A doctor diagnoses scoliosis if the spine has an abnormal curvature. The disease is most often diagnosed in children. One of the options for relieving pain and preventing exacerbations is massage for a teenager.
You can find an experienced specialist with a medical education on the website 7hands.com. But before ordering a service, you should understand what effect to expect from it.
The effect of massage on the body
Massages have a relaxing and therapeutic effect on the body of a child, as well as an adult. The age of digital technology has greatly increased the number of cases of scoliosis in children. The thing is that the child spends a lot of time in one position in front of the computer or with a tablet in his hands, and the load on the spine is very high. Taking into account the fact that the child’s musculoskeletal system is not fully formed, scoliosis develops very quickly. Massage when diagnosing scoliosis in children helps improve blood flow and lymph flow in the body, as a result, providing adequate nutrition to the back muscles. In addition, the muscles that are constantly under tension due to the curvature of the spinal column relax, which allows you to create the basis for correcting the defect.
What is childhood scoliosis
Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spinal column . Most often it occurs in children and adolescents, because this pathology occurs during a period of active growth. According to statistics, it is diagnosed in almost 15% of children.
If the problem is identified in a timely manner and the correct treatment tactics are selected, childhood scoliosis can be corrected, because the formation of the spine and muscle corset is not yet completed.
Scoliosis occurs due to incorrect posture . Inflammatory diseases of the spinal tissues also contribute to its development. Sometimes the cause is intense physical activity, injury, osteoporosis, or sudden lifestyle changes.
Scoliosis can be diagnosed by asymmetrical body positioning
Scoliosis can be congenital or acquired. Doctors distinguish several forms of the disease depending on the location of the arc of curvature and the degree of its severity.
Types of massage
There are different ways of massage effects on the body of a child with scoliosis. Children's massage for scoliosis can be:
- general – the whole body is massaged, and more attention is paid to problem areas; such a massage can take up to one hour;
- private - attention is paid only to problem areas, the procedure lasts from 15 minutes to half an hour.
In addition, the type of massage may vary depending on what equipment is used in the process. The massage can be cupping, when areas of the back are exposed to vacuum, acupressure, if special attention is paid to certain points of the body, manual, or mixed, when several techniques are combined.
Adult therapeutic massage
Massage will also be useful for adults. It is difficult to meet a person who does not experience muscle pain. Stress, fatigue, a sedentary lifestyle, and incorrect body position when performing daily activities cause muscle spasms, pinched nerves and blood vessels. As a result, pain appears in various parts of the body, numbness, and limited movement. Therapeutic massage helps solve these problems. The medical service provides both segmental massage (back, cervical-collar area, feet, etc.) and comprehensive healing massage of the whole body.
Massage technique
When scoliosis is detected, children's massage is most often performed manually, but other types of massage are not excluded. When doing a manual massage, at the very beginning you need to thoroughly warm up the back muscles and relax them, after which you can work on the back in the thoracic region. After finishing massaging the thoracic region, it is time to move on to the lumbar region, then the back massage ends with stroking. Chest massage is performed in a similar way to back massage. It allows you to relax and tone the muscles that are located on the concave and convex sides of the sternum. Back massage for scoliosis in young children allows you to achieve visible results. The only thing is that it is recommended to undergo massages not once, but in courses.
Massage for C-shaped scoliosis
In this condition, the child’s spine is curved in only one place. In this case, a massage with a squeezing technique will be useful, when the concave side is massaged first and then the convex side. The child’s lower back is rubbed, kneaded with hand movements in a circle, the intercostal space is massaged with linear movements. Then massage the child with scoliosis is performed in the pelvic area, thoroughly kneading the sacrum. After this, you need to massage your legs, paying special attention to the leg, which is located on the side of the bulge on the spine.
Massage for a child with stage 1 scoliosis
If a child needs a massage with scoliosis of the 1st degree of curvature, the bulge, as a rule, is not very visible. Therefore, you need to limit yourself to light rubbing and kneading of the muscles. The force should be adjusted - sometimes press harder, sometimes less. The area between the child’s shoulder blades needs to be massaged especially well. At an early stage, scoliosis can be completely cured with massages alone.
Massage for a child with stage 2 scoliosis
Massage for grade 2 scoliosis in a child involves a special approach and the use of different techniques - rubbing, kneading and stroking in the area of the shoulder blades and from the chest. Gradually you need to increase the force of pressure on the muscles to increase the load on them. Over time, with the help of massages, it will be possible to completely eliminate the manifestations of scoliosis, as well as save the child from neurological disorders. It is important to diagnose the condition in a timely manner so that the prognosis is favorable.
