Your Questions Answered

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal curvature in which the spine bends sideways, usually accompanied by rotation around its own axis. It typically appears as an 'S' or 'C' shape; it can affect not only the shape of the spine but also posture and, in some cases, breathing. The most common form is the idiopathic type, whose cause is not fully known, and it usually emerges during the growth period.

In idiopathic scoliosis, the most common form, there is no single identifiable cause — that is where the name comes from. Current knowledge points to a multifactorial picture in which growth, genetic predisposition, and hormonal and neuromuscular factors play a role together. Everyday habits such as carrying a bag or sitting badly do not, on their own, cause structural scoliosis — this is a common misconception.

Genetic predisposition is known to play a role in scoliosis; children with a family history of scoliosis are more likely to develop it than the general population. However, this is not an inheritance passed on through a single gene, but a predisposition shaped by multiple factors together. If there is a family history, regular observation during the growth period is important.

Scoliosis does not always cause pain and can be difficult to notice early on. Common signs include one shoulder or shoulder blade sitting higher than the other, asymmetry at the waistline, clothes fitting unevenly, and one side of the back appearing more prominent when bending forward. When such an asymmetry is noticed, an assessment is recommended; a definitive diagnosis is made by a physician through radiological evaluation.

In unmonitored scoliosis, the curvature can progress over time, particularly during the growth period; in advanced cases, back and lower back pain, restricted movement and effects on breathing may occur. This is why early recognition and regular monitoring are important. A process addressed early is usually easier to manage.

Structural scoliosis does not resolve on its own; being told to 'stand up straight' or doing general sport does not, by itself, straighten the curvature. That said, inactivity is not the answer either — physical activity is good for general health. What matters in scoliosis is not random exercise, but a scoliosis-specific, individually planned programme.

Schroth is a scoliosis-specific, three-dimensional exercise approach. It is built on individualised posture correction (auto-correction), scoliosis-specific breathing, and training the muscles that will hold the corrected posture. The aims are to increase posture awareness and trunk balance, to work towards slowing the progression of the curvature, and to maintain the corrected posture in daily life.

Schroth-based programmes can be applied to children and adolescents, to adults and, where needed, together with a brace. The programme is not the same for every age and every curvature; it is planned individually according to the person's age, the state of their curvature and their goals. Suitability is determined through an individual assessment.

Scoliosis-specific exercises are primarily aimed at slowing the progression of the curvature; current evidence shows that, in appropriate cases, they can also contribute to reducing the curvature. However, results vary from person to person and cannot be guaranteed; they depend on age, the state of the curvature and regular adherence to the programme. Discussing expectations within a realistic framework is an important part of the process.

With regularly practised, individualised programmes, changes in posture and trunk balance can be observed over time. The timeframe varies according to the state of the curvature, the person's age and adherence to the programme. Scoliosis is not a short-term matter but a long-term process that requires regular monitoring.

A brace is a tool that can be used to limit the progression of the curvature, particularly in cases at risk of progression during the growth period; the decision rests with a physician. It is not sufficient on its own — while it supports the spine externally, active exercise contributes to muscle balance. For this reason, a brace is more meaningful when planned, in appropriate cases, together with programmes such as Schroth.

Surgery is generally considered as a last resort, in cases of advanced curvature with accompanying findings; the decision rests with the relevant physician. Early recognition and regular monitoring can help manage the process before it reaches that point. At our clinic, the aim is to support the conservative process and to prioritise function and quality of life.

Yes. In children and adolescents, the priority is to slow the progression of the curvature and, in appropriate cases, to work towards reducing it. In adults, the priorities are reducing pain, supporting posture and maintaining quality of life. Goals are set individually for every age.

In adults, scoliosis may be a continuation from adolescence or develop with age-related wear in the spine. In adults, the priority is usually not to change the degree of the curvature, but to manage pain, improve trunk strength and balance, and support posture and daily function. The programme is planned according to the person's complaints and goals.

No. Most children and adults with scoliosis can do sport; physical activity is recommended for general health and supports muscle balance and endurance. For certain high-level or one-sided, demanding sports, an individual assessment can be helpful. What matters is continuing sport alongside the scoliosis-specific exercise programme, not instead of it.

Manual therapy is an evidence-based approach consisting of assessment and treatment techniques that a physiotherapist applies with their hands. Joint and nerve mobilisations, manipulation and soft tissue techniques fall within this scope. Your complaint is reassessed before each session and the techniques are planned according to your findings; the aims are to reduce pain, improve mobility and support function.

It may be applied, after a clinical assessment, in many musculoskeletal conditions such as lower back and neck pain, muscle spasms, posture-related complaints, frozen shoulder, sciatica and nerve compression, joint stiffness and sports injuries. Which technique is suitable is determined by your findings; manual therapy is usually carried out together with exercise, as part of a holistic programme.

The number of sessions and the length of the process vary from person to person and are planned after an assessment. The response in the first few sessions usually gives a good indication of how the process will unfold. Doing your home exercises regularly and following the recommendations are among the most decisive parts of the process.

This can only become clear through an individual assessment. Many musculoskeletal complaints can be managed with an appropriate physiotherapy programme without the need for surgery; whether your condition is suited to this is evaluated together with your response in the first sessions. Decisions about conditions requiring surgery rest with the relevant physician; our approach is complementary and forward-looking in that process.

What is gained through manual therapy is not just temporary relief; with the right treatment and your active participation, it lays the groundwork for more functional, longer-term results. Sustainability also depends on daily-life habits and adherence to the recommended exercise programme. Our aim is to support long-term functional gains beyond temporary relief.

Medication is not recommended within the scope of physiotherapy. Pain is often a sign of an underlying problem; our approach addresses the cause as well as the symptom. Situations requiring medication are evaluated by the relevant physician within a multidisciplinary framework.

Manual therapy is generally well tolerated. Some techniques may cause mild tenderness or temporary tiredness; however, the aim is not to cause pain but to reduce it and make movement easier. The intensity of treatment is adjusted to your tolerance and findings; letting us know when you feel discomfort allows us to manage the process together.

Clinical reformer Pilates is an exercise method applied under the supervision of a physiotherapist for people with musculoskeletal needs. Using the Reformer equipment, an individualised programme is planned according to your condition and posture; the aim is to support quality of movement, trunk control and posture. It is rehabilitation-focused, not general fitness.

Clinical reformer Pilates is rehabilitation-focused rather than aimed at general conditioning. The exercises are planned by a physiotherapist according to your findings and goals, and the level of difficulty is adjusted to your condition. This way, musculoskeletal needs are addressed within a safe framework.

At the first appointment, we listen to your complaint, your history and your daily life; posture, movement and related findings are then assessed. With this information, an individual plan is created and the process is discussed together. The aim is to address the problem at its source, not only at the level of symptoms.

If you have them, bringing your MRI, X-ray and related reports contributes to the assessment. These documents provide useful information; however, the plan is based on the clinical assessment as a whole, not on imaging alone. An assessment can still be carried out if you have no documents.

A session lasts around 50 minutes; this may vary according to the content of the treatment and your condition.

If you need to change your appointment, letting us know as early as possible is all that is required; we will find a suitable time together. This keeps both your own process and other clients' plans on track.