Miami Physical Therapist – Physical Therapy Services
Conditions
Physical Therapy for Scoliosis in Miami
Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine – instead of running straight from top to bottom when viewed from behind, the spine curves to one side and often involves rotation of the vertebrae as well.
The most common form is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), which develops during the growth spurt of puberty and predominantly affects girls.
Scoliosis can also develop in adults as a result of spinal degeneration (degenerative or de novo scoliosis) or as a consequence of other neuromuscular conditions.
Physical therapy plays an important role in managing scoliosis at every stage – reducing pain, improving posture and function, slowing curve progression in adolescents, and reducing disability in adults.
Hands-On Physical Therapy in Miami
How Scoliosis Causes Symptoms
Small curves (under 20 degrees) often cause no pain and may never progress to the point of causing symptoms. Larger or progressive curves can produce:
- Visible asymmetry – one shoulder or hip higher than the other, or a prominent rib hump
- Chronic muscle pain and fatigue along the concave side of the curve where muscles are chronically shortened
- Reduced thoracic expansion and breathing capacity in significant thoracic curves
- Low back pain and disc degeneration in lumbar or thoracolumbar curves, particularly in adults
- Nerve irritation or radiculopathy when degenerative scoliosis causes secondary spinal stenosis
Schroth Method and Scoliosis-Specific Exercise
The Schroth Method is a three-dimensional, scoliosis-specific exercise approach developed in Germany and now practiced worldwide. It uses posture correction, targeted breathing techniques, and rotational corrective exercises to counteract the three-dimensional nature of the scoliotic curve.
Research shows the Schroth Method can reduce Cobb angle progression in adolescents, improve posture and body image, and significantly reduce pain in adults.
Therapists trained in scoliosis-specific exercise (SEAS – Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis – is another validated program) provide a very different and more targeted treatment than generalized core strengthening.
Adult Degenerative Scoliosis
In adults, scoliosis most often develops from unequal degeneration of lumbar discs, causing the spine to curve as disc space narrows asymmetrically on one side.
This de novo scoliosis is closely associated with low back pain, leg pain, and difficulty maintaining an upright posture for prolonged periods.
Physical therapy for adult scoliosis focuses on pain management through manual therapy and soft tissue work, strengthening the core and hip stabilizers to support the curved spine, and improving the patient’s capacity to stand, walk, and function comfortably in daily life.
Your Physical Therapy Appointment
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A licensed physical therapist will complete a one-on-one evaluation, including a subjective interview and an objective movement exam, to understand the source of your condition. From there, a personalized plan of care is developed, with most patients attending two to three visits per week over a four-to-six-week course of treatment, with progress reassessed along the way.
- 8390 W Flagler St Ste 203, Miami, FL 33144
- Monday-Thursday : 7AM - 7PM
FAQ
1. Do I Need a Referral to Start Physical Therapy?
Many patients can begin treatment without a physician referral, depending on their insurance plan and condition. We can help verify your eligibility before your first visit.
2.Will my insurance cover physical therapy?
We accept most major insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage, benefits, and any expected out-of-pocket costs before starting care.