Since surgical procedures for Scoliosis tend to carry varying degrees of risk, not everyone with Scoliosis will be on board with the idea of invasive surgical techniques as a means of treatment. Certain risks include a possible adverse reaction to the anesthesia used during the procedure and even the possible complication that could present itself in the form of an infection resulting from surgery. Those certain possibilities are enough to turn a good portion of patients off from even wanting to consider it an option.
Aside from potential issues resulting from spine surgery, major surgeries such as spinal fusion surgery tends to bring with it an exceptionally long healing period afterward. This period of recovery would prevent patients from returning to work for some time. For those who rely on their job to get them by, and whose job does not provide paid leave time, this type of surgery can really be an impossibility for them. There may also be a long waiting list, depending on where it is you live.
Thankfully for those with mild to moderate Scoliosis, there are other options of treatment available to consider in place of surgery:
Types of non-invasive surgical treatments include:
- The PNF Technique
- The SEAS Method
- The Schroth Technique
- Myofascial Release
- Osteopathy
As non-surgical procedures, each option listed here will have its pros and cons. There would be benefits for each that would differ from the type of results you would get from surgery. Naturally, not all of these treatment options will be appropriate for everyone’s needs. Those who have more advanced Scoliosis may have an absolute need for seeking surgery, since there is a point where Scoliosis would advance beyond the scope of what these treatments can provide their condition.
Exploring More On These Techniques
The PNF Method was originally developed back in the 1940’s in the US. The PNF stands for Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, which points towards the fact that it relies on improving a patient’s flexibility and range of movement. In doing so, it improves the coordination in a patient, which in turn improves the flexibility of the spine in accordance with the improved flexibility in the rest of the body.
The SEAS Method stands for Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis. What this method does is improve the overall balance of a patient and their neuromuscular control. It is a way to teach patients how to auto-correct themselves, which means that this method works well with the PNF Method in improving coordination and stability.
The Schroth Technique is a relatively newer method developed as a means to treat Scoliosis by strengthening many key areas within the patient. Originally developed in Germany, the Schroth Technique has been developed over a short period of time by many physical therapists across the world. It is now a method that puts attention to strengthening the spine in the patient. Depending on the unique curvature of your spine as a patient, you will experience improvement in physical strength, posture, developing healthier functions in your daily life, and improved breathing. Many patients who go through this treatment result in a better self-image, due to the improved effort that patients put into their physical health through this method.
Myofascial Release, like the PNF Method, was developed in America during the 1940’s. This method is very different from the others mentioned here, since it does not work to correct the curvature of a patient’s spine. Instead, what it does is it improves the pain of a patient and improves their circulation in the process. It is best when used in combination with the methods already presented here.
Osteopathy is a very common form of treatment for Scoliosis. It concentrates predominantly on the musculoskeletal system and its role in the development of a patient’s good health. It targets mostly back and neck pain in order to prevent the development of certain diseases. It is a more holistic approach to release pressure built up on tissues, similar to deep tissue massage.
As you can see, the techniques used to treat mild to moderate Scoliosis are well developed and are very similar to physical therapy techniques often used post surgery. These can be used as a means of treatment of and prevention of Scoliosis developing into the more severe stages. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about these techniques and what they involve, set up a consultation with us today by calling us at 205-637-1363.
