We want to first determine what type of scoliosis it is and we want to have some sort of expectation. In certain situations, we’ll see improvement as far as the curves go – a lessening. In other situations, it’s just not possible but we can see improvement as far as function.
We want to first get the areas that are stuck or locked up or not moving and get those moving. Areas that are stuck or locked up when the spine is twisted or there is a lateral curve puts a tremendous amount of stress and strain on the discs, on the joints and can cause wear and breakdown so we want to get everything functioning and working together.
There are a couple different types of traction – corrective type traction methods – that we use. We use a ScoliRoll® by a company called CBP – Chiropractic BioPhysics®. We also have a neuromuscular re-education protocol depending on how things are twisted or shifted. We typically will do that on a vibration platform or vibration plate – mirror image postural movements. Depending on how things are shifted, we want to start to stretch the concavity and strengthen the convexity side of the curve and bring everything back around to get it as near normal as we possibly can.
With any big scoliosis curve, it started out as a small scoliotic curve so the sooner you can get in and get checked and get things corrected, the better the outcomes are going to be. We always recommend being proactive about this as opposed to reactive.
Dr. Matthew Phinney has a genuine concern for the community’s health and well-being and is dedicated to helping people achieve their health and wellness objectives. Patients seeking his treatment can be assured that they are receiving the highest quality care! Dr. Matthew Phinney of The Chiropractic Doctors can be reached at (616) 432-3103 and is located at 5747 28th St. SE, Suite 101, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.