Adult Scoliosis: A Growing Challenge in an Ageing Spine - June is Scoliosis Awareness month
- James Tomlinson
- Jun 18
- 3 min read
Each June, the global medical community shines a spotlight on scoliosis, marking Scoliosis Awareness Month with the colour