EXCERPT FROM SCOLIOSIS AND THE HUMAN SPINE
The following excerpt is the forward to the book, Scoliosis and the Human Spine by Martha C. Hawes, a professor and research scientist at the University of Arizona who had success with nonsurgical alternative scoliosis treatment options for her own spinal curvature. Dr. Hawes was able to reduce her own thoracic scoliosis by 40% without bracing or surgery.* Her personal interest in scoliosis led her to review hundreds of articles and research papers on scoliosis.
Dr. Hawes came to the conclusion that "statements claiming that scoliosis cannot be stabilized or reversed without bracing or surgery are not, and never have been, supported by scientific data. On the contrary, as detailed in this book, long-standing basic and clinical research results documented in reputable medical journals are consistent with the hypothesis that scoliosis can be reduced if not eliminated using nonsurgical approaches."
EXERCISE FOR SCOLIOSIS REHABILITATION
We at CLEARTM-Institute fully understand the limitations of manipulation and nonspecific exercises in the treatment of scoliosis. It is imperative that all treating clinicians understand the actions of the musculature on the spinal components when using physical therapy for scoliosis. The doctor or therapist must figure out which reactions and training are required to get the desired results in the reduction and stabilization of the scoliotic patient. The goal of scoliosis exercises is not necessarily to work the “weak” muscles, but to work the specific muscle groups that react with spinal units to bring the curved spine into a normal position. CLEARTM trained doctors use a very scientific biomechanical analysis to determine specific spinal maneuvers to be performed by each individual scoliosis patient. Postural analysis and scoliosis radiographs assist in the development of each personal scoliosis rehabilitation process.
PROPRIOCEPTION THERAPY FOR SCOLIOSIS
100% of scoliotic patients have a problem with proprioception and sensory integration. Dysfunction with these neuro-muscular control mechanisms requires sophisticated knowledge of neuro-muscular reeducation protocols, a foundation for the CLEARTM-Institute treatment program. Neuro-muscular reeducation is an important part of scoliosis rehabilitation for all types of scoliosis. Advancements in whole body vibration and re-active weighting procedures, as well as balance-related training using grounded tightrope walking exercises to help with scoliosis, allow for the postural muscle system to learn at an astounding pace. Scoliosis patients are routinely evaluated for balance and coordination to ensure lasting results are sustained.
TRACTION and DE-ROTATION
CLEARTM Institute doctors have developed a specialized scoliosis chair that allows sufficient traction while precision de-rotation effectively unwinds the spinal column. The 30 Hz frequency vibration added to the chair causes active muscle reeducation to take place while the spine is unwinding. This traction and derotation with added active muscle re-education is what a typical back brace for scoliosis lacks.
For more information on how CLEARTM Institute’s scoliosis treatment differs from traditional methods, please click here.