Disclaimer: General educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified health professional for scoliosis management specific to your curve and situation. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Scoliosis — a lateral curvature of the spine — affects approximately 3% of Australians. Most scoliosis is idiopathic (unknown cause) and the majority of cases never require surgery. Physiotherapy plays an important role in managing pain, improving function, and in adolescents, potentially slowing curve progression.
Types of Scoliosis
- Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS): The most common type, developing during adolescent growth spurts. Girls are more likely to develop progressive curves. Managed with observation, physiotherapy, bracing (25–45°), or surgery (45°+).
- Degenerative (adult) scoliosis: Develops or progresses in adults due to age-related disc and joint degeneration. Often presents with back pain and may cause leg pain if nerves are compressed.
- Congenital scoliosis: Present from birth due to vertebral malformations.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis: Associated with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries.
What Physiotherapy Can and Cannot Do
Physiotherapy cannot: Straighten a structural scoliotic curve in an adult, replace bracing or surgery when indicated, or cure scoliosis.
Physiotherapy can: Significantly reduce pain, improve posture and appearance, strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, maintain and improve spinal mobility, teach self-management strategies, and in adolescents, specific exercises may slow curve progression when combined with bracing.
Schroth Method Physiotherapy
The Schroth method is a specialised, evidence-based physiotherapy approach specifically developed for scoliosis. It uses three-dimensional correction exercises, breathing techniques, and muscle activation patterns to actively address the scoliotic posture. The Schroth method has strong evidence for reducing pain and improving quality of life, and some evidence for slowing curve progression in adolescents when combined with bracing.
SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis)
SEAS is another evidence-based approach using active self-correction exercises and neuromotor training. Both SEAS and Schroth are recommended by international scoliosis guidelines (SOSORT) as the preferred physiotherapy approaches for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Adult Scoliosis Management
For adults with degenerative scoliosis and back pain, physiotherapy focuses on:
- Core and paraspinal muscle strengthening
- Spinal mobility exercises
- Manual therapy for associated joint and muscle pain
- Postural correction for daily activities
- Education on pacing and activity modification
Frequently Asked Questions
My child has been diagnosed with scoliosis. Should they see a physio?
Yes. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is best managed with a combination of observation (by their orthopaedic specialist), physiotherapy-specific exercises, and bracing when curves are 25–40°. Physiotherapy — particularly Schroth method exercises — helps manage pain and maintain function, and may contribute to slowing curve progression when combined with a brace.
I have scoliosis and back pain. Will physio help my pain?
Yes. Back pain in adults with scoliosis responds well to physiotherapy — specifically targeted core and paraspinal muscle strengthening, manual therapy, and postural correction. The goal is not to straighten the curve, but to strengthen the muscles around it and reduce pain.
At what curve degree does scoliosis require surgery?
Surgery is typically considered when curves exceed 45–50° in skeletally immature adolescents (who are still growing), or 50–60° in adults with progressive pain or neurological symptoms. Physiotherapy is appropriate for all curve sizes — either as the primary management or as preparation and rehabilitation for surgical patients.
Can scoliosis be caused by carrying a heavy bag on one side?
No. Structural scoliosis is not caused by posture or bag habits. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis has a strong genetic component. Functional scoliosis (a postural curve that disappears when lying down) can be influenced by muscle imbalances, but is quite different from structural scoliosis.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora