Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine. Physical therapy exercises for scoliosis provide numerous benefits ranging from stretching your muscles to toning and strengthening them. Even though exercises cannot cure scoliosis, according to the National Scoliosis Foundation, they can aid you in living a more comfortable and fulfilling life by decreasing your level of everyday pain.
Seated Positions
Do a seated twist. Sit in a firm chair. Straighten your spine. Slowly turn your entire upper body to one side. Hold. Return to original position. Turn to opposite side. According to backpaindetails.com, this physical therapy exercise for scoliosis helps stretch out the concave area of your spine. According to Yoga Journal, this exercise is a tonic to the spine and internal organs.
Do a back arch. While sitting, bend your back so that you slouch over. Feel the stretch. Hold. Return to upright position. Repeat.
Perform concave arch. While sitting upright, stick out your chest until you feel a back stretch. Hold. Return to original position. Repeat.
Do a upper back stretch. Lift one arm over your head with the elbow bent. Use your other arm to grab ahold of the other elbow. Gently pull toward your head. Hold. This stretches out your spinal column and loosens your upper back muscles. Relax and return to original position. Repeat with other arm. This exercise can also be done standing up.
Prone Positions
Lay on your back on a flat surface. Bend your knees. Lift one leg and cross it over the other. Put your hands behind your lower leg and intertwine your fingers underneath the knee area. Lift your leg off the ground. Pull both legs toward your upper body. Hold. Return to original position. Repeat with the opposite leg.
Do lying leg lifts. While laying on your back, bend both knees. Lift one leg and straighten it while putting your hands behind the knee. Stretch your leg as far as you can. Hold. Return to original position. Repeat with the opposite leg. This position is known as the Reclining Big Toe Pose in yoga.
On the Floor
Do a back arch. Known as the Cat Pose in yoga, according to Yoga Journal, this physical therapy exercise for scoliosis provides a gentle massage to your spine and internal organs. Get on the floor on your hands and knees. Gently arch your back so that your head is looking toward the floor. It is similar to a "scaredy-cat" posture.
Standing
Perform a back stretch. Begin by firmly planting your feet on a hard surface. Slowly lower your upper body until you touch the floor with your hands. Place your palms onto the floor. Walk your hands until your upper body is in a V-shape. Hold. Slowly return to standing position.
Tags: Hold Return, original position, position Repeat, your hands, Hold Return original, original position Repeat, Return original position