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FAQ’s

* Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis is a complex 3 dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk, which appears in apparently healthy children, and can progress in relation to multiple factors during any rapid period of growth or later in life. (M. Rigo, Th Grivas, J O’Brian, in Scoliosis 2010)
* As the name idiopathic suggests, there is no currently verified known cause of AIS. There is a tremendous amount of research in various avenues in search of one or more cause.
* Approximately 30% of patients have a family history, so there is an agreement that genetics plays a role. Others are investigating, hormone imbalances, asymmetrical growth and muscle imbalances….Hueter Volkmann Law, Burwell’s Theory.
Treatment is often determined based on the size of the curve or COBB angle as well as the patient/families concerns/goals. SOSORT guidelines were published in2011 and can be found in the Scoliosis Journal under Negrini et al Scoliosis 2012, 7:3…look for Table 6.
For years, the effects of bracing were unclear. In 2013, the Braist Study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirming the benefits of bracing for AIS. Weinstein S. L. et al N Engl J Med 2013; 369:1512-1521 It is important to keep in mind that the quality, type and fit of brace may impact its success.
General physical activities are important not only for physical health, but socially and emotionally as well and should be continued unless pain becomes an issue. However, certain repetitive movements can be stressful for a spine with scoliosis, such as crunches or sit-ups. Speak with a certified scoliosis specific trained physical therapists to determine what exercises can be modified if needed or eliminated.
  • * Utilizes the original principles from Katharina and Christa Schroth
  • * Integrates the current knowledge and theories of physical therapy, including sensory, corporal schema, motor learning, and neuro-muscular re-education.
  • * Exercise program that is individualized to the patient’s curve category based on the Rigo classification, trained for self-elongation, corrections, rotational breathing strategies, and functional activities or sports retraining.
  • * Goals: Stop progression of curves
  • * Improvement of cosmesis
  • * Improvement of general health

  • * To assist in coping and understanding the psycho-social impact of the deformity and treatment

  • * Diminish functional limitations

Please call to schedule a free consult.

Treatment programs at PRNJ are approximately 40 hrs in total for adolescents. 20-40 hrs are recommended to be accomplished through an intensive model.

  • 40 hrs can be done within 10 business days, 4 hrs per day. (For families from out of state or country)
  • 20 hours can be done within 2 weeks, 2hrs per day/5 days per week. Follow up is then individualized based on learning rate, level of independence, acquisition of goals. Follow up sessions are 1hr and may be 1-3x/week decreasing to 1x/month till discharge. (For locally residing families)
  • Adults with pain, degenerating spines, or juvenile IS require individual evaluation and treatment scheduling. (A C2 level certified therapist is required for this treatment)
  • Individual treatment programs are available, please call to schedule a free consult.
Schroth based program can be modified for post-surgical fusion. A C2 level certified therapist is required for this treatment. The program is also an excellent way to strengthen core and gain flexibility prior to surgery.
Following are the recommended websites for additional information on AIS and treatment
www.sosort.mobi for SOSORT
www.schrothmethod.com
www.srs.org for the Scoliosis Research Society
www.bspts.net for the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School
www.apta.org for the American Physical Therapy Association
Scoliosis-specific exercises provide significant benefits both before and after vertebral body tethering surgery. Prior to surgery, these exercises help strengthen muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and optimize posture, which can potentially reduce the severity of the curvature and prepare the body for the procedure. Following surgery, scoliosis-specific exercises play a crucial role in promoting healing, restoring mobility, and preventing muscle imbalances or stiffness.
By adhering to a tailored exercise regimen, patients can support the success of the surgery, enhance their recovery process, and maintain optimal spinal function and alignment in the long term, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.
Scoliosis-specific exercises offer important benefits both before and after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Before surgery, these exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, and posture, which may ease symptoms and prepare the body for the procedure. After surgery, these exercises become even more crucial. They aid in regaining strength, promoting healing, and preventing muscle stiffness or weakness that can occur due to the surgical procedure.
By following a tailored exercise program, patients can enhance their recovery, maintain spinal alignment, and improve overall mobility and function, ultimately supporting their long-term well-being and quality of life.
Pregnancy can pose unique challenges for women with scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways. While many women with scoliosis have healthy pregnancies, the added weight and changes in posture during pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate back pain or discomfort. It’s important for women with scoliosis to communicate with their healthcare providers throughout pregnancy to manage any pain or concerns.
Scoliosis Specific physical therapy, proper posture, and sometimes support devices can help alleviate discomfort and promote a smoother pregnancy experience. With proper care and monitoring, most women with scoliosis can enjoy a healthy happy pregnancy and delivery.
Aging adolescent idiopathic scoliosis occurs when the curvature of the spine, which developed during adolescence, progresses or worsens with age. This type of scoliosis affects individuals who had scoliosis as teenagers, and it may cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities as they get older. In contrast, adult degenerative scoliosis develops later in life due to wear and tear on the spine’s discs and joints.
It often leads to spinal curvature and can cause back pain, nerve compression, and changes in posture. Treatment options for both conditions may include physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery to stabilize the spine and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to minimize symptoms and maintain spinal health
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, (JIS) is a type of spinal curvature that occurs in children under the age of 10. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, it may not be related to growth spurts. It affects both boys and girls equally and can lead to uneven shoulders, waist, or hips. Early detection is essential as it allows for timely intervention to prevent the curve from worsening. The research and outcomes for JIS are different than AIS. Treatment options may include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Early Onset Scoliosis, (EOS): Early onset scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways in children under the age of 5. Unlike scoliosis in older children, the cause of early onset scoliosis can be related to congenital spine abnormalities, neuromuscular conditions, or chest wall deformities. This type of scoliosis can affect a child’s breathing and lung development if left untreated. Treatment options may include observation, bracing, growth-friendly surgeries, or a combination of these, aiming to manage the curve and support healthy spine growth as the child grows. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent potential complications and promote better long-term outcomes.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves during a growth spurt in teenagers. It affects around 2-3% of adolescents, typically girls, aged 10-18 and will appear on an xray like a C or S shape. While the cause is unknown, genetics may play a role, and thus can be present in the family history.

Early detection through screenings is crucial, as mild cases may not cause symptoms but can progress over time. Treatment options include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or in severe cases, surgery, aiming to prevent curve progression and maintain spinal alignment for a healthy, active life.

New Jersey Offices:

265 Route 46, Suite 102 Totowa, NJ 07512
218 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 204 Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927

South Carolina Office:

1671 Belle Isle Ave, Suit S Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Texas Office:

Round Rock, TX (Austin area) 3309 Forest Creek Dr Suite 302 Round Rock, TX 78664