How Physiotherapy Helped Me Manage Scoliosis Without Surgery

At 15, I was a competitive gymnast. No aches or pains, very active, no history of any back pain. I was scheduled for a regular appointment at my family doctor when my dad suggested I mention to the doctor that he had noticed that I carry myself asymmetrically. He observed that my left shoulder always sat lower than the right one. I remember almost thinking I wouldn’t bother since I had never noticed it myself (classic teenager) but at the end of the appointment I mentioned it quickly.

My GP promptly asked me to stand up and reach forwards as if to touch my toes. He then ran his hand along my spine, called my parents in and explained that I have scoliosis. He referred me on to a specialist and sent me for x-rays. Being a teenager and not understanding the medical jargon, I was scared. Anything with an “osis” can’t be good right? I didn’t feel like I had an “osis”. Heck, I had never even heard of scoliosis.

So I was sent to a specialist, where x-rays of my entire spine were performed from three different angles. He then told me and my parents that I had “severe scoliosis” and would need to be referred to sick kids. At this point, I was terrified but took solace in the fact that no one had told me I would need to stop gymnastics.

I went to Sick Kids and remember feeling very overwhelmed in the waiting room. As I, a seemingly healthy child, was there amongst children with mobility issues, or big braces on. I felt like I was being stared at, as if everyone was wondering “what is she doing there?”.

I had to go get another set of x-rays done and then a doctor came in to review the results with my parents. He explained that my scoliosis was severe. It is an S curve, starting in the mid-back and extending towards the bottom of my low back. He explained that my top curve is 72 degrees, and the bottom one 38 degrees. Surgery is considered in any case greater than 50 degrees. As my parents and the surgeon discussed treatment options, I think I spaced out. Surgery? I was just a teen with no pain at all. How did I even end up here?

He explained that since my scoliosis was not found until I was 15, I had missed the window for one of the treatment options (a brace). Spine braces can be used during adolescence to try to prevent progression of the curve during the large growth spurts that occur during puberty, but I had missed the mark. 

I was given the option of surgery or physiotherapy. He explained that surgery is usually recommended when curves are over 50 degrees as this is often accompanied by altered respiratory capacity and/or pain. Surgery would involve placing two rods vertically along either side of the spine to attempt to correct the curve. In my case, they would have spanned almost my entire back (from the base of the neck to the pelvis). They would limit my range of motion, and increase the risk of arthritis developing at the segment just below the end of the rods. Since I had no pain or respiratory issues and, as a gymnast, needed to keep all the range of motion in my spine that we could, it seemed like a nobrainer. Physiotherapy.

I did physiotherapy for my back for a few years. Sessions would include hands on therapy to improve the natural asymmetrical muscle tension around my spine and optimise joint mobility. I also worked on a home exercise program that include stretches, and strengthening exercises. I am now in my 30’s and can say that I have no more back pain than any of my friends. I know which stretches work for me if I do have pain. I have kept up with a healthy lifestyle and use weight training to maintain a strong core and back musculature system.

I am so grateful my parents did not opt for the surgical option and am passionate about helping other teenagers with scoliosis choose the same path.