Scoliosis

Scoliosis Pain – Expert Physiotherapy Care

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways, often leading to muscular imbalance, joint stress, and discomfort. Pain from scoliosis can develop at any age and is usually caused by uneven load distribution, postural strain, or compensatory muscle tension. Physiotherapy can reduce pain, restore movement, and strengthen the muscles supporting the spine to improve daily function and quality of life.

Our physiotherapists provide a personalised approach, targeting the root causes of pain while addressing posture, flexibility, and muscular imbalance.

Common Symptoms of Scoliosis-Related Pain

• Localised back pain on the convex or concave side of the curve

• Muscle tightness, spasms, or fatigue around the spine

• Shoulder, rib, or pelvic asymmetry causing discomfort

• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or activity

• Reduced spinal mobility or stiffness

• Postural strain affecting neck, thoracic, or lumbar regions

• Discomfort during exercise or lifting

How Physiotherapy Helps

Physiotherapy for scoliosis aims to address both the symptoms and functional impact of spinal curvature. Key treatment approaches include:

✔ Postural Assessment & Correction

Analysing spinal curvature and movement patterns to reduce asymmetric loading.

✔ Muscle Strengthening & Core Stabilisation

Targeting deep spinal and trunk muscles to support the spine and reduce pain.

✔ Flexibility & Mobility Exercises

Stretching tight muscles on the concave side and mobilising stiff segments to improve spinal movement.

✔ Soft Tissue Release & Manual Therapy

Releases tension in overworked muscles, improves circulation, and reduces discomfort.

✔ Breathing & Thoracic Expansion Techniques

Promotes rib cage mobility and reduces compensatory muscular tension in the thoracic spine.

✔ Functional & Movement Retraining

Restores safe, pain-free movement patterns for daily activities, work, and sport.

✔ Pain Management Strategies

Education, activity modification, and targeted exercises to manage flare-ups.

Areas We Treat for Scoliosis Pain

Our physiotherapy programs are tailored to the curve type, location, and severity of scoliosis, including:

• Thoracic Scoliosis Pain

Pain and stiffness in the mid-back, often associated with rib cage tension.

• Lumbar Scoliosis Pain

Lower back discomfort, muscle fatigue, and difficulty bending or lifting.

• Cervical or Neck Pain Related to Scoliosis

Secondary strain from compensatory posture changes.

• Muscle Imbalance & Spasms

Tension along the convex side and weakness along the concave side of the curve.

• Postural Strain & Daily Activity Discomfort

Pain caused by sitting, standing, or lifting in individuals with spinal curvature.

• Adolescent and Adult Scoliosis Management

Tailored exercises and strategies for growth-related curves or long-standing scoliosis.

• Preventing Progression & Flare-Ups

Ongoing strengthening, flexibility, and movement retraining to reduce future pain episodes.

Your Personalised Physiotherapy Plan

Each patient receives a customised program based on their curvature, symptoms, and lifestyle. Typical treatment includes:

• Hands-on soft tissue and joint therapy

• Core and trunk strengthening

• Spinal mobility and flexibility exercises

• Posture and ergonomic guidance

• Home exercise programs for self-management

• Functional training for work, sport, and daily life

Our goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve confidence in daily activities.

When to Seek Physiotherapy

Book an assessment if you experience:

• Chronic or recurring back pain related to scoliosis

• Muscle stiffness or fatigue on one side of the spine

• Postural strain affecting daily function

• Pain during sitting, standing, lifting, or exercise

• Reduced spinal mobility or discomfort limiting activity

Early physiotherapy intervention helps manage pain, improve function, and prevent worsening symptoms.

Book Your Scoliosis Pain Assessment

If scoliosis-related back pain is affecting your quality of life, our physiotherapists can help provide assessment, targeted treatment, and a personalised exercise program to reduce pain and restore function.

Contact us today to book your appointment.