Scoliosis & Osteopathy

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Valued Health Osteopathy

Osteopath Bentleigh | Osteopath Bentleigh East

3/658 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165

Dr. Sarah Walsh (Osteopath) and Schroth Method Certified Scoliosis practitioner.

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine deviates in all three planes of motion (1). It can be observed as an asymmetrical silhouette of the trunk when standing, and more apparent when bending over. Visible asymmetries may be present such as; one shoulder sitting higher than the other, the trunk may shift to one side, one hip may appear more prominent than the other, or a prominence of the ribs on one side.

To assess the degree of the curve, a measurement is taken on an x-ray from the upper end vertebrae and lower end vertebrae in the frontal plane, this is called the Cobb angle. The Scoliosis Research Society suggests that scoliosis is defined as a Cobb angle that is greater than 10 degrees, although structural scoliosis can be seen with less than this with a potential for progression (1).

Approximately 80% of scoliosis cases are idiopathic scoliosis (1), meaning it is not possible to find a specific disease causing the deformity. The remaining 20% of scoliosis cases are secondary to another pathological process such as neurological and congenital causes, therefore an extensive case history, examination and radiology is required. Although most scoliosis cases are idiopathic, when untreated it may lead to severe trunk deformities. This may limit the capacity and functional biomechanics of the chest, exercise capacity, general fitness and ability to work (1).

Scoliosis, Schroth, Schroth Method, Scoliosis management, Scoliosis rehab, Scoliosis treatment, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Bentleigh East, Scoliosis and pain, Scoliosis and exercise, Osteopath Melbourne, Osteopath and back pain

Picture: Dr. Sarah Walsh (Osteopath) and Schroth Method Certified Scoliosis practitioner receiving her Schroth certification in Alabang Muntinlupa Metro Manila Philippines.

Idiopathic scoliosis commonly appears between 6 and 24 months, between the age of 5 and 8 years, and between 11 to 14 years during periods of rapid growth (1). There is a much lower potential for progression of the curve after spinal growth is complete. However, in adults, idiopathic scoliosis may intensify with degenerative change due to uneven loading of the spine.

The aim of scoliosis management is to halt curve progression, improve lung function, manage pain associated with the scoliosis, and improve postural appearance. Treatment options currently include observation, scoliosis specific exercise, bracing, and surgery. Bracing involves the use of a corrective orthosis worn for a specified period each day, usually worn until maturity, with the goal of halting curve progression. While bracing is the primary treatment approach during phases of intense growth, specific rehabilitation during all phases is recommended (2).

The Schroth Method is an exercise program that is aimed at treating scoliosis in adults and adolescents. The Schroth Method was developed by Katharina Schroth in the 1920s when she herself, a scoliosis sufferer, was inspired by a balloon to breathe away the deformities of her own trunk. The Schroth Method consists of specific postural correction, correction of breathing patterns, and correction of postural perception.

Each scoliosis case is treated on an individual basis and requires thorough clinical evaluation and patient history. Exercises for scoliosis should not simply consist of general exercises but exercises specific to the scoliosis to address the spinal deformity (3).

All our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy are university trained allied health professionals who have completed a minimum of five years of university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. It is also a requirement that all our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Osteopathy Australia (OA).

You do not need a referral to see one of our friendly Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy. We have a very good relationship with many surrounding doctors, other health practitioners and personal trainers in the local community.

Valued Health Osteopathy offers Osteopathy, Clinical Pilates, Massage Therapy, Exercise Rehabilitation and Strength & Conditioning. Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments. Move better with Osteopathy!

Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.

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Valued Health Osteopathy

Osteopath in Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena , Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham. 
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References

  1. Negrini S, Donzelli S, Aulisa A, Czaprowski D, Schreiber S, de Mauroy J et al. 2016 SOSORT guidelines: orthopaedic and rehabilitation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders. 2018;13(1).
  2. Weiss H, Moramarco M. Scoliosis – treatment indications according to current evidence. OA Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2013;1(1).
  3. Monticone M, Ambrosini E, Cazzaniga D, Rocca B, Ferrante S. Active self-correction and task-oriented exercises reduce spinal deformity and improve quality of life in subjects with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Results of a randomised controlled trial. European Spine Journal. 2014;23(6):1204-1214.
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About Tom McCormick

Dr. Tom McCormick (Osteopath) is the Director and Principal Osteopath at Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East. Tom is a qualified Osteopath and Dry needling practitioner and is also a Level 1 Strength and Conditioning Coach. Tom has also completed further studies in optimal movement patterns with the FMS (Functional Movement Systems).Tom believes it is important to address the immediate issues causing pain, however feels it is equally important to improve his patient’s ongoing movement, tissue quality, muscle activation and muscle strength in order to optimize injury recovery and reduce the chance of re-aggravation. Since Tom graduated as an Osteopath he has had the opportunity to work both in Queensland and Victoria within private practice and has worked closely with sporting teams. Tom has suffered many injuries and complaints over the years due to his heavy interest in sport. From broken bones, torn cartilage, tendon and muscle injuries to even a double hernia repair, this is ultimately what led Tom into the health field. Tom has a hands on approach to healthcare by utilizing a broad range of techniques that are tailored specifically to each patient. Such techniques include mobilization, soft tissue massage, stretching, trigger point therapy, dry needling and exercise rehabilitation. Although Tom enjoys treating athletes, he also thrives on the sense of enjoyment that comes with helping his patients of all ages with many other injuries. Tom also has experience in treating headaches, back and neck pain, hip, knee and ankle injuries and shoulder and elbow pain. Here at Valued Health Osteopathy Tom will use his Osteopathic experience, coupled with his further training to assess, diagnose, rehabilitate and treat in order to get you moving better with less pain. Outside of work Tom loves to travel, watch plenty of sport, exercise and loves a good coffee.