Today, I brought a very special guest to tell us more about physiotherapy for scoliosis. Dr. Maria Cláudia Monteiro is a physical therapist and one of the founders of the Brazilian Association for Scoliosis Treatment. She treats patients in the Bauru region (interior of São Paulo) and also through Telerehabilitation.
1- Dr. Maria Claudia, welcome, and thank you very much for being here with us. As a physical therapist focused on scoliosis treatment, how do you assess the psychological impact of patients undergoing physiotherapy? Does knowing that they are treating scoliosis help them emotionally?
I think initially, the impact is greater on the parents. After all, they are the ones who understand the problems their children will face in the future if conservative treatment is not successful. More mature adolescents and children of more aware parents approach Specific Scoliosis Physical Therapy with more responsibility and discipline. And both parents and patients feel more secure knowing they are in the hands of experts in the field.
2- How does physiotherapy help in the treatment of scoliosis? Please tell us more about it.
Nowadays, we need to pay more attention to evidence-based treatments. In the last 30 years, all patients diagnosed with spinal dysfunctions were referred to RPG. Twenty years ago, with the arrival of Pilates, we had another option. Both techniques have their merits, but very little (or almost nothing) has been published regarding their effectiveness in the conservative treatment of scoliosis. So, specific physical therapy exercises for scoliosis (Schroth, SEAS, and BSPTS methods) are a game-changer since they treat scoliosis in a three-dimensional manner.
3- In your experience, have you seen cases of curve reduction due to physiotherapy?
If you're referring to traditional physiotherapy methods like RPG, Pilates, and kinesiotherapy, there can be improvement in mild cases without the use of a brace. However, for moderate and severe cases, a good brace and Specific Physiotherapy are essential.
4- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is the most common, and we know it's a challenging age group. What to do when a child or adolescent doesn't cooperate with the exercises?
Empathy among those involved is crucial. The journey is long, and patience and perseverance are essential for good treatment adherence. Additionally, it's important for the physiotherapist to be creative to keep the sessions from becoming monotonous. Sometimes the help of a psychologist is needed.
5- At what age is it possible to begin scoliosis treatment with physiotherapy?
From the diagnosis. Newborns can also have scoliosis, so the sooner they are treated, the better the chances of good results.
6- How can the family help during the physiotherapy treatment phase?
Participating in the sessions, supervising home exercises, and encouraging their children to wear the brace and not give up. Sometimes, mothers may also need to be referred for psychotherapy. Parents have to be firm, and it's not easy at all!
7- In the case of scoliosis in adults, is there anything that can be done through physiotherapy?
Yes, but the goals are different: pain relief, improvement in function, and overall quality of life, mainly.
8- Yes, I am part of the group of physiotherapists from ABTE (Brazilian Association for Scoliosis Treatment). Please, tell us what your main mission is and what is the best way to access treatment with the group of physiotherapists from ABTE.
I am one of the founders and passionate about the cause. By accessing @tratando.escoliose, you can find a lot of serious and quality information. We want to raise awareness about early diagnosis and the best methods for conservative treatment. Above all, we want to support patients and their families on this long journey!
9- Would you like to leave a special message for the readers here on the blog?
Scoliosis is a spinal alteration that manifests during growth spurts and often goes unnoticed, meaning it doesn't come with pain or symptoms. It affects approximately 3-4% of the global population and can impact you or your child. So, stay vigilant and observe your posture, looking for any asymmetry. If you notice something unusual, seek out a specialist.
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