The Injury Hub

Scoliosis: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of Scoliosis.

The Injury Hub: Scoliosis

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a lateral or sideways curve in the spine that is apparent when viewing the spine from behind. Most cases of scoliosis are mild, but severe Scoliosis can be disabling.

A mild degree of scoliosis is common, occurring in up to 50% of the population. Scoliosis generally does not require any specific treatment unless it becomes painful or tight. However, a severe cases does indeed need treatment.

Woman with Scolliosis getting treated by a physiotherapist

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common Scoliosis symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

Signs and symptoms of Scoliosis may include uneven shoulders or waist, one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other or one hip higher than the other. If a Scoliosis curve gets worse, the spine will also rotate or twist, in addition to curving side to side.

This causes the ribs on one side of the body to stick out farther than on the other side. Severe Scoliosis can cause back pain and difficulty breathing.

The most important part of the management of Scoliosis is the early detection of its presence, as early management may prevent the need for surgery. The management of a Scoliosis is determined by the extent of the scoliosis. A number of methods are used to decide upon the most appropriate treatment. In most instances a mild Scoliosis requires no specific treatment.

Advice in regard to posture and exercises may be offered.In the majority of functional Scoliosis , our Physios can give advice regarding Posture, strengthening of muscles and correction of muscle imbalance, Strapping, Ergonomics, Exercise. 

Exercises can be prescribed to maintain curve status. If a brace is required, an exercise programme will also be prescribed, but if not required, instruction regarding review of the Scoliosis and exercises will be provided.

For Paediatric Scoliosis click here

While the causes for most types are unknown, hereditary factors have thought to have an effect on it. Some less common types of Scoliosis may be caused by:

  • One leg being shorter than the other – curvature of the spine can develop due to problems elsewhere in the body, such as one leg shorter than the other or muscle spasms in the back.

  • Neuromuscular disorders – such as Cerebral Palsy, birth defects affecting the development of the spine and muscular dystrophy can cause scoliosis.

  • Arthritis in the spine – This degenerative Scoliosis occurs in older adults due to the weakening of the normal ligaments and other soft tissues of the spine combined with abnormal bone spurs.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
How Much Does It Cost?

Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.

Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Sunday: Closed

*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics

This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.

Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Call Us: 01 611 1740

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