At this stage, we strive to consolidate improvements achieved during earlier phases and focus on stabilizing the spine through self-corrective exercises, isometric exercises, traction or any other means necessary.
Transient dynamic analysis of lumbar spine under axial cyclic vibrational loading revealed that vertebrae with scoliotic tendencies deform more easily and had greater vibrational amplitudes than others.
Whole Body Vibration
Whole body vibration (WBV) utilizes a mechanical vibrating plate on which patients stand. Postural muscles then contract involuntarily at the same rate as the plate – providing an intense muscle workout, improving strength, stability and mobility. Furthermore, vibration therapy increases circulation throughout the body as well as stimulating growth hormone and testosterone secretions which in turn help improve muscle flexibility while relieving back pain as well as stiff muscles pain.
WBV can help those suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy, Osteoporosis, Scoliosis, Spinal Stenosis Arthritis Multiple Sclerosis Depression Parkinson’s Disease. WBV has been proven to energize the body while increasing bone density and stimulating collagen production without placing unnecessary strain on joints and tendons; also providing stress relief while encouraging better balance and posture.
Vibration frequency is important because scoliotic spines are sensitive to vibrations, deforming more readily when their axial cyclic loading exceeds their resonant frequencies. Goel found that scoliotic lumbar spines deformed more readily in the Y direction than healthy ones when their loading frequency approached their respective resonant frequencies and as peak-to-peak vibrational displacement increased accordingly.
These results demonstrate that resonant frequencies for scoliotic spines vary between Lenke-A, Lenke-B and Lenke-C models of scoliosis; their amplitude of vibration in the Y direction was greatest for Lenke-C scoliosis due to severe structural instability present.
Another striking result from this research was that healthy lumbar spines had similar resonant frequencies, with less vibrational amplitude in their respective lumbar regions than their respective thoracic regions for all three curve types. This indicates that dynamic physical loading regulates and maintains muscle health, so recreating anabolic loads through non-pharmacological means such as vibration therapy is vital in keeping this system balanced – particularly beneficial in elderly individuals who cannot perform regular exercises themselves.
Isometric Exercises
Contrary to dynamic movements, which require muscles to contract against resistance as joints move in various directions, isometric exercises do not alter either muscle length nor joint angle; rather they strengthen them while holding that contraction for several seconds or minutes at a time.
As isometric training involves stiffening muscles and joints, it not only improves performance but also increases body’s ability to perform higher intensity movements without risk of injury. Furthermore, isometric exercises may also help alleviate muscle pain from injuries that limit movement like an injured shoulder or back.
Vibration-based isometric exercises can also help stabilize and improve posture for individuals living with scoliosis, particularly when coupled with bracing. A recent study demonstrated how such home-based vibration therapy programs, combined with isometric exercises, reduced brace use time while improving spinal posture (including Cobb angle, which measures the degree of curvature in the spine).
While isometric exercises may not be as effective at treating scoliosis, they’re safe and can make an effective addition to any treatment plan for the condition. The key is starting slowly, building strength gradually, and prioritizing form over duration – poor form may increase tension or cause injury.
To avoid this scenario, it is crucial to have an experienced practitioner lead your program and teach proper techniques. Aside from correct positioning and form training, force plates can also help monitor how much load is placed upon your muscles during an activity.
Planking is an isometric core-strengthening exercise. To perform it, stand with feet hip distance apart and place hands either on hips for support or on wall for extra stability, bend elbows to lower into bridge-like position keeping core and back tight, then slowly extend holding time from 20-30 seconds over time as strength builds up.
Traction
The traction phase of our in-clinic intensive care focuses on using straps and pulleys to provide various forces that may assist with de-rotating of the spine, relax ligaments of the spine and potentially reduce curves. This final stage seeks to maintain any improvements made during Mobility or Structural Chiropractic Adjustment phases.
Recent results of a recent study[1] demonstrate that home-based scoliosis specific exercise performed on a vibrating platform counteracts progression of Cobb angle measured by MRI among girls with AIS. The trial involved 40 participants aged 10-17 years who all met SOSORT criteria for moderate AIS who participated in an inpatient physical therapy program dedicated to scoliosis as well as wearing Cheneau braces.
In this study, six months were dedicated to performing exercises specifically tailored for scoliosis on a mechanical vibration platform. An MRI of the spine was obtained at baseline (M0) and month six (M6) using a 0.6T MR scanner in standing position; two 3D datasets were combined from this scan before statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS Version 23.0.
Spine FE models were constructed to simulate the dynamic response of the lumbar spine under axial cyclic loading, and these showed that deformed spines under these conditions more readily deformed when frequency of loading neared resonant frequency of spinal resonance, with higher vibration amplitude produced than healthy ones during cycling loading.
Scoliosis specific traction exercise was shown to significantly improve, stabilize and reverse progression among young girls with AIS, particularly before menarche began. Furthermore, additional endpoints such as quality of life improvements and aesthetic upgrades should also be explored further in future studies.
Massage
Massage therapy can be an invaluable source of scoliosis vibration therapy to manage discomfort associated with your curve. An experienced therapist may employ techniques such as myofascial release to relieve tension in the fascia (connective tissue that surrounds muscles), neuromuscular therapy to target trigger points in muscles and general relaxation massage to relieve stress and promote good posture. Regular sessions also improve flexibility of spine which in turn alleviate scoliosis pain.
Scoliosis affects more than just your spine – it also affects muscles that contribute to spinal asymmetry, making scoliosis-specific massage so essential in managing symptoms and treating related muscle issues. A general massage will only offer temporary relief from related muscle tension while specific massage can keep muscles strong and loose while improving body’s response to chiropractic treatment, which can address imbalanced muscles that lead to the curve of scoliosis.
People often think of massage as a treatment option for scoliosis because of its ability to soothe muscle tightening caused by curvatures in the spine and relieve associated discomfort. While massaging the muscles temporarily helps ease this tension, massage cannot alter this structural issue that creates scoliosis.
Be mindful that scoliosis is a progressive condition; thus it’s crucial that treatment begins as soon as possible with a comprehensive strategy in mind. Alongside massage therapy for scoliosis, your therapist should incorporate other therapies that may meet all your needs and goals for your specific curve.
At the CLEAR Scoliosis Reduction Center, we use various treatments for scoliosis including Whole Body Vibration as part of our intensive care program and a Scoliosis Traction Chair that’s specifically tailored to address difficult thoracic and lumbar curvatures. Contact us to discover how our tailored programs may help you achieve desired results – within just weeks you may enjoy more manageable curves that provide greater comfort!
