Chicago’s Top Rated Local® Physical Therapy
Scoliosis Therapy In Chicago
Core Physical Therapy is your premier destination for Scoliosis treatment in Chicago. Our therapists utilize the Schroth method (Rigo Concept) designed to improve spinal awareness, breathing technique and overall muscle strength. Exclusively at our Loop location, our expert therapists offer personalized treatment plans to help you achieve optimal spinal health.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a curvature and rotation of the spine due to spinal deformity. It can affect people of any age, but is most common in children and adolescents. Scoliosis usually appears as an S- or C-shaped curve, with a rotation of the vertebrae. It can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, muscle imbalance, or neurological disorders.
Symptoms of scoliosis can include uneven shoulders, a raised hip, and pain in the back or neck. Treatment approach for scoliosis depends on the severity of the curvature; observation, conservative management via physical therapy, bracing or surgery may be recommended and should be confirmed with your primary care doctor.
What is BSPTS technique for scoliosis (Rigo Concept)?
BSPTS is an educational institution that trains physiotherapists to treat scoliosis and other spinal disorders using Physiotherapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE). It originated from the Schroth Method developed in 1921, which Elena Salvá brought to Barcelona in the 1960s. Dr. Manuel Rigo and his wife further developed the program, and BSPTS certified therapists under the Schroth name until 2008. Afterward, three distinct branches emerged, including the BSPTS-Concept by Rigo, all based on the original Schroth Method but now conceptually and technically different. Find out more here!
When is this type of physical therapy indicated?
This type of conservative treatment is indicated for patients (children, adolescents, and adults) with scoliosis and hyperkyphosis (Scheuermann’s) in all stages of treatment: before surgery, after surgery, and especially if surgery is not indicated. Utilizing specific postural corrective exercises and breathing techniques, the Schroth method (Rigo Concept) aims to decrease muscle imbalances and asymmetric joint loading while promoting upright posture with awareness and stability.
What are the goals of treatment?
- Slow or prevent curve progression
- Improve respiratory function
- Decrease pain
- Improve pain management techniques
- Improve quality of life and functional ability
- Improve aesthetics
- Improve postural stability and strength
- Delay or prevent surgery
Preparing for Your First Scoliosis Appointment
Requirements for the first appointment (evaluation):
- Send current full spine (lumbar and thoracic) x-ray images AND x-ray written report PRIOR to first appointment (or at least have an appointment to have performed)
- For adolescents, recommended imaging every 6-12 months.
- For adults, recommended imaging every 5 years (no more than 10 years).
- You or your doctor may fax the written report to the clinic (224-441-7701) or email to Lauren (lfleming@coreptclinics.com)
*These are needed to monitor for progression and to appropriately adjust exercises to your specific curvature.
- Doctor’s prescription for physical therapy is recommended.
- Wear form fitting athletic clothing:
- Tight tank top or non-racerback bra for females.
- Tight shirt or no shirt for males.
- Avoid baggy pants or pants that are restrictive in nature such as jeans.
- If you have a brace, avoid wearing it for a minimum of 8 hours before the evaluation.
- If you have a previous physical therapy home exercise program, please bring a copy.
- For adolescents, we recommend only one family member present at the evaluation. Please be sure to complete the “consent to treat a minor form” with the intake paperwork.
How should I schedule?
The average plan of care for a new scoliosis client is 10 to 15 sessions but varies on a
patient by patient basis. Once your initial evaluation is scheduled, we recommend booking one
time per week. If your or the therapist’s schedule does not allow this, we recommend going on
the waitlist. Your physical therapist will provide further scheduling advice as your treatment
progresses. For the best clinical outcome, it is ideal that you are able to commit to weekly
physical therapy visits. Schroth exercises are cumulative in nature and require significant
dedication and consistency!
What should I expect for follow up sessions if the patient is an adolescent?
At follow up sessions, parents or guardians are typically updated during the last few
minutes of the session. You are welcome to stay in the waiting room during their session or drop
your child off and pick them up afterward.
If you have any remaining questions about how to prepare for your first scoliosis appointment, please call, text, or email the clinic.
What does Scoliosis Therapy Cost?
Our Scoliosis Physical Therapist are only in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPOs only. Otherwise, visits are $175 per visit. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. Our billing team will be happy to furnish you the paperwork needed to submit claims to your insurance company.
Schedule An Appointment
Actively manage your scoliosis and improve your spinal health at Core Physical Therapy in Chicago. Our dedicated team of physical therapists, specializing in scoliosis treatment, is here to support you with personalized care plans designed to enhance posture, reduce discomfort, and increase strength. Schedule an appointment today at our Loop location and take the first step towards better spinal health and overall well-being with expert Scoliosis physical therapy.
