[Exercise therapy in the treatment of idiopathic adolescent scoliosis: Is it useful?].
Many practitioners, pediatricians, and general practitioners prescribe physical therapy when tracking scoliosis. However, has physical therapy alone proved its efficacy in the care of the scoliosis to slow down progression? Our purpose is to report the results of a literature review on the effectiveness of rehabilitation in idiopathic scoliosis. No current study presents sufficient scientific proof to validate the efficacy of isolated exercise therapy in scoliosis. Learned societies recognize, however, the efficacy of combining conservative therapy (brace+physiotherapy) in idiopathic scoliosis. Should we then still prescribe rehabilitation without brace treatment? Although physical therapy alone does not seem effective in treating scoliosis, it can limit potential painful phenomena and be beneficial for respiratory function. The physical therapist can also teach the teenager the classic principles of hygiene of the back. It may therefore be appropriate to prescribe physical therapy, but the principles and objectives must be explained to the patient and family in light of current evidence-based medicine.
Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHU de Nîmes, place du Pr-Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France; Unité de rééducation, institut Saint-Pierre, 371, avenue de l'Évêché-de-Maguelone, 34250 Palavas-les-Flots, France. Electronic address: melanie.porte@chu-nimes.fr.
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Porte
Unité de rééducation, institut Saint-Pierre, 371, avenue de l'Évêché-de-Maguelone, 34250 Palavas-les-Flots, France.
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Patte
Service de médecine physique et réadaptation, CHU de Nîmes, place du Pr-Robert-Debré, 30029 Nîmes cedex 9, France.
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Dupeyron
Service d'orthopédie infantile, CHU de Montpellier, 371, avenue du Doyen-Gaston-Giraud, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
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Cottalorda
D000293:Adolescent; D001915:Braces; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012600:Scoliosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012955:Societies, Medical