your response to treatment so that they can modify the frequency of your treatments accordingly.

A simple test called the Adam’s forward bend test is used to screen for scoliosis. If scoliosis is present, asymmetry is seen when observing the child from behind. A spinal x-ray will confirm the scoliosis and provide a measurement in degrees of the severity of the curvature. If monitoring is required, x-rays will be regularly taken and compared, normally at intervals of four to six months. The likelihood of a curve progressing is related to age, growth rate and skeletal maturity.

Management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis depends on the severity and location of the curve, age and growth potential. Mild curves are monitored, whilst more severe curves may require bracing. Bracing cannot completely reverse curves, but assists in minimizing curve progression. In severe cases, surgery may be required to straighten the spine.

Management of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis depends on the severity and location of the curve, age and growth potential. Mild curves are monitored, whilst more severe curves may require bracing. Bracing cannot completely reverse curves, but assists in minimizing curve progression. In severe cases, surgery may be required to straighten the spine.