Scoliosis Exercises
Designed to correct and improve the lateral and rotary curvature of our spine, scoliosis exercises can lead to increased stability of the back, stronger muscles, improved flexibility, and better muscle balance. Scoliosis exercises produce good results when performed regularly. However they are not considered as good treatment options for scoliosis.
While scoliosis exercises cannot prevent the progression and worsening of the curve, it can however minimize the decrease in the functional ability of the spine. Some exercises in fact are made to make muscles of the back, shoulders, and upper back flexible and strong. Most scoliosis exercises are supervised by physical therapists and can also be developed as routine home exercises.
These exercises are performed to improve the spine’s mobility. Weight-bearing exercises like gymnastics, walking, running, and soccer, among others, can significantly lessen risks of developing osteoporosis. Children as well as adolescents afflicted with scoliosis are recommended to be physically active, and participate in recreational and sports activities to help them strengthen their muscles and improve their cardiovascular conditions.
Exercise patterns for children and adults vary. Leg and arm extensions, triceps raise, back extension, standing raise, bent-over raise, one-arm row, and upright row are some exercises that can strengthen the back as well as improve posture. However for more serious cases of scoliosis, these exercises are not recommended as a treatment option.
On the other hand yoga exercises have been found useful in giving substantial relief form scoliosis. Yoga exercises restore the normal shape of the spine, and giving it increased function and mobility. Yoga exercises that have been found effective in dealing with scoliosis are crocodile twist, also supine knee chest twist, passive back arch, trunk and pelvic exercises, among others. These exercises are known to assist raising a patients’ lowered shoulder as well as alleviating constant back pain.