Your spine has a natural S-shaped curve that allows your body to balance, lift and stand with ease. Scoliosis occurs when your spine curves unnaturally. There are numerous types and definitions for scoliosis.
Structural scoliosis refers to the way the body is constructed.
Congenital scoliosis is present at birth. It is caused by irregular spinal or rib development in the womb.
Neuromuscular scoliosis is the result of muscular problems around the spine. It may be caused by diseases such as polio, muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy, as well as from muscular weakness or paralysis.
Functional scoliosis (or secondary scoliosis) occurs when the spine is formed normally, yet appears curved.Functional scoliosis may be identified when the spine straightens with bending or rotating movements. Injury, body compensation patterns, poor posture, uneven leg length, inflammation, tight or spasming muscles may be causes of this type of scoliosis. Symptoms can worsen with time and become ingrained in the body’s structure, making it more difficult to treat.
Depending on the severity of scoliosis, the condition can result in pain, arthritis, fatigue and difficulty breathing.
Traditional medical treatment may include exercises, the use of braces and surgery.
Deep tissue work, Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) and assisted stretching techniques to hypertonic muscles enhance local circulation and can bring relief from the muscular pain and related adhesions associated with scoliosis. By elongating these tightened areas, the causal pull on the spine can relax.
In deep tissue massage, a combination of strokes, sustained pressure, positioning and stretches help balance the muscles of the back and body to relieve or even eliminate functional scoliosis. Increased body awareness will allow change in the movement habits that contribute to functional scoliosis.
NMT can benefit those with structural and functional scoliosis. It helps relieve pain caused by scoliosis. It relaxes the muscles of the back and body and helps improve flexibility, relieves pain, improves sleep and increase the ability to conduct daily activities for people with scoliosis.