Réhabital
Scoliosis Treatment in Côte Saint-Luc
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine, often combined with vertebral rotation, that can appear during adolescence or develop gradually in adulthood. Whether the curve was found during a school screening, has been followed for years by a specialist, or is causing new pain after age 50, well-dosed conservative care can improve comfort, posture and breathing function. At Réhabital in Côte Saint-Luc, we work alongside medical follow-up, never as a replacement, offering physiotherapy and osteopathy tailored to each type of curve.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The main distinction is between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, which typically appears between ages 10 and 16 and is more common in girls, with an exact cause that remains unknown despite a likely genetic component, and adult scoliosis. Adolescent curves are tracked using the Cobb angle measured on X-ray: mild curves under 20 degrees are usually monitored, curves between 20 and 40 degrees may benefit from bracing depending on remaining bone maturity, and curves exceeding 45 to 50 degrees at the end of growth are sometimes discussed with an orthopedic surgeon. Adult de novo scoliosis, on the other hand, develops after age 50 due to asymmetric degeneration of the lumbar discs and facet joints; it is often accompanied by associated spinal stenosis and causes mechanical pain, sometimes radiating into a leg. There is also adult scoliosis arising from an untreated childhood idiopathic curve, which can progress slowly with age. Differential diagnosis must rule out functional, temporary scoliosis caused by a leg-length difference or an asymmetric muscle spasm, which corrects once the underlying cause is treated, unlike a fixed structural scoliosis. A full postural assessment, including the Adam's forward bend test, rib hump measurement, and a check for shoulder and pelvic asymmetries, guides the correct category and follow-up plan.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
The exact cause remains unknown, though a genetic component and asymmetric spinal growth during puberty are involved. The risk of progression is higher during rapid growth spurts.
Asymmetric disc and facet joint degeneration
In adults, uneven wear of the intervertebral discs and lumbar facet joints causes a progressive sideways collapse of the spine, often after age 50.
Untreated childhood idiopathic curve
A mild curve never treated in adolescence can remain stable for decades, then progress slowly alongside age-related degenerative changes.
Trunk muscle weakness and imbalance
Asymmetric weakness of the paraspinal and deep abdominal muscles does not cause structural scoliosis, but it influences pain, fatigue and daily postural tolerance.
Leg-length difference or functional scoliosis
A difference in leg length can create a pelvic tilt and a reversible compensatory curve, distinct from a fixed structural scoliosis.
Our Treatment Approach
Our assessment includes the Adam's forward bend test, rib hump measurement with a scoliometer, a full postural analysis, an examination of thoracic and lumbar mobility, and an evaluation of trunk stabilizing muscle strength. We systematically request existing X-rays and orthopedic follow-up to know the Cobb angle and bone maturity in adolescents, or the degree of degeneration in adults. In physiotherapy with Colin Teghen Tamuton, the plan includes scoliosis-specific exercises inspired by Schroth-based approaches, targeted asymmetric strengthening, breathing exercises to optimize chest expansion on the compressed side, and postural control training. Osteopathy, with Shahram Ghasemi, improves rib cage and diaphragmatic mobility, reduces compensatory muscle tension, and supports overall comfort without claiming to correct the structural curve. Massage therapy relieves accumulated asymmetric muscle tension. For adolescents with a progressive curve that is a bracing candidate, we coordinate follow-up with the treating orthopedic surgeon; we do not fit or manage braces ourselves.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
The first assessment lasts about 60 to 75 minutes and includes a detailed postural analysis, mobility and strength measurements, and a discussion of your existing X-rays and medical follow-up. You leave with an initial exercise plan and clear recommendations on the follow-up frequency suited to your type of curve.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Maintain regular, well-suited physical activity such as swimming or walking.
- Practice prescribed asymmetric exercises consistently.
- Wear appropriate footwear if a leg-length difference is identified.
- Avoid heavy backpacks carried on one shoulder in adolescents.
- Do breathing exercises to maintain chest expansion.
- Follow the recommended orthopedic follow-up and control X-rays.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
In adolescents, mild curves under 25 degrees often remain stable with follow-up and targeted exercises, while larger curves require closer orthopedic monitoring during growth. In adults, degenerative scoliosis generally progresses slowly; physiotherapy and osteopathy mainly aim to manage pain and preserve function rather than reduce the curve angle.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if postural asymmetry is noticed in a growing adolescent, if back or low back pain persists in an adult, or if you want support alongside existing orthopedic follow-up. Prompt medical referral is needed for rapid curve progression, severe night pain, weakness or numbness in a leg, or changes in bladder control.
Why Réhabital Clinic
In Côte Saint-Luc, our team supports scoliosis patients, both adolescent and adult, with specific exercises and coordinated follow-up with orthopedic specialists, never replacing that essential medical care.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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