As a consequence of scoliosis, changes occur that affect both the spine and chest. In vertebrae, the change in the affected area is usually their rotation.

The treatment of scoliosis is carried out with active and passive means depending on the degree of distortion. The active ones include different types of exercises in order to stimulate the proprioceptive impulses to restore the correct position of the spine, strengthen the musculature of the trunk and develop correct movement habits.

For whom are scoliosis exercises suitable

Rehabilitation and exercise are essential in the treatment of scoliosis because they help to develop and maintain the musculature of the spine and provide curvature regulation.

Since the curvature of the spine varies between the different degrees of the disease, exercises, especially asymmetrical ones, are suitable for the first and second degrees. They can also support operative and orthostatic treatment in third and fourth degrees, but under medical supervision.

The suggested exercises for scoliosis are examples and cannot replace professional consultation with a doctor, physiotherapist, kinesiotherapist or rehabilitation therapist.

Exercises for scoliosis

Do each of the exercises slowly and try to relax when you exhale, not when you inhale. If you feel tired while doing the exercises, rest for a few minutes by walking around the room and drinking some water.

Exercise from standing position

Stay straight, with legs slightly apart.
Bend your knees and stretch your arms up.
When exhaling, tilt your body to the right, and when inhaling, stay straight with your arms above your head.
Repeat the same with a tilt to the left.

Do the exercise 5-8 times.

Exercise from sitting

Sit and stretch your arms out to the sides at shoulder level.
Try to tighten the abdominal muscles. While exhaling, turn to the right, not changing the position of the pelvis.
Do the same in the other direction.

Repeat the exercise 5-8 times on both sides.

Exercise on all fours

Assume a four-legged position, making sure your palms are just below your shoulders.
Straighten the back and tighten the abdomen.
Without changing the position of the arms and shoulders, bend the head when exhaling, and raise it when inhaling. Do this 5 times.
Staying in the same position, try to lift the left leg on the exhale and have it in line with the body.
Return to the starting position on the inhale, and as you exhale, do the same with the other arm and leg.

You can do 10 reps, trying not to rest in between.

Exercise from lying down

Lie on your right side and bend your knees slightly.
Place your bent elbow under your shoulder and your left arm behind your head.
On each exhale, lift your thigh off the floor so that it is in line with the body.

Repeat these actions 5 times, holding for 10 sec at the highest point on the last one.

Then do the exercise on the opposite side.

Exercise for back muscles

Assume a supine position on your stomach, placing your arms at your sides.
Lift your head and attempt to lift your shoulders as well, while simultaneously clenching and unclenching your hands into a fist.

Start the exercise with 5 repetitions and gradually increase them to 15.

How often is it good to do the exercises

Performing exercises for scoliosis even just once a week will help train the muscles. The exercises mentioned do not exhaust all possibilities. The selection of exercises is individual according to the nature of the curvature, the need for difficulty and the presence of concomitant health problems. The frequency of application of the exercises is also determined individually.

Although medical therapy is prescribed by a doctor, there are also exercises that can be used by anyone for preventive purposes to correct posture.