Manual therapy for scoliosis: description of the method, effectiveness, reviews

In the article, we will consider how the treatment of scoliosis with manual therapy is carried out.

Scoliosis is a curvature of the spinal column of a congenital or acquired type. Treatment of the disease involves an integrated approach. Manual therapy for scoliosis is considered quite effective in this pathology, not even in the initial stages. Correct action on the spine and joints helps to eliminate pain, relieve muscle tension, increase mobility and flexibility of the back.

The causes of the disease

The reasons why scoliosis appears are the uneven distribution of load on the back and spasm of the spine. The chiropractor uses special techniques that help relax the muscles of the back. Muscles thus acquire the necessary tone. Specialists in the field of traumatology and orthopedics are skeptical about the methods of such treatment. However, numerous reviews and practice confirm that the condition of the spine improves after manual therapy for scoliosis.

Method Description

Correct deformation changes in the spine is possible by an alternative method. In the treatment of scoliosis, the actions of a chiropractor are aimed at relaxing the spinal muscles and moving the joints to the correct and physiological position through manual techniques. The goals to achieve which the kneading and stretching of the back with the hands is directed are:

1. Toning weakened muscles.
2. Restoring the functions of the mobile spine.
3. Increasing the flexibility of the bone structures of the spinal column.
4. Elimination of functional type blocks from the spine.

Thanks to manual therapy, positive dynamics can be observed not only in the curved spine, but also in internal organs. Scoliosis can disrupt the normal functioning of many structures and systems of the body, which affects the quality of human life.

results

Hand treatment of the patient allows achieving the following results:

1. Elimination of disturbances in the work of the heart muscle.
2. Removal of toxins from the body.
3. Relieving frequent pain in the head and restoring respiratory function.

As the spine aligns, metabolic processes are established in the affected areas of the body. Manual therapy for scoliosis should be carried out by a qualified specialist, since the abilities and experience of the doctor ensure the patient's health and well-being in the future.

The fingers of a chiropractor should have hypersensitivity as well as accuracy and strength. A specialist makes blind manipulations, so it is extremely important for him to feel the human body. With a low qualification or lack of experience with a chiropractor, a worsening of the disease is possible. Thus, the choice of a specialist is a key point in the effective treatment of scoliosis.

Standard course

A standard course of manual therapy for scoliosis of the 2nd degree to alleviate the condition of the patient is considered 10 visits. The course can be repeated after a half-year break. It is recommended that you visit a chiropractor no more than once a week. With more frequent manipulations, the vertebrae can be significantly shaken, which leads to the risk of even greater curvature. The session begins with a stretch, then the specialist is engaged in the sequential study of problem areas of the body. The chiropractor acts on the arch of the spine from the edge, gradually moving to the central part. One session should include exposure to 1-2 vertebrae, no more. In addition to manual therapy for scoliosis, treatment can be supplemented by warming the ligaments and muscles, as well as hirudotherapy.

Indications

Treatment of scoliosis with manual therapy methods is effective regardless of the patient's age. Treatment is prescribed in cases where the disease is not started. When scoliosis begins to progress sharply, but has not reached the third degree, it is allowed to affect the muscles and vertebrae with the hands. As soon as the curvature reaches more than 25 degrees, manual therapy loses its effectiveness and even seems dangerous to the patient.

Contraindications

Experts call the following contraindications for manual therapy of the spine with scoliosis:

• Back injuries. If the curvature occurs as a result of bumps or falls and other injuries, manual therapy is contraindicated.
• Diseases of an infectious nature. Tuberculosis, poliomyelitis, and other diseases of bone structures can be damaging to the spine.
• Childhood. High-intensity effects on the bone structures of a child under seven years of age are prohibited, as cartilage tissue may be deformed.
• Tumors of a malignant or benign type in the spine. Neoplasms can interfere with manual treatment.
• Scoliosis of the fourth degree. In this case, eliminating the defect using manual exposure will no longer work.
• Bone-type corns on the vertebrae. Growths can form as a result of a fracture or crack. Manual exposure can provoke the growth of these formations.
• Disorders in the work of the heart. It is forbidden to visit a chiropractor with hypertension.
• Hernia in the intervertebral space. A patient with such a diagnosis should not be exposed to a chiropractor, since one careless action can cause disability.
• Osteoporosis. This disease is characteristic of patients older than 40 years. Pathology is accompanied by fragility of bone structures, which excludes any physical effect on the spine.
• Compression of the spinal cord. With this violation, there is a loss of sensitivity in the arms and legs, as well as an upset of the brain. Manual therapy can aggravate the situation.

Manual therapy for scoliosis of the 3rd degree should be carried out with great care.

The most effective is manual therapy for curvature of the first degree. First you need to go up to three sessions, which will put the segments of the spinal column in a physiologically correct place. The results of manual therapy in the treatment of scoliosis of the second degree become noticeable after a full course consisting of 10 specialist visits.

Techniques and techniques of manual therapy

Therapy of scoliosis with manual therapy methods is based on three principles that the specialist adheres to in his work:

• The impact should be on various muscle groups. This is necessary to compensate for the load.
• The use of acupressure, which makes it possible to identify increased tone of various areas of the spine.
• Stimulation of muscle structures that are involved in the development of pathology.

The massage procedure by manual methods is carried out through certain techniques and rules. With intensive kneading, metabolic processes are activated and muscles are included in the work. Superficial, gentle massage helps relieve muscle tension and overcome hypertonicity.

Twisting is a technique that is needed to put the vertebrae in the correct position and strengthen the muscle corset.

Technique Difference

The manual therapy technique for scoliosis of the 2nd degree, which will be used for a particular patient, is selected by the therapist taking into account the location and degree of scoliosis. Techniques differ in the nature of the impact on the arc of the spine. If the curvature is fixed in the thoracic spine, the patient is laid on the couch upside down, while the head should be on its side towards the therapist. Massage begins with light movements in the neck and back without touching the vertebrae. The intensity and strength of movements gradually increase.

Special attention

Paravertebral areas need to be given special attention. In this case, a technique involving friction with weighting is used. Thus, it is possible to carefully work out the lumbar and thoracic spine.

It is very important that during the manipulations of the chiropractor the patient does not experience pain. You must immediately tell your doctor if discomfort appears. Procedures help strengthen the spine and stop the development of scoliosis.

Reviews on manual therapy for scoliosis

There are quite a few skeptical people who do not consider manual therapy really effective. After some course, some people have a relapse of the disease. According to reviews, manual therapy for grade 3 scoliosis can be dangerous, especially if you fall into the hands of an unqualified specialist. Therefore, they prefer to turn to exclusively eminent and verified by numerous positive reviews manual therapists. Complaints also arise regarding the cost of the procedures when at least two thousand rubles must be paid for one massage session.

However, quite a few comments contain a positive assessment of the visit to a manual therapy specialist. There is information from those who were not helped by the methods of traditional medicine, while a course of manual therapy literally saved from curvature of the spine.