Impact of Physical Therapy on Pain and Function in a Patient With Scoliosis

Abstract

Human spine is a complex and robust structure. Almost all spine deformities contribute to limitations in activities of daily living. Scoliosis is the most common deformity accompanied by rotation and progresses during the growth of an individual. It is classified into three categories: congenital, idiopathic, and neuromuscular. The common secondary causes of scoliosis include cerebral palsy, poliomyelitis, and other neuromuscular conditions. A case of a 23-year-old female with right shoulder pain with a history of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which leads to a decrease in self-image and disturbance in activities of daily living, is presented in this report. The assessment, medical history, and rehabilitation protocol are mentioned in this case report. Physical therapy to treat shoulder joints includes thermotherapy and manual therapy targeting pain over the joint and stiffness. The use of thermotherapy, bracing, and strengthening and stretching exercises to prevent further deformity and aggravation of the symptoms is described in this report. We report that there was a significant improvement in muscle strength, relief from pain, spinal mobility, postural control, and decreases in further complications.