Best Exercises for a Double Scoliosis Patient

Scoliosis can benefit from back strengthening exercises if done correctly.back image by Pavel Vlasov from Fotolia.com

Scoliosis is a condition that can greatly benefit from back strengthening exercises if done correctly. Rotation exercises balance muscle strength on both sides of your back. It is however very important for patients with double scoliosis not to over-exercise as this can do more harm than good. Your physical therapist will evaluate your muscle strength, flexibility and posture to design a home exercise program especially for your condition. Certain activities have proven to provide back strengthening, but you should consult your therapist before attempting them.

Pilates Exercises

Pilates is a total conditioning program focusing on core muscles, especially in the abdomen, back and pelvis. Pilates exercises have been designed to improve posture, flexibility and lean muscle strength. Proper breathing is essential while doing precise body movements. Double scoliosis patients can benefit from Pilates as it improves back muscle strength and posture, which are two focus areas in scoliosis exercise.

Low-impact aerobic exercises can improve back strength in double scoliosis patients. Examples of low-impact aerobic exercises are riding an exercise bike (adjust the handlebars and seat to ensure correct posture) and exercise walking (at a sustained pace for 20 to 30 minutes). These aerobic exercises will improve blood flow, which in turn provides structures in your back with important nutrients.

Water exercises, including swimming, provide a gentle form of back muscle conditioning, as water alleviates gravity, and provide only mild resistance. Double scoliosis patients are encouraged to use back stroke when swimming rather than breast stroke, as breast stroke tends to strain your neck.

Without activity, you will experience progressive back stiffness. It is necessary for scoliosis patients to keep pushing the range of movement as far as can be tolerated (in a controlled way) to provide back pain relief. Stretching exercises will improve flexibility in the discs, ligaments, muscles and tendons.