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MFR: a non-surgical alternative for scoliosis

Woman with scoliosis of the spine. Curved woman's back with acne skin..jpg

What is scoliosis?

Scoliosis is any curvature of the spine measuring at least 10 degrees.

There are two types of scoliosis

  • structural scoliosis (most common): spinal rotation with side-to-side curvature of the spine, considered permanent unless treated, usually diagnosed during adolescence

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  • nonstructural scoliosis (functional scoliosis): temporary, side-to-side curvature of the spine 

What is the cause of scoliosis?

  • structural scoliosis: cause unknown in children, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, degeneration with age

 

  • functional scoliosis: inflammation, muscle spams, difference in leg height

Hands of a male osteopath treating a young woman patient applying pressure to manipulate a

Scoliosis symptoms

  • uneven shoulders

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  • a shoulder blade is more prominent than the other​​

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  • a hip is higher than the other

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  • one side of the rib cage juts forward

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  • breathing problems

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  • back pain

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How do Myofascial Release therapists treat scoliosis?

  • leg pulls: hands hold the client's feet with light traction in order to lengthen, and unlock the sacrum from the spine

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  • abdominal compression: hands soften the visceral tissue around the hip flexors

 

  • sacral release: therapist stretches the client's soft-tissue (fascia) around the sacrum and lower back in opposite directions

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  • oblique release: while client is lying on their side, therapist gently spreads their rib cage away from their hip 

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  • neck traction: therapist uses slight decompression to put space in client's upper spine  

How does MFR help scoliosis?

Myofascial Release increases the space between the cramped joints and vertebrae. 

 

This improves posture, relieves muscle tension, increases circulation, and improves mobility.

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