Massage technique for scoliosis?

[LadyD]

My daughter has a 25% curves in her spine. She is using Boston corset to prevent it from worsening. The scoliosis was diagnosed last year and been using the corset for almost a year now. She is only 11 years old and though she got her first period, she still growing. She doesn't suffer any pains as of now. I heard that massage can really help to straighten her scoliosis. I have been given here a normal back massage for 2 months now. Is normal back massage good for scoliosis or is there any other technique that I can use to help her? Could you please give me an idea on how to massage her to properly so that her scoliosis doesn't get worse? Thank you for your time.

 

[Richard C]

Lady D, you are a good mother to do this for your daughter. The latest information about scoliosis finds that there is a virus that causes the problems. The massage might help to ease some of the discomfort but it is not going to change what is going on. I would suggest a few things for her. One is to hang from a bar allowing the muscles of the spine to be stretched out. The next is to become involved in a weight lifting program. This should be done with someone that really knows how to lift and is not just a person that has been doing for a long time. The reason for the resistance program is that the stronger the muscles become then they are better able to resist changes in spinal movements. It will also help her to feel better about herself. There is no worry that she is going to become some heavily muscled person as this will not happen in females. I would also recommend either yoga or Pilate's programs with someone that is certified in those disciplines. Lastly, please have her do these 4 movements to help improve her posture. Posture is key to this. The better her posture the better these movements will be. Sit in a straight chair with the feet flat on the floor and the hips planted in the rear of the chair. Raise the left arm up as high as it will go above the head. Note the endpoint and then rest the arm. Now do the same with the left arm. You are going to find that one of the arms went up higher. Start with that arm. Raise that arm up above the head as hard and high as you can for 30 seconds and then rest it for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice more with that arm and then do the same 3 movements with the opposite arm. Now turn the head to the left as far you she can and note the endpoint of rotation then do the same to the right. Again start with the movement that goes the furthest. Turn the head in that direction as hard and far as she can for 30 seconds and then rest it for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice more in that direction and then do the same 3 movements in the opposite direction. Now get up and move around. There should be more mobility present. Return to the chair and assume the original position. Now twist the body to the left as far as it can go and note the endpoint of rotation then do the same to the right. Start with the direction that went the furthest. Turn the body as hard and far as she can for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat this twice more and then do the same 3 movements to the opposite direction. Lastly, bring the Left knee up as close to the Right shoulder as possible without the use of the hands. Note how close they got and then relax. Now do the Right knee up to the Left shoulder. One of those combinations is going to get closer than the other. Start with the combination that came the closest. Bring that knee up as close to the opposite shoulder as possible without using her hands for 30 seconds and then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat that twice more with that combination then do the opposite combination 3 times. Now get up and move around.Stretch and see how she feels. Pain levels should be down and more mobility should be present. Do these movements at least twice a day.