Can massage make scoliosis worse?
Some researchers believe that one of the causes of acquired scoliosis is constant muscle tension located along the spinal column. Of course, such a pathology will not cause serious structural changes in bone tissue, but it can trigger pathological processes. Thus, relieving muscle tone will have a positive effect on the condition of the spine.
But can a massage therapist put so much pressure on the spinal column that the curvature worsens?
In fact, the spine is almost impossible to move with the movement of the hands. That is why corsets and plaster casting are prescribed for treatment, and massage is called only a means of symptomatic therapy.
However, unprofessional massage for teenagers with scoliosis can actually worsen their health. In particular, the use of uncertified aids will provoke allergies.
Theoretically, if an unqualified chiropractor works with a patient, then physical injuries and displacement of intervertebral discs are possible. To avoid complications, it is recommended to choose massage therapists with real reviews. Before the first procedure, it is worth checking the documents confirming the qualifications of the specialist.
If the chosen massage therapist asks for the child's medical record and x-rays, this is a good sign.
Session frequency
How many times a child needs a massage for scoliosis and how often is determined by the doctor. As a rule, one course consists of 15–20 sessions, and a repeat course can be prescribed depending on the baby’s health condition. But at the same time, you should not repeat the course of massages earlier than after one month. Usually no more than three courses are indicated per year, based on the results of which the doctor determines what results have been achieved. It is best to have a massage from a professional massage therapist for diagnosed scoliosis in children, regardless of age, whether the child is 2 years old or when the child is of school age 10–13 years old, but certain influences are also allowed at home, but only after consultation with a doctor and his approval.
Diagnostics
First, a physical examination. The doctor looks at the level of the shoulders, shoulder blades, and pelvic bones, paying attention to the presence of a rib hump and asymmetry of skin folds on the back.
The angle of curvature is measured with a scoliometer: a deviation greater than 5–7° is an indication for an x-ray. Pictures are taken in standing and lying positions, and the spinal stability index is assessed based on the results.
If it is necessary to detail the condition of the tissues, MRI, CT, myelography, and optical tomography (without radiation exposure) may be prescribed. A mandatory condition of the examination is photographing the child from different positions, which is repeated during treatment to observe the dynamics.
Important ! Additional examination may include ultrasound of the abdominal organs, electrocardiogram, etc.
Contraindications for massage
In some conditions, massage is contraindicated for a child with scoliosis. Contraindications are:
- blood disease;
- tendency to bleeding and hemorrhage;
- inflammation, including blood vessels and lymph nodes;
- diseases of the skin, nails, cracks and scratches;
- active form of tuberculosis;
- disruptions in the functioning of the nervous system, mental illness;
- hypertensive crisis.
In addition, massage for children with right- or left-sided thoracolumbar scoliosis is contraindicated if there are malfunctions of the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys, including kidney and liver failure. Also, you should not massage if you have allergies. In any case, the final decision regarding massages should be made by the attending physician.
Treatment of scoliosis with massage
This simple procedure has a beneficial effect on:
- Musculoskeletal system. The massage tones and relaxes tense back muscles. Strengthens the muscles that are located along the spine, forming an elastic corset.
- Circulatory system. Massaging movements accelerate blood flow in the tissues of the spine, resulting in increased flexibility and the ability to regenerate cartilage tissue.
- Nervous system. Thanks to massage, the speed of reaction of nerve cells to external stimuli increases, which has a beneficial effect on the child’s emotional background.
Disease prevention
Preventive measures are elementary and known to every parent:
- Watch your child's posture.
- Remind your child to change positions during activities or homework. Periodically make him get up, walk around the room, jump, and stretch.
- Buy your child a hard mattress.
- Diversify your baby's diet. Include foods rich in protein and fiber in your menu.
- Remember to take your child for a walk every day, no matter the weather.
- Increased activity of the child reduces the risk of scoliosis to zero.
Text of the book “Massage for diseases of the musculoskeletal system”
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a severe progressive disease of the spine, which manifests itself in an arched curvature in the frontal plane and twisting of the vertebrae around a vertical axis - torsion (Fig
.
Rice. 8. Possible displacements of the spine with scoliosis
At the last stage of the disease, a costal protrusion first forms, and then a costal hump - the gibbus.
