Non-Surgical Kyphosis and Scoliosis Treatment Programs
Expert Training Our program is modeled after the outpatient program used at the E. Salva Institute for Rehabilitation of Spinal Deformities in Barcelona, Spain. This 40 year old clinic in Spain is directed by Dr. Manuel Rigo MD, PhD, a world renowned professor and Physician specializing in conservative management of scoliosis. Dr. Rigo has traveled to the USA many times since 2004, and it is through his efforts that we have Physical Therapists certified in the Schroth-based Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School Method (BSPTS-Concept by Rigo) in this country. In our program, you will work with some of these specially trained clinicians to learn the exercises for scoliosis and kyphosis.
Individual Evaluation A Physician’s order requesting "Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment for Scoliosis or Scheuermann's/juvenile Kyphosis" may not be necessary, but is preferred. Prior to treatment, your x-rays will be reviewed, and your curve will be classified according to the BSPTS-Concept by Rigo Method. When you arrive at Scoliosis Rehab, digital photographs of your posture will be taken to help you understand the location and pattern of your curve, and to document your posture prior to treatment. Range of motion, strength, and functional mobility will be assessed. Special tools will be used to quantify your torso shape and lung function. Consultation on your current brace fit can be provided and we also make recommendations for 3D hyper corrective bracing for juveniles and adolescents. Adult bracing recommendations are made based on functional limitations and pain.
Empowerment Through Knowledge The sessions begin with education in anatomy and function of your spine. You will learn about the changes that take place in the spine and body when you have scoliosis. These changes include spinal alignment, rib cage shape, muscle pull, organ pressure and function, and trunk shape. You will learn about the vicious cycle theory, and how you can impact your scoliosis. Remember that in idiopathic scoliosis there is no known cause, but once the scoliosis curve is initiated, muscle and postural imbalances result. These imbalances play a role in the progression of the scoliosis curvature. These uneven forces in your body can potentially increase the uneven forces in your spine. Temporarily correcting the muscle and postural imbalances with specific scoliosis exercises and posture can be an important factor in preventing curve progression in clinically noticeable structural curves. However, biomechanics may not be the only factor in curve progression or regression. This may be why some curves continue to progress even with the exercises and a good brace during adolescence.
Intensive Non-Surgical Treatment An Initial stay of 1 - 2 weeks for intensive training in BSPTS-Concept by Rigo Physical Therapy is usually recommended for adolescents with as needed follow up visits dependent on each patient's needs. It will include approximately two hours of Physical Therapy in the morning and two hours in the afternoon for 5 days, with Saturday and Sunday off. All sessions are directed by an Advanced Schroth-Certified BSPTS-Concept by Rigo Physical Therapist. Adult intervention must proceed more slowly than adolescent intervention, due to possible rigidity of the tissue, arthritic changes, disc problems, and more well-established movement patterns. The length of time needed to learn and perform the scoliosis exercises independently varies. In general, initially of a one week stay is recommended with follow up visits scheduled based on individual needs and circumstances and may include various pain management techniques based on individual needs. Prior to your decision to initiate Physical Therapy at our clinic, your specific needs should be discussed with one of our specially trained Physical Therapists.
Achievable Goals The goals of treatment are:
Independent improvement of the scoliosis curvature in 3 dimensions with carryover in daily life
Improved strength and balance of muscle activation
Decreased trunk asymmetry
Decreased pressure on internal organs
Increased lung function
Decrease in the mechanical forces that promote progression of the curve
Pain relief (if present) with self-management of symptoms
When surgical treatment is the best option - to provide exercises prior to surgery (pre-hab) and post surgical (rehab) if needed
Manageable Home Program It is recommended that you perform your Physical Therapy Scoliosis Specific Exercise ( PSSE) home program 5 days a week for approximately 30 minutes a day, if you are an adolescent or young adult. For adults, frequency is based on individual needs. Regular repetition of the exercises for scoliosis and kyphosis helps you "reprogram" your posture away from your specific scoliotic posture to a new more balanced one.
Refresher Sessions Opportunities for refresher sessions exist and will be arranged as needed.
Local Opportunities For those living within commuting distance to our locations a more flexible schedule is available. Please call us to discuss.
Bracing Services For those requiring orthotics consultation or services, we work closely with Align Clinic, LLC. Grant Wood, of Align Clinic, who worked in Spain with Dr Rigo for more thanb 20 years. During this time, he mastered an understanding of the benefits of conservative treatment of scoliosis with the Rigo Scoliosis Classification and Cheneau brace following the Rigo bracing principles. He is the designer of the WCR (Wood Cheneau Rigo) Brace. Align Clinic orthotists see patients at our clinics and at Align Clinic locations in California and Wisconsin. He can be contacted via email at [email protected]
Good Faith Estimate OMB Control Number (0938-1401]
Expiration Date [12/31/25] You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate”explaining how much your medical care will cost under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. • Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service. • If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. • Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call [1-800-985-3059].
