What is 
Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is an abnormal, three-dimensional curvature of the spine and is a common condition that affects many children and adolescents.

WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?

Scoliosis is an abnormal, three-dimensional curvature of the spine and is a common condition that affects many children and adolescents. A Scoliosis is confirmed when there is a spinal curvature greater than 10 degrees as measured on X-ray and where axial rotation can be identified.

Instead of a straight line down the middle of the back, a spine with scoliosis curves sometimes appears like a letter “C” or “S.” Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine also may have rotated slightly, making the person’s waist or shoulders appear uneven.

In more than 80 percent of cases, a specific cause is not found and such cases are termed “idiopathic,” meaning “of undetermined cause.” Conditions known to cause scoliosis are congenital spinal column abnormalities (abnormally formed vertebrae present at birth), neurological disorders, muscular diseases, genetic conditions (e.g., Marfan’s syndrome, Down syndrome) and a multitude of other causes such as infections or fractures involving the spine.

WHAT IS THE BSPTS RIGO (PSSE) CONCEPT?

The Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) offers education to Physiotherapists in treating patients with Scoliosis and other Spinal disorders, according to the general principles of Physiotherapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE). PSSE are curve pattern specific exercises, using 3D auto-correction, self-elongation, patient education and training for activities of daily life.

HOW CAN PHYSIOTHERAPY HELP ME?

Your qualified BSPTS Rigo Concept (PSSE) Physiotherapist can help treat the following conditions.

  • Idiopathic Scoliosis
    • Infantile Idiopathic Scoliosis
    • Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis
    • Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
    • Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis
  • Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
  • Juvenile Kyphosis

The main goals of the BSPTS Rigo Concept (PSSE) include:

  • Decrease or halt progression of the curve
  • Improve posture and aesthetics
  • Improve brace effectiveness
  • Improve breathing function
  • Improve pain and function
  • Delay or prevent surgery
  • Improve psychological outlook and quality of life

ADOLESCENT SCOLIOSIS BRACING

Bracing interventions require a referral from an orthopaedic surgeon

Bracing for scoliosis is considered the gold standard of treatment for curves between 20-45 degrees and where there is growth remaining.

The aim of bracing interventions is to prevent progression of the curvature to ultimately prevent surgical intervention.

Whilst there are many designs of scoliosis braces, we specialise in using Rigo-Cheneau bracing principles. This design of brace focuses on in-brace curve correction and de-rotation of the curvature. The brace is required to be worn for 18-20 hours per day, or as directed by the orthopaedic surgeon.

Your first appointment

We conduct a thorough assessment of your history/presentation and take a variety of measures to assess your curve. Don’t forget to bring hard copies of your x-rays if possible.

After the assessment, we take a 3d scan of your torso to capture your body shape so we can manufacture the brace.

There is lots of information to take in from this appointment. Our orthotists understand that you may have many questions so please keep a record or your questions for us to answer in the fitting appointment.

What to bring to my first appointment?

We recommend wearing tight fitting clothes that you are able to move comfortably in, such a shorts and a singlet. Bring along any relevant imaging, such as x-rays, as well as referrals or reports from other medical professionals.

Fitting appointment

We recommended wearing a close-fitting singlet or t-shirt underneath your brace.

During this appointment, we will fit the brace and make any adjustments required to ensure you’re comfortable in the brace. We will teach you how to put on and take off your brace and educate you on wear regimes and brace hygiene.

This appointment can be quite lengthy, so we recommend you bring some form of entertainment to keep yourself busy!

Follow up appointment

After 4 weeks of wearing your brace, we will review the fit and make any adjustments to the loading areas to optimize curve correction. After this appointment you will be given an x-ray referral for an in-brace x-ray. This x-ray allows us to analyse the loading areas of the brace to ensure the loading is in the correct position.

Post x-ray we will review the load areas and make any adjustments required.

After this appointment we typically recommend a review in 4-6 months. If you require a second brace until you stop growing this will typically occur around the 11–12-month mark.