Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine. This means that the spine not only curves laterally but may also rotate. In children and adolescents, the most common form is idiopathic scoliosis, meaning scoliosis whose exact cause is not clearly identified. It most often appears during growth, particularly in adolescence.
Not all scoliosis cases are the same. Some curves remain mild and primarily require regular medical monitoring, while others can progress more significantly during growth spurts. In certain situations, a specialist may recommend a brace, and for more pronounced curves, surgical intervention may be considered.
At PhysioUnion, physiotherapy does not replace specialized orthopedic or medical follow-up, but it can be usefully integrated into the care pathway to help the child or adolescent move better, better understand their body and stay active in good conditions.
When should I consult a doctor for scoliosis?
Scoliosis is diagnosed when there is a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees on X-ray, often associated with spinal rotation. Scoliosis can give the back a "C" or "S" shape. It can also lead to visible asymmetry of the shoulders, trunk, waist, or shoulder blades.
It's important to remember that scoliosis is not caused by poor posture, carrying a schoolbag, or a "bad habit" of positioning. This often helps to alleviate feelings of guilt for families.
About the ASD
A consultation may be helpful if you observe the following in your child or teenager:
one shoulder higher than the other
a more prominent shoulder blade
an asymmetry of the size or pelvis
an impression that the trunk is not centered
a hump on one side of the back when the child bends forward
back fatigue or pain, even though adolescent scoliosis is often not very painful.
Scoliosis is often discovered by parents, pediatricians, during a medical check-up, or because an asymmetry of the spine becomes more noticeable during growth. Small curves sometimes go unnoticed at first.
Scoliosis and the brace
When the curvature changes during growth, a brace may be recommended by a specialist to limit the risk of it worsening. A brace does not "cure" scoliosis, but it can help slow the progression of certain curves as the child grows.
Physiotherapy can then support the child or adolescent to better navigate this period, working on mobility, breathing, comfort, body image, and maintaining appropriate physical activity. This idea already aligns with the logic of your current page.
When to consult a doctor?
A consultation with a physiotherapist may be relevant:
when an asymmetry of the back or shoulders is observed
when scoliosis has already been diagnosed
in addition to specialized medical monitoring
in case of wearing a corset
in case of functional discomfort, back fatigue or the need for support to stay active.
On the other hand, if scoliosis is suspected for the first time, a medical evaluation is important, as it is the specialist doctor who confirms the diagnosis, measures the curvature and determines the monitoring or treatment strategy.
Care provided by PhysioUnion
At the PhysioUnion clinic in Prilly, near Lausanne, we offer individualized care for children and adolescents with scoliosis, complementing their medical treatment. Sessions take into account the age, growth, type of curvature, activity level, any pain, and the young patient's goals.
