January 11, 2023

Scoliosis is a more common condition than you think, affecting up to 3{137aa25a4781ca5f540979e28781665e476534549c3e309c9d7ae77466626c90} of the population. At its mildest, it can be uncomfortable or mildly painful, but at its worst, it can severely affect the quality of your life. That’s why it’s a good idea to take steps towards recovery and coping treatments if you’ve been diagnosed with scoliosis. Osteopaths and physiotherapists are known for being able to help those with scoliosis in Singapore manage their symptoms and even improve them. Here’s what you need to know about scoliosis and how to treat it.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition in which the patient’s spine is abnormally curved to the sides. It has several different causes; some are born with scoliosis, some people’s spines begin to curve later in life due to a neurological or muscular problem, and other cases happen for seemingly no reason. At its worst, it can affect your breathing, sitting, bending, or walking. Many people with scoliosis in Singapore choose to go to a physiotherapist or osteopath for treatment.

While there’s a bit of overlap between the two professions when treating scoliosis, they both still have different treatment options. Here are a few treatment options for scoliosis that a physiotherapist or osteopath in Singapore can provide.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Those With Scoliosis?

1. The Schroth Method

The Schroth Method is a physiotherapy treatment option in Singapore which includes exercises that can gradually coax a patient’s spine into a more natural position. It helps the patient become more aware of their posture and elongates and stabilises the spine. Standard techniques used during this method include:

Using mental imagery.
Performing exercises that strengthen core muscles.
Viewing movements and corrections in the mirror.
Practising awareness of one’s posture outside therapy sessions.

2. Bracing

If you have a curve of more than 25 degrees but less than 40 degrees, you can get a brace for your scoliosis from a physiotherapy expert in Singapore. A brace can only prevent the curve in your spine from worsening – it can’t correct the current position of your spine, which is why bracing is the best option for children and teenagers.

How Can Osteopathy Help Those With Scoliosis?

3. Physical and Manual Manipulation

An osteopath in Singapore can use physical and manual manipulation to help reduce the effects of scoliosis and help with any pain associated with the condition. Physical manipulation may include gently mobilising the spine or anything attached to it. Meanwhile, manual manipulation may consist of massage therapy methods.

4. Prescribing Exercises

Your osteopath in Singapore will likely encourage you to take your treatment home by doing exercises that can relieve or reduce symptoms of scoliosis. Some exercises include the pelvic tilt, standing hamstring stretch, partial curl, and prone hip extension.

Do you need scoliosis treatment or postnatal care in Singapore? Orchard Health Clinic has a team of highly experienced osteopaths, physiotherapists, and chiropractors to help you take steps towards natural and holistic pain management and recovery. Browse their testimonials or read their FAQ page by visiting Orchard Health Clinic’s website today.

#1 Avoid Constantly Removing Your Brace

Whether you underwent surgery for your knee to repair the meniscus tear or not, you will most likely be wearing a bandage and a brace. My doctor constantly reminds me that the compression bandage and knee brace are critical for keeping the knee stable. Only remove the compression bandages when you need to. If you underwent surgery, consult your orthopedic doctor at the clinic in Singapore before removing the brace and bandage.

#2 Use Crutches

Expect to use crutches for walking assistance for approximately one month, whether you get surgery or not. My orthopedic doctor at the Singapore clinic told me it is imperative to keep off my busted knee for better recovery. It is crucial to use correctly fitted crutches to relieve the strain on the knee to facilitate rehabilitation. I waited for my doctor and therapist to give me an okay before I began refraining from using my crutches.

#3 Go Easy on Your Knees

Most people who bust their knee with a meniscus tear are athletes, and the inactivity can be frustrating. I know. Take it from someone who got injured while playing football. However, it takes time and patience to recover. It also took me immense energy to allow my knee to heal. Trying to rush back to our previous hobbies might cause us to fall behind or cause our injury to worsen. I suggest trying to unwind and allow your body to focus energies on repairing your knee.

#4 Attend Rehab Religiously

If you were like me, you also dreaded attending rehab or skipping it and returning to normal. Yet, it is not an option. Physical therapy will help increase the range of motion in your knee as you heal. You will learn at your physical therapy visits how to do appropriate exercises to strengthen your knee after recovering from a meniscus tear. These workouts are one of the most crucial aspects of the rehabilitation process. So keep to the plan and pay close attention to whatever your therapist says.

The Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre is a specialised sports medicine and orthopaedic clinic which helped me recover from various injuries. They also provide joint preservation and repair services, such as surgery for labral and slap tear injuries. Many patients also visit their well-equipped facility for various replacement procedures, like total hip arthroplasty. Visit Advanced Orthopaedic and Sports Centre’s website for further information about their personnel and services.

Coping with Scoliosis in Singapore: 4 Treatments to Consider