The word Scoliosis is actually a Greek word, meaning curved or bent. Scoliosis therefore refers to a type of spinal curvature, where the spine bends sideways and rotates along its vertical axis.
Scoliosis is typically defined in four different categories – Idiopathic (not related to any other disease or disorder), congenital (a curve that develops as a result of congenitally abnormal vertebrae), neuromuscular (scoliosis resulting from a wide range of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system) and paralytic (curvature which develops when there is loss of spinal cord function, usually occurring early in life).
What causes Scoliosis?
Scoliosis has been referred to as a bit of a medical mystery, with many cases having no known cause. Known causes may include genetic conditions, congenital spine deformation, cerebral palsy, spina bifida or neuromuscular problems, just to name a few.
How can remedial massage support a client with Scoliosis?
Massage therapy can not cure Scoliosis, however clients with the condition may experience an increase in tension in the surrounding muscles and tissues to the spine. Remedial massage can support clients to relieve this tension as well as lengthen muscles and increase circulation to the area.
Other reported benefits of remedial massage on clients with Scoliosis include:
- Enhanced mobility – In a study conducted on patients experiencing Scoliosis, massage therapy reportedly increased their ability to conduct daily activities.
- Improved sleep – In the same study, patients reported that having a remedial massage twice a week improved their ability to sleep comfortably.
- Improved mental well-being – Remedial massage has been shown to reduce stress and increase relaxation, which can support clients to better handle chronic pain.
- Patients who received remedial massage prior to chiropractic or neuromuscular therapies reported better results from treatment.
Remedial massage therefore has many benefits to offer clients suffering from Scoliosis.