Do you have Scoliosis - an S shaped back?
Scoliosis.
If you know the word you possibly either have scoliosis or you know someone with it.
Don’t know what scoliosis is? it is a sideways curvature of the spine. Prevalence estimates vary widely, but it seems that 5% is about right. The curvature can be in any part of the spine, but the most commonly affected regions are the upper spine and lower back. It is more likely to affect females and is commonly presents in the early teenage years.
Symptoms may include :
the head may appear a bit off centre
the ribs on each side may be slightly different heights
one hip may be more prominent than the other
the clothes may not hang evenly
one shoulder or shoulder blade may be higher than the other
the person may lean to one side
the legs may be slightly different lengths
Some types of scoliosis can cause back pain, but it is not usually very painful. This symptom is more common in older adults.
Massage therapists do not diagnose.
If you need further information please see your health professional.
Do you have scoliosis? I wish to draw your attention to a free workshop next Saturday the 14/2 run by Adelene Cheong, a yoga teacher who has scoliosis.
You can register and find out more by clicking on the caption below Adelene’s picture
Massage therapists do not diagnose.
If you need further information please see your health professional
Viewed from the side, the normal spine takes the form of an elongated S, the upper back bowing outward and the lower back curving slightly inward. Viewed from behind though, the spine should appear as a straight line from the base of the neck to the tailbone. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine.
Benefits of massage for thoose with scoliosis may include:
Heightened body awareness. Lack of body awareness can be a major factor in the progression of scoliosis. In one study, patients who focused on building body awareness showed improvement in their scoliosis symptoms. Massage therapy helps you attune more deeply to your body, which “will allow you to change movement habits that contribute to functional scoliosis,” Troncao said.
Better sleep. It is often difficult for patients with scoliosis to find a comfortable sleep posture, and many suffer from insomnia as a result. One case study found that in addition to relieving pain, massage sessions twice a week improved the patient’s ability to sleep.
Enhanced mobility. In the same study, the patient also exhibited an increased ability to conduct daily activities. That is because massage therapy augments the spine’s mobility and balances out the muscles in the back, resulting in greater functionality.
Enriched mental health. Massage helps reduce the mind’s activity, freeing up more energy for healing. It also releases tension, which has both psychological and physical effects. In one study, patients who received scoliosis massage therapy showed immediate improvement in their mental well-being.
Increased circulation. During massage, tense muscles are stretched, allowing blood to flow more freely throughout the body. The boost in circulation helps increase flexibility and support healing in the muscles surrounding the spine.
(https://www.treatingscoliosis.com/blog/does-massage-therapy-help-with-scoliosis)