Scoliosis is not only a cosmetic defect, it is numerous dysfunctions of internal organs, especially the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Scoliosis is no longer just a violation of posture, but a disease.
Causes of scoliosis
Very rarely, scoliosis can be congenital and caused by improper development of the vertebrae. Much more often, scoliotic disease occurs between the ages of 5 and 15 years, when the spine grows. Scoliosis is more common in girls.
There are usually several causes for this disease. It is not always possible to establish what led to its development.
Factors causing scoliotic disease are usually divided into three groups.
1. Congenital or acquired primary pathological factors that lead to impaired growth and development of the spine.
As an illustration, we can give an example when a child has a congenital wedge-shaped or semi-wedge-shaped vertebra. His body grows asymmetrically. As the spine grows, it takes the shape of an arch, and the pathological vertebra is located at the apex of scoliosis.
Scoliotic curvature of the spine can be caused by the congenital absence of one rib or, conversely, by the presence of an extra rib on either side.
Scoliosis also develops as a result of fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra with the sacrum or the transition of the first sacral vertebra to the lumbar region.
Acquired factors include rickets, improperly treated compression fracture of the spine, tuberculous lesions of the vertebrae.
2. Statodynamic factors, when, as a result of prolonged asymmetrical body position, compensatory curvature of the spine occurs.
A long-term asymmetrical position of the body is observed, for example, in cases where one leg is shorter than the other from birth, or there is flat feet on one leg, or there is a congenital dislocation of the hip. The same situation occurs with an incorrectly healed fracture of the bones of one of the lower extremities. All these pathologies lead to an oblique position of the pelvis and the possible subsequent development of scoliosis. In addition to the above reasons, an oblique position of the pelvis and deformation of the spine cause paralysis of one half of the body, large soft tissue burns and sometimes surgical interventions.
Sometimes the patient takes a curved position for a long time to reduce pain resulting from certain diseases of the spine and peripheral nervous system, and as a result scoliosis develops.
In adults, scoliosis can occur due to prolonged asymmetrical loads on the back muscles - the so-called. scoliosis of violinists, seamstresses, porters. In these cases, when the growth of the skeleton is already complete, the curvature develops more slowly and rarely reaches the same degree as in children.
3. General pathological factors. Scoliosis often develops in children who are weakened as a result of a serious illness or, for example, during puberty, when the balance of the endocrine glands is disturbed.
Treatment of scoliosis should take into account its etiology. The first of these factors does not always lead to the development of scoliosis or its progression. They are very dangerous in combination with factors of the second group, but the latter can often be cured. The greatest concern should be caused by a combination of factors from all three groups.
Idiopathic scoliosis is caused by uncertain factors, when clear causes of scoliosis cannot be established. Most often in this case they talk about neuromuscular insufficiency and inferiority of bone tissue. Such scoliosis is very difficult and progresses quickly.
The general physical culture of the child is also important. Scoliosis often occurs in children who are delayed in physical development or have poor posture.
Scoliosis degrees
There are 4 degrees of scoliosis depending on its severity. At the same time, attention is paid to differences in the shape of the scoliosis arc, in the angle of deviation of the primary arc from the vertical line, in the severity of torsion changes and in the persistence of existing deformations.
I degree of scoliosis.
When the back muscles get tired, the spine deviates slightly to the side. After rest, the curvature disappears. The arc of curvature is simple, in the form of the Russian letter C. The angle of deviation of the spine is no more than 10°, as can be seen on an x-ray taken in the supine position. Torsion changes during examination of the patient are weakly expressed, but the radiograph shows asymmetry of the roots of the arches and a slight deviation of the spinous processes of the vertebrae from the midline. The curvature of the spine is noticeable in a standing position. In a relaxed state, for example in a lying position, it appears less.
II degree of scoliosis.
The changes are significant. With active straightening by force of will, the curvature does not disappear. Only when suspended by arms (stretching the spine under the weight of the body) does the spine straighten, but not in every case. Often the spine is curved in the shape of the Latin letter S as a result of the appearance of a compensatory arch. The angle of deviation of the main arc of curvature is up to 30°. Torsion changes are noticeable not only on photographs, but also when examining the patient: costal protrusion, muscle roll. In a lying position with slight extension, the curvature is almost the same as in a standing position. Spinal deformities become more stable. His mobility decreases sharply. Any physical exercise is tiring. Patients often complain of muscle and intercostal pain (neuralgia).
