Winter 2016 - Scoliosis
4. Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: conservative management and treatment
Conservative management of scoliosis consists of either bracing or physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE), and should initially be applied with the aims of limiting the progression of scoliosis above surgical thresholds and, in the longer term, of improving the patient’s quality of life, pain and aesthetics. Bracing comes in all varieties; selected by a trained and experienced practitioner, it should be applied full time during the patient’s adolescence and periods of growth. Exercise should be prescribed by a clinical expert and designed around curve-specific and proven modalities to target the individual’s exact circumstances
Jason Black
10. Pathological presentations of scoliosis and their management
The presentation of scoliosis can be divided into two main types: neuropathic and adolescent idiopathic. Management has markedly improved over recent years, particularly with the consensus documents published by the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) providing a thorough review of good practice. This highlights the importance for early intervention including physiotherapy linked in with brace management and surgery. This article will review the current state of play and discuss the pertinent options available in current management strategies and challenge historic orthotic spinal intervention treatment practices based on evidence-based practice and cost-effective clinical provision
Martin Matthews
16. Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) treatments for adults after discharge: self-perceived results
The adult scoliosis patient population is seeking treatment to reduce pain, improve function and quality of life. In the majority of cases scoliosis is not the primary problem related to the source of the pain complaint. However, the scoliosis does tend to be the focus of both the patient and the medical provider when embarking on a treatment path.
Amy Sbihil
20. Scoliosis: a patient's perspective
This is a personal account by an amazingly brave lady. Bernadette has been coming to see me at The Physio Therapy Centre for many years and I remember her first visit. Full of fear of the unknown and wondering if this physio would be any better than the others. Would he able to help her as she struggled with the burden that never goes away, however much she wishes it would.
Bernadette Johnson
28. Conference 2017 taster article: The gluteus minimus in hip function and dysfunction
The gluteus minimus (GMin) is increasingly recognised as an important muscle for hip health. Previous biomechanical modelling and cadaveric studies have identified two distinct segments and postulated that the GMin segments act as femoral head stabilisers. In hip dysfunction the GMin is most susceptible to structural and functional changes in comparison to the gluteus medius and maximus. In particular, the anterior GMin segment is most likely to display such deficits before the posterior segment. Considering the proposed role of anterior GMin in neutralising large forces in hip extension during gait for example, the condition of the GMin is an important consideration in normal hip activity and this has implications for rehabilitation of hip disorders. This article will outline what is known about the role, structure and function of the GMin in health and dysfunction and briefly discuss rehabilitation concepts.
Tania Pizzari and Adam Semciw
32. Physio First's Quality Assured Practitioner scheme is launched
In our November Update our Chairman, Pam Simpson, highlighted details about our own, exclusive Quality Assured Practitioner (QAP) scheme and what it means for us as members, our stakeholders and the wider healthcare marketplace. The edition also answered some essential questions which we have reproduced here to emphasise the importance of this exciting Physio First initiative.