Helping people with scoliosis build strength, balance and confidence

Living with scoliosis can affect more than spinal alignment. For many people, it shapes how they move, how they manage pain and even how confident they feel doing everyday things like walking, working or playing with family.

Scoliosis is also more common than many realize. “Scoliosis is so commonly seen in the human body that many don’t know that they have any asymmetries,” says Ben Brandt, PT, DPT. “The degree of asymmetries can vary greatly from person to person.” That means each person’s experience, and each path forward, looks different.

At IU Health, physical therapists focus on understanding those differences. They build personalized care plans to help people move more comfortably and feel more confident in their bodies. For adolescents, therapy often centers on posture, flexibility and core strength during important growth years. For adults, it may mean addressing pain, improving balance or adapting to changes that come with time.

When pain lingers or progress feels limited, therapists can explore more specialized approaches. “Most therapists have skillsets that are sufficient in addressing common aches and pains,” Brandt says. “But when pain or balance deficits are unchanged, it can be helpful to explore alternative treatment approaches.” These may include Schroth Method exercises for children, provided by Riley Children’s Health, or Postural Restoration Institute techniques for adults.

These approaches help retrain how the body moves. “We’re helping patients access joint positions that they didn’t once have,” says Brandt. By focusing on areas like the rib cage and pelvis, therapy can improve alignment and even relieve pain in other parts of the body, such as the neck, shoulders, hips, knees and feet.

For some people, the results can be life changing. Brandt recalls a woman who still had knee pain a year after surgery and therapy elsewhere. After just a few weeks of targeted care focused on her scoliosis, she was able to walk and use stairs without pain.

“Every person could benefit from learning how their body is unique,” Brandt says.

During Scoliosis Awareness Month in June and year round, IU Health Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation helps people at locations across Indiana feel stronger, move better and get back to the moments that matter most.