III degree of scoliosis.
The spine has at least two arches. When hanging by hand, the curvature does not disappear. Immobility occurs in the area of curvature. The angle of deviation of the main arc on the radiograph is up to 60°. Torsion changes: significant deformation of the chest, the presence of a rib hump. Deformities of the spine and chest are stable. Violations of internal organs and neurological disorders appear.
IV degree of scoliosis.
The formation of kyphoscoliosis with spinal deformation in both the lateral and anteroposterior directions, caused by progressive lateral deviation of the spine and twisting along its axis. The presence of anterior and posterior costal hump, deformation of the pelvis and chest. The angle of deviation of the spine from the vertical axis exceeds 60°. The patient's general condition worsens. The activity of the respiratory organs, heart and nervous system is disrupted.
Diagnosing scoliosis by degree is important for selecting the most appropriate treatment measures and assessing their effectiveness. Establishing the degree of scoliosis occurs under the same conditions as for postural defects.
On the side of the back, there is a costal protrusion in grade II and a costal hump in grade III. In stage I scoliosis, costal protrusion is detected when the torso is tilted forward.
In standing and lying on the stomach, lateral deviation of the spine, the presence of counter-curvatures, costal protrusion or costal gibbus, muscle roll, etc. are noted.
When diagnosing scoliosis, the level of standing of the shoulder blades and their rotation around the axis are clarified by measuring the distance from the spinous processes to the angle of the scapula on the right and left and the distance between horizontal lines drawn at the level of the angles of the shoulder blades.
In addition, general measurements are taken, determining body weight, height, chest circumference, dynamometry, spirometry, etc. The results show a general physical retardation and disproportionality in the physical development of patients with scoliosis.
To diagnose scoliosis, an X-ray examination is necessary, which is carried out with the patient standing and lying down.
Prevention of scoliosis
Preventing scoliosis is much easier than curing it. Prevention of childhood scoliosis, including school scoliosis, is ensured by: a flat bed, proper sitting at a desk and table, good and proper lighting of the workplace, exposure to fresh air, outdoor games, good nutrition, adequate sleep, morning exercises, self-massage.
The basis for the prevention of scoliosis and postural disorders should be considered the correct physical education of children in the family and school, and the general strengthening of the child’s body. Physical education and sports are especially important in childhood and during puberty.
Prevention of occupational scoliosis consists of maintaining the correct work and rest schedule and having physical exercise breaks during work. Sports play a big role.
Of great importance in the prevention of childhood scoliosis is the correct placement of children in the classroom, and sometimes desks.
Physical education sessions – several corrective exercises performed in the classroom when children are most tired – have a beneficial effect on the child’s body. All teachers need to be able to conduct such exercises. The initiator of organizing such physical education sessions should be the school doctor.
The prevention of scoliosis should also be discussed at parent-teacher meetings. Conversations and lectures on this topic are necessary for both parents and students. It is possible to involve all means of education (cinema, posters).
Mode for children with scoliosis
In addition to systematic treatment in the clinic, sick children need to create conditions at home that promote a favorable course of treatment.
During the day, children need to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Night sleep should be long enough. Children should be taught to go to bed early and get up early.
The bed should be flat and relatively hard. Featherbeds and spring mattresses are not suitable for patients with scoliosis. It is better to use a thin mattress or cotton bedding. The pillow must be small and relatively flat. Children should fall asleep on their back. If they turn around in their sleep, then, of course, you shouldn’t wake them up.
Sleeping for an hour during the daytime, after lunch, is very beneficial for children. During the day, you also need to sleep or lie on your back, with your arms along your body. You should not take a book or toy to bed.
Sick children should be fed in a timely manner, preferably at the same hours. Food needs to be varied, with sufficient amounts of proteins and vitamins, especially vitamins C and D.
Home corrective gymnastics should be carried out 2 times a day: in the morning, an hour after breakfast (with well-fed children - on an empty stomach), and in the afternoon (2 hours after meals). In summer, you can do gymnastics outdoors in the shade. Ball games are recommended, especially throwing the ball over your head. Older children can play amateur volleyball.
Breaststroke swimming and rowing with two oars are useful. However, it is better for those with scoliosis not to participate in competitions. Young children can play active games without sudden turns or jumps. In winter you can go for leisurely skiing and ice skating.
Children are not recommended to play sitting on the sand or on the ground. The sandbox needs to be high. To play with dolls, you must use a table.
