Quick Summary
Scoliosis care depends on age, the spinal curve and symptoms. We can support suitable exercise and day-to-day function, while new or progressing curves need medical assessment and any specialist monitoring should continue.
Understanding Scoliosis Management
Scoliosis is a sideways curve with rotation of the spine. It may begin during growth or develop later in life. Some people have no pain, while others want help with discomfort or activity. Ordinary physiotherapy or massage should not be promised to straighten a structural curve.
How we assess your symptoms
A suspected or changing curve should be reviewed by a GP and, when indicated, a spinal specialist. For rehabilitation we review the diagnosis and any restrictions, assess symptoms and movement, and agree goals relevant to school, work, exercise or daily life.
Image: BruceBlaus / Blausen Medical — Blausen 0785 Scoliosis 01 · CC BY 3.0. Adapted and annotated.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Uneven shoulders, waist or hips, or a visible spinal curve.
- Rib prominence or clothing that sits unevenly.
- Back discomfort or fatigue in some people, particularly adults.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
What may contribute?
The cause is often unknown and is not simply poor posture. Some curves relate to developmental, neurological or age-related changes. A growing child and an adult with a stable curve require different decisions about assessment, monitoring and treatment.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Hands-on care may be used for associated muscle discomfort if appropriate. It does not replace specialist monitoring, bracing or other treatment when these are indicated, and it is not a method of permanently correcting the curve.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not a treatment to straighten scoliosis or prevent curve progression. Exercise and symptom support are matched to your needs, while decisions about monitoring, bracing or surgery belong within appropriate specialist care.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Exercise can support strength, fitness and confidence. We tailor activities to symptoms and specialist advice. If scoliosis-specific exercise is required, we discuss referral to a clinician with the relevant training rather than assuming a generic programme is equivalent.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
Is scoliosis caused by sitting badly?
Usually not. The common adolescent form has no clear single cause. A new asymmetry should be assessed rather than blamed on posture or treated with repeated “realignment”.
Can I exercise or play sport?
Many people can remain active. The choice depends on symptoms, age and any specialist advice. After surgery or during bracing, follow the specific guidance from your treating team.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Persistent low back pain · Lumbar spinal stenosis
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.