Scoliosis & Postural Pain Treatment

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that can develop during adolescence or progress gradually in adulthood. While mild curves may not cause noticeable symptoms, moderate to severe scoliosis — or even minor curves combined with muscle imbalances — can lead to chronic back pain, stiffness, and fatigue.

Postural pain is broader and affects people of all ages. Prolonged sitting, desk work, repetitive movements, and muscle weakness can all create postural patterns that stress the spine and surrounding tissues. Over time, these patterns can cause persistent discomfort in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to address both conditions by correcting muscle imbalances and improving how your body distributes load through the spine.

At The Back Clinic, our therapists take a whole-body approach to scoliosis and postural dysfunction. We assess not just the curve or posture itself, but the muscle imbalances, movement patterns, and lifestyle factors contributing to your pain.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Postural retraining — Building awareness of your alignment and teaching your body to maintain better positioning throughout the day
• Asymmetrical strengthening — Targeting weaker muscle groups on one side of the body to balance out forces across the spine
• Flexibility and mobility work — Addressing tight muscles and restricted joints that reinforce poor posture
• Core stabilization — Strengthening the deep muscles that support spinal alignment
• Manual therapy — Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension
• Ergonomic guidance — Recommendations for your workstation, sleep position, and daily habits

Your evaluation will include a detailed postural assessment, movement screening, and strength testing. If you have imaging showing your scoliosis curve, bring it along — it helps us understand the full picture.

Most patients with postural pain see noticeable improvement within four to six weeks. Scoliosis management is often longer-term, but many patients experience significant pain relief and functional gains within their first episode of care.

Our one-on-one treatment model means your therapist is with you for the entire session — guiding your exercises, providing hands-on treatment, and adjusting your plan as you progress.