Sedentary activities (drawing, modeling, etc.) are carried out at a desk, the height of which should be approximately 3 cm above the elbow of the lowered arm.
In summer, it is advisable to play less sedentary games. They must be alternated with moving or physical training sessions every 20 minutes. The same applies when preparing homework.
Children with scoliosis should not carry heavy objects, jump, or ride a bicycle. Housework that requires prolonged periods of bending should be limited.
In summer, you need to spend as much time as possible in the sun, alternating this with staying in the shade. Swimming in open water is allowed no more than 2 times a day for 5, 10, 15 minutes (depending on the age of the child).
It is better not to use board games.
Treatment of scoliotic disease
Favorable results in the treatment of scoliosis are possible with the maximum efforts of doctors, parents and the sick child himself. Complex treatment that can be successful includes orthopedic measures, physical therapy and massage, general therapeutic agents, and hygiene measures. Sometimes wearing a corset is indicated. The use of only one of the components of treatment is ineffective. In severe cases, surgery is sometimes performed.
Correction of grade I scoliosis must be carried out in schools, kindergartens and at home. Through comprehensive measures it is possible not only to stop the progression of deformities, but also to achieve their reverse development.
The teaching of physical education is important, the lessons of which must be used to correct scoliosis and posture. It is important for children to participate in the sports life of the school. In the initial stage of scoliosis, swimming on the chest is extremely useful as a general strengthening and corrective remedy. Skiing and skating, athletics, and sports games have a good effect.
For children with severe pre-scoliotic conditions, it is advisable to organize additional classes such as therapeutic exercises at school, especially for rural schools.
Treatment of severe forms of scoliosis is carried out in special orthopedic institutions. Currently, surgical treatment methods are used. Osteoplastic fixation of the spine using an autograft or homograft with systematic complex treatment both before and after surgery is widely used.
After surgery, the spine is usually fixed using a special corset. Wearing orthopedic corsets is most effective in combination with active therapeutic exercises.
Physical therapy for scoliosis
Exercise therapy is important in the treatment of scoliosis. It influences the formation and development of the osseous-ligamentous apparatus of the spine through the functional state of the muscular system. A sufficient amount of physical exercise has a general strengthening effect on the body, improves metabolism, trophism of the muscles of the back and spine. This creates conditions under which the progression of the disease slows down and the necessary corrections occur.
The development of the back muscles helps create the muscle corset necessary to support the spine and keep it in the most straightened state. If straightening the spine is no longer possible, a well-developed muscle corset helps prevent the progression of the disease.
The method of exercise therapy in each specific case depends on the clinical characteristics of the disease, the degree of scoliosis, and the goals of general therapy. Treatment of stage I–II scoliosis with the help of exercise therapy is long-term, at least 6–8 months. Classes are carried out 3 times a week in the physical therapy room and daily at home on your own.
Therapeutic exercise is designed to solve the following problems:
1. Creation of physiological prerequisites for restoring the correct body position, namely the development and gradual increase in strength and endurance of the trunk muscles, the formation of a muscle corset.
2. Stabilization of the scoliotic process. At its initial stage, it is possible to correct existing violations.
3. Education and consolidation of the skill of correct posture.
4. Normalization of the action of other body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, etc.
5. Increasing the body's resistance to pathological factors.
The complex of therapeutic exercises for scoliosis includes exercises for the back and abdominal muscles, which are usually performed in a lying position. This position helps not only to build up the muscle corset, but also to consolidate the maximum correction that is noted in this position.
The development of the iliopsoas and gluteal muscles helps create the preconditions for restoring normal body position.
Exercises aimed at eliminating existing violations are of two types: symmetrical and asymmetrical.
When performing symmetrical exercises, the middle position of the spinal column is maintained, which is not easy to achieve with scoliosis, since the muscles receive unequal tension: on the convex side they are quite tense, and on the concavity side they are slightly stretched. Thus, over time, muscle traction on both sides is leveled, asymmetry is smoothed out, partially weakened, and muscle contracture on the concavity side of the scoliotic arch decreases.
Special studies have shown that symmetrical exercises do not violate the compensatory adaptations that the patient has developed and do not lead to the development of counter-curvatures. Such exercises are advantageous in that they are relatively easy to select and then carry out.
Asymmetrical exercises act locally, on a specific area of the spine. Thus, by moving the leg towards the convexity of the scoliosis arch, one achieves a change in the position of the pelvis and a decrease in the angle of the arch. By raising the arm from the side of the concavity, the position of the shoulder girdle is changed, and the arch of scoliosis is thus smoothed out.
There is no template for choosing asymmetrical exercises for scoliosis. For each child, they are selected individually, while the localization of the process and the nature of the impact of the selected exercises on the curvature are strictly taken into account. The wrong choice of asymmetrical exercises can aggravate the situation and contribute to either an increase in the curvature of the spinal arch or an increase in counter-curvature. A doctor should prescribe asymmetrical corrective exercises.
Symmetrical exercises are safer in this regard and are more widely used.
General developmental exercises indicated for scoliosis include exercises for balance and coordination of movements, for the chest muscles, and for other muscles. They are carried out from different starting positions, with a gradually increasing load.
The exercise therapy complex for scoliosis necessarily includes breathing exercises, static and dynamic. They help normalize the respiratory function impaired as a result of scoliosis.
Great importance is attached to the education and consolidation of the skill of correct posture. The patient is shown what posture should be. The skills acquired during classes are consolidated through self- and mutual control.
Much attention is paid to creating a child's muscular sense, which will allow him to maintain the correct body position while lying, sitting, standing and when walking.
Exercises aimed at developing spinal mobility for scoliosis should be used with great caution so as not to disrupt the compensatory mechanisms that prevent the progression of the disease. However, such exercises can be useful in cases where surgical intervention is required. A more mobile spine is easier to straighten during surgery.
If surgical correction is not expected, mobilizing exercises are used in small doses and only after creating a muscle corset.
Mobilizing exercises include crawling on all fours, mixed hangs, and exercises on an inclined plane.
Physical therapy and massage for scoliotic disease are by no means the only methods of therapy. They are combined with positional treatment, the correct regimen of movements and static loads, taking the necessary medications and special orthopedic methods.
Physical exercises for postural disorders and scoliosis
A. Exercises to develop and consolidate the skill of correct posture:
1. Starting position (i.p.) – standing. Take correct posture, touching the wall with the back of your head, shoulder blades, buttocks, calves and heels.
2. Take correct posture, as in exercise 1. Move 1 - 2 steps away from the wall, maintaining body position.
3. Take correct posture against the wall, take 2 steps forward, sit down, stand up. Regain correct posture.
4. Take correct posture against the wall, take 2 steps forward, relax the muscles of the neck, shoulder girdle, arms and torso. Adopt correct posture.
5. Adopt correct posture against the wall. Raise yourself on your toes and hold in this position for 3 – 4 seconds. Return to i. P.
6. The same exercise, but without a wall.
7. Adopt correct posture. Squat down with your knees spread apart. The head and spine are straight. Stand up slowly. Accept and. P.
8. I. p. - sitting on a gymnastic bench. Take correct posture, touching the wall with the back of your head, shoulder blades and buttocks.
9. I. p. the same as in exercise 8. Adopt correct posture. Consistently relax your neck muscles, drop your head, relax your shoulders and back. Return to i. P.
10. I. p. - lying on your back. The head, torso and legs are extended in a straight line, arms are pressed to the body. Raise your head and shoulders, check the straight position of your body. Return to i. P.
11. I. p. - lying on your back in the correct position. Press your lower back to the floor. Stand up. Adopt correct posture. Place your lower back in the same position as it was originally.
Rice. 9. Therapeutic walking
12. I. p. - standing. Adopt correct posture. Walking around the hall with stops (Fig. 9)
. Maintain your posture.
13. I. p. – standing with correct posture, holding a bag of sand on your head. Sit down, trying not to drop the bag. Return to i. P.
14. Walking with a bag on your head while maintaining correct posture.
15. The same with stepping over obstacles (over a rope, a gymnastic bench) with periodic posture checks.
16. Adopt correct posture with the bag on your head. Catch the ball. Throw it with both hands from the chest to your partner. Maintain your posture.
17. Difficult walking with a bag on the head: in a half-squat, with high knees, etc.
B. Exercises to create and strengthen the muscle corset
For back muscles:
1. I. p. - lying on your stomach, hands placed on top of each other under the chin. Place your hands on your belt, raising your head and shoulders, bringing your shoulder blades together, but do not raise your stomach. Hold this position for 3 – 4 seconds.
2. The same exercise, but move your hands to your shoulders or behind your head. 3. I. p. the same. Raising your head and shoulders, slowly move your arms up, to the sides and towards your shoulders (as when swimming breaststroke).
4. I. p. the same. Movement of the arms to the sides and back, to the sides and up.
5. I. p. the same. Raise your head and shoulders. Hands to the side. Squeeze and unclench your hands.
6. I. p. the same as in exercise 5, but make circular movements with straight arms.
7. I. p. - lying on your stomach, hands under your chin. Alternately raising straight legs without lifting the pelvis from the floor. The pace is slow.
8. I. p. the same. Simultaneously raising straight legs and holding them for 4 - 5 seconds.
9. I. p. the same. Raise your right leg, then, without lowering it, lift your left leg. Hold in this position for 5 seconds. Lower your right leg, then your left leg.
10. I. p. the same. Raise your straightened legs, spread them apart, connect them and lower them to the floor.
11. I. p. - partners lie on their stomachs opposite each other, one holds the ball in bent arms in front of him.
Rolling the ball to a partner, catching the ball while maintaining an elevated position of the head and shoulders.
12. I. p. the same. Raise your head and shoulders, holding the ball in front of your chest with your elbows bent. Throw the ball to your partner, arms up, head and chest raised, catch the ball.
13. I. p. the same. Exercises with a gymnastic stick held on the chest. Throw the stick to your partner and catch it, grabbing it from above and below.
14. I. p. - lying on a gymnastic bench with your head towards your partner. Raise your head, chest and straightened legs. Hold for 3 – 5 seconds.
15. I. p. the same. Perform movements with your arms and legs as when swimming breaststroke.
16. I. p. the same. Roll the ball to your partner.
For the abdominal muscles:
1. I. p. for exercises - lying on your back, your lower back pressed against the support. Bend and straighten one leg at the knee and hip joints, then the other.
2. Bend both legs, straighten them, and slowly lower them.
3. Exercise “bicycle” - alternately bend and straighten your legs while weighted.
4. Hands behind your head. Raise your straight legs one by one.
5. Hands up, slowly raise both straight legs and just as slowly lower them into position. P.
6. Bend your legs, straighten them and lift them at an angle of 45° to the floor, spread your straight legs to the sides, connect them and slowly lower them.
7. Holding the ball between your knees, bend your legs, straighten them at an angle of 45° to the floor, then raise them to an angle of 90°, and slowly lower them.
8. Same exercise, but holding the ball between your ankles.
9. Circular movements of straight legs and legs raised at right angles.
10. Raising and crossing straight legs.
11. From and. n. lying on your back, move to a sitting position, while maintaining the correct position of your back and head.
12. Arms to the sides, slowly raise your head and torso to a sitting position, return to i. P.
13. Hands up, raise straight legs, at the same time as you swing your arms, sit down, move your hands to your belt, take the correct posture.
14. The legs are fixed by the bottom rail of the gymnastic wall or held by a partner. Slowly transition to a sitting position and return to i. P.
15. I. p. - sitting astride a gymnastic bench. Lean back to a lying position, keeping your legs straight, return to i. P.
16. A similar exercise, but in combination with different arm movements or using objects.
For the lateral muscles of the trunk:
1. I. p. - lying on the right side, the right arm is extended upward, the left is along the body. Keeping your body lying on your side, raise and lower your left leg.
2. The same exercise on the left side. Raise and lower your right leg.
3. I. p. - lying on the right side, the right arm is extended upward, the left arm is bent and rests the palm on the floor. Raise both straightened legs, hold them for 3 - 5 seconds, slowly lower them into position. P.
4. The same exercise on the left side.
5. I. p. - lying on your side. Raise one leg, then, holding it, the other, lower your legs, return to i. P.
6. The same on the other side.
B. Corrective exercises
Symmetrical:
1. I. p. - lying on your stomach, chin on the back of your hands, placed on top of each other, elbows to the sides (the straight position of the torso and legs is checked by the instructor). Straighten your arms up, stretch in the direction of your arms, without raising your chin and torso. Return to i. P.
2. The same exercise, but with performing a loud count according to the instructions of the instructor up to 5 - 10.
3. I. p. the same. Raise both straightened legs, arms up, and stretch your entire torso in the direction of your arms.
4. I. p. - lying on your stomach, hands under your chin. Maintaining the middle position of the spine, move your arms straight back and raise your straight legs (“fish”).
5. I. p. the same. Raise your head and chest, stretch your arms up, raise your legs straight. Maintaining the correct body position, swing several times.
6. I. p. - lying on your back, arms along the body. Raise your arms up through your sides, stretch without raising your head, shoulders and torso.
7. I. p. the same. Hands up while raising straightened legs. Stretch, trying not to increase the distance between the lower back and the support.
8. The same exercise, but with alternate crossing of straight legs.
Asymmetrical:
1. I. p. - standing in front of the mirror. Adopt correct posture. Raise the shoulder with medial rotation on the side of the concavity of thoracic scoliosis.
2. I. p. the same. Lower the shoulder and rotate it outward on the side of the thoracic scoliosis.
3. I. p. - main stance. Raise one hand on the side of the thoracic scoliosis, palm up, to a horizontal position, bringing the scapula to the midline, raise the other hand and rotate inward, retracting the scapula.
4. The same exercise, but with dumbbells or clubs.
5. I. p. – main stance. Move your arms to the sides, at the same time raise your straight leg back (“swallow”). Support on the leg from the side of lumbar scoliosis.
6. Walking on a gymnastic bench with a bag on the head and abduction of the leg from the side of lumbar scoliosis.
7. Walking on a gymnastic bench with a half-squat on the leg on the side of lumbar scoliosis and lowering the leg on the side of lumbar retraction.
8. I. p. - lying on your stomach, arms up, holding the bar of the gymnastic wall. Raise your tense legs and move them towards the lumbar scoliosis.
9. The same on an inclined plane.
10. I. p. - lying on your side with a bolster under the area of thoracic scoliosis. Raise both straightened legs. You can do the exercise on an inclined plane, holding the ball between your knees or ankles.
11. I. p. - standing on all fours. Raise your arm on the side of the concavity of thoracic scoliosis and move the straightened leg back on the side of the concavity of lumbar scoliosis.
Massage for scoliosis
With the help of massage you can increase the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises. Without massage, it is impossible to treat paralytic scoliosis, as well as scoliosis in children who suffer from somatic diseases and for this reason cannot withstand sufficient physical activity.
Massage helps improve the overall tone of the body; normalizes the functions of the heart, blood vessels and respiratory organs; participates in the formation of correct posture; strengthens the muscles of the torso and promotes the formation of a muscle corset.
The massage is performed taking into account its physiological effect. On the side of spastically contracted muscles in the area of concavity of scoliosis, relaxation techniques (vibration, stroking) are used. On the side of the relaxed muscles in the area of the scoliosis convexity, the massage should increase the tone, all techniques are used there in significant dosage. When the patient is lying on his stomach, the massage therapist is on the right; lying on your back - on the left; if on the opposite side of thoracic scoliosis, then stand behind your back.
The massage technique is determined strictly individually. In a complex case, when the curvature of the spine is S-shaped, the massage procedure is conventionally divided into 4 parts.
Procedure for massage for scoliosis
The patient's position is lying on his stomach. The massage therapist is on the side of the thoracic scoliosis (Fig. 10)
. Begin the massage by stroking the entire surface of the back. All types of this technique are used: flat, grasping, rake-shaped, ironing. The massage therapist then tries to relax the trapezius muscle to induce sedation. To do this, stroking, circular rubbing with fingers, and continuous vibration are performed. After this, they begin local massaging at an elevation in the area of thoracic scoliosis, using the following techniques: comb-like rubbing, forceps-like kneading over the long back muscles, intermittent vibration (effleurage, chopping), designed to tone the muscles. Next, relaxing massage techniques (stroking, rubbing, continuous vibration) are performed in the area of the lumbar concavity.
Rice. 10. Patient position during massage
The patient changes position, turning onto his left side. Next, techniques of pulling on the right iliac crest are performed.
How can parents understand if their child has a curvature of the spine?
Can parents independently understand whether their child’s posture is impaired? It turns out they can. Pediatric doctors tell you what you should pay attention to during the examination.
Ask your child to stand with his back to you, lower his arms along his body and take his usual natural position. The following signs may be cause for concern:
- the shoulder blades are asymmetrical, one “sticks out” back;
- one shoulder is higher than the other;
- the distance from the arm to the waist is greater on one side than on the other;
- pelvis is distorted;
- When bending forward, an unnatural curvature of the spine is noticeable.
If you find at least one of these signs, do not delay and make an appointment with a pediatric orthopedist. The doctor will make the correct diagnosis (if any) and tell you how to treat scoliosis. The child's body continues to grow, so it is much easier to resist the development of the disease in a child than in an adult.
