Scoliosis Exercises & Physiotherapy
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves and rotates to the side. It can occur in children, teenagers and adults, and the severity and type of scoliosis can vary considerably from person to person.
Exercise cannot necessarily straighten or correct every spinal curve, but an appropriately designed scoliosis exercise and physiotherapy program may help improve strength, mobility, posture, body awareness and physical function.
For some people, particularly adolescents with progressive idiopathic scoliosis, treatment may also involve monitoring or bracing under the guidance of a specialist.
Can Exercise Help Scoliosis?
Exercise can be an important part of managing scoliosis, but there is no single exercise program that is suitable for everyone.
Depending on your age, spinal curve, symptoms and physical abilities, physiotherapy may focus on:
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Core and trunk strength
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Back and hip strength
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Spinal mobility
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Postural control
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Balance and coordination
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Breathing and body awareness
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Maintaining general fitness and activity
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Managing back pain or stiffness
Some people may also benefit from scoliosis-specific exercises prescribed according to their individual spinal curve.
Below are some general exercises that may be used as part of a rehabilitation program.
1. Bird Dog – Arm & Leg Raise
The bird dog exercise helps develop trunk control and strengthens muscles supporting the spine.
How to do it:
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Start on your hands and knees, with your hands underneath your shoulders and knees underneath your hips.
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Gently engage your abdominal muscles.
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Slowly extend one arm forward while extending the opposite leg behind you.
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Keep your trunk controlled rather than allowing your body to rotate.
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Hold briefly, then slowly return to the starting position.
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Repeat on the opposite side.
Your physiotherapist can adjust the exercise depending on your strength and spinal movement.
2. Pelvic Tilt
Pelvic tilts are a gentle exercise that can help improve awareness and control of the pelvis and lower back.
How to do it:
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Lie comfortably on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor.
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Gently tighten your abdominal muscles.
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Slowly tilt your pelvis so that your lower back moves towards the floor.
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Hold briefly while breathing normally.
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Relax and return to your starting position.
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Repeat slowly and comfortably.
Avoid forcing your lower back into the floor or holding your breath.
3. Cat-Cow Stretch
The cat-cow exercise provides gentle movement through the spine and may help with spinal mobility and stiffness.
How to do it:
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Begin on your hands and knees.
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Slowly round your back upward while allowing your head to follow comfortably.
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Pause briefly.
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Slowly move in the opposite direction, gently lifting your chest and tailbone.
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Continue moving between the two positions in a comfortable and controlled manner.
This exercise should feel like a gentle mobility exercise rather than a forceful stretch.
4. Side & Latissimus Stretch
A gentle side stretch may help improve flexibility through the trunk and latissimus dorsi muscles.
How to do it:
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Stand comfortably with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart.
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Raise one arm overhead.
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Gently lean to the opposite side until you feel a comfortable stretch along your side.
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Hold briefly while continuing to breathe normally.
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Return to the starting position and repeat as appropriate.
For people with scoliosis, stretches do not necessarily need to be performed identically on both sides. Your physiotherapist may modify the direction and intensity according to your individual curve and assessment.
Are Scoliosis Exercises Different for Everyone?
Yes. Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal condition, so exercises should ideally be selected according to the individual's curve, age, symptoms, strength and treatment goals.
A general strengthening program may be appropriate for some people, while others may benefit from more specific exercises addressing spinal alignment, postural control and breathing.
This is particularly important for children and adolescents with scoliosis, where changes in the spinal curve should be appropriately monitored by a healthcare professional.
Can Physiotherapy Help With Scoliosis?
Physiotherapy does not aim to promise that exercise will completely straighten a scoliosis curve. Instead, treatment may help improve strength, mobility, posture, movement confidence and physical function, as well as assist with managing pain or stiffness when present.
Depending on the individual, scoliosis physiotherapy may include:
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Individualised strengthening exercises
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Core and trunk rehabilitation
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Postural and movement training
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Spinal mobility exercises
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Scoliosis-specific exercises where appropriate
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Breathing exercises
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Advice about sport and physical activity
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Education and self-management strategies
For moderate or progressive scoliosis, physiotherapy may form one part of a broader management plan involving your GP, specialist or orthopaedic team.
Scoliosis Physiotherapy in Castle Hill & Chatswood
Our physiotherapists provide scoliosis physiotherapy in Castle Hill and Chatswood for people looking to improve strength, mobility, posture and overall physical function.
Following an assessment, your physiotherapist can develop an individualised scoliosis exercise program based on your spinal movement, strength, symptoms and personal goals.
