scolio-pilates
what is Scolio-Pilates®?
Scolio-Pilates® is a 3-dimensional exercise program for scoliosis that includes:
- Elongation of the spine and posture
- Corrective breathing techniques
- Corrective placement towards spinal neutral
- Strengthening
With this therapy method, your child learns and practices exercises during visits with our trained physical therapists and then uses these exercises every day at home. Benefits of Scolio-Pilates may include:
- Improved postural awareness
- Pain reduction
- Improved symmetry of tissues
- Improved endurance and tolerance of activities
- Improved breathing capacity
- Improved strength and flexibility
- Pro-active treatment during observation and bracing phases
Scolio-Pilates is not recommended for everyone with scoliosis. We treat children with spinal curves of over 20 de-grees*, children 11 or older with a significant risk of curve progression, and children whose spine and bones are not finished growing. Your doctor can answer questions about whether or not this program is right for your child.
Scolio-Pilates is NOT a substitute for bracing or surgery as surgical correction or other treatments may be indicated.
Scolio-Pilates can benefit the following types of scoliosis patients:
- Cleared pre- and post-op patients
- Patients with pain
- Patients with reduced strength
- Patients with breathing difficulties
- Patients who are braced
- Patients being observed for changes
For more information, call 937-641-3024.
frequently asked questions
what can you expect?
All sessions are 1:1 with trained physical therapists and physical therapy assistants who have received extensive training in the Scolio-Pilates technique. Your child will have a full evaluation, addressing alignment, strength and flexibility. The therapist will work with your child and you to create the best plan of care that meet your child’s needs, goals and expectations.
will my insurance cover this?
Yes – we will be providing a comprehensive physical therapy evaluation, establishing both short-term and long-term goals as part of the treatment program. Scolio-Pilates exercises will be incorporated into the overall treatment plan.
will I still need my brace?
Every patient is different and several factors ( degree of scoliosis, age, rate of progression) go into the determination as to whether or not a brace is indicated. The orthopedic surgeon will determine whether you would benefit from bracing and the number hours the brace will need to be worn daily.
will I still need surgery someday?
The orthopedic surgeon will be closely monitoring your scoliosis. The need for surgery, like the need for bracing, is based on multiple factors – every patient (and every scoliosis curve) is unique. Our goal is to provide an individualized program for each patient to optimize their functional outcomes and provide the best quality of life.
how long are the sessions?
Physical therapy sessions are typically 45 minutes in length. Your child is taught an exercise program and scheduled for physical therapy appointments 1 to 2 times per week for 8 to 12 sessions. This may vary based on your child’s needs. Once your child learns their exercises, they will do them at home for 20 to 30 minutes per day. They will also have periodic follow-up appointments with their therapist and doctor.
how do I get started?
All of our patients are first evaluated by one of our orthopedic surgeons to assess their scoliosis and any other orthopedic concerns. The orthopedic surgeon will decide if physical therapy using the Scolio-Pilates approach is appropriate and refer the patient to our orthopedic physical therapy department.
what are the benefits?
Our goals are to improve posture, core strength, flexibility, self-confidence and decrease/prevent back pain.
