If you’re suffering from back pain due to scoliosis in Upper Manhattan, relief is here!
Discover how our comprehensive approach at Park North Physical Therapy can provide significant relief and improve quality of life for scoliosis patients in Harlem and Morningside Heights.
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a condition characterized by an abnormal curvature of the spine, which can lead to significant physical imbalance, pain and discomfort. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, from children to adults. At Park North Physical Therapy, we understand the complexities of scoliosis and the profound impact it can have on daily life.
Our team of physical therapists in Upper Manhattan specialize in exercise-based therapy tailored to the unique needs of scoliosis patients. By utilizing advanced techniques and personalized treatment plans, we aim to alleviate pain, improve posture and enhance overall spinal stability.
Understanding Your Scoliosis Diagnosis
The human spine and vertebrae normally form a straight line from the neck to the pelvis. For people with scoliosis, abnormal curves appear throughout the spine, which impact the positioning of the spinal column and the strength of muscles and ligaments surrounding it.
Doctors often diagnose patients with the following forms of scoliosis:
- Congenital scoliosis: Babies are born with congenital scoliosis due to abnormal spine formation in the womb.
- Idiopathic scoliosis: When the condition occurs with no known cause, it's known as idiopathic scoliosis. This form affects the majority of scoliosis patients.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: Spinal injuries or conditions like cerebral palsy and spina bifida contribute to neuromuscular scoliosis.
- Degenerative scoliosis: Aging adults can suffer from degenerative scoliosis when the spine begins to curve.
Physical therapy can help scoliosis patients regardless of their condition and greatly reduce pain and other symptoms.
Common Scoliosis Symptoms
Most scoliosis patients experience the same set of symptoms. Their appearance suffers since the extreme spinal curvature leads to uneven shoulders.
Physical imbalance may also appear in the waist and hips, depending on the severity of the spinal curves. Other symptoms include breathing compression, stiffness in the back, and pain, particularly in the lower back.
How Physical Therapists in Upper Manhattan Treat Scoliosis
How can physical therapy help scoliosis? Although scoliosis is a chronic condition, exercise-based physical therapy addresses some of the symptoms to make the condition more manageable. Doctors often recommend conservative treatment plans like scoliosis bracing and physical therapy, though surgery can also correct significant spinal deformities.
Our team at Park North Physical Therapy guides patients through a series of movements that improve their posture and stabilize the spine. A technique called the Schroth Method proves effective for scoliosis patients when the condition impacts their rib cage. Professionals have patients breathe while performing isometric movements to alter the shape of the rib cage and slow the progression of their spinal curvature.
In addition, our physical therapists work with patients on a regular basis in the clinic using Pilates equipment and techniques to strengthen their core to support the spine. They also teach them ways to improve their scoliosis symptoms at home. Those who continue to work on their exercises at home will enjoy relief much faster.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Scoliosis
Not only can physical therapy help scoliosis symptoms, but it also offers a safe and non-invasive treatment plan for patients. Young children and aging adults with scoliosis might not want to endure a spinal surgery that has a long recovery when they could use a special brace and work with a physical therapist to align their spines.
Going through the exercises might be a struggle at first, but physical therapy does not worsen scoliosis. In fact, prolonged treatment can build up strength along the spinal column to make patients more flexible and less stiff.
Schedule Physical Therapy for Scoliosis in Upper Manhattan
How can physical therapy help scoliosis symptoms? Which exercises increase a joint's range of motion? The experts at Park North Physical Therapy can answer these questions and more during your consultation.
Conveniently located in Harlem and Morningside Heights in New York City, Park North Physical Therapy offers personalized physical therapy services. Our trained physical therapists guide patients through a variety of gentle exercises that target weak muscles and improve strength and mobility.
With years of experience centered around physical rehabilitation and pain relief, Park North Physical Therapy is the premier choice for locals who have scoliosis or other conditions.
Call us at 212-222-6525 to schedule a consultation or book your appointment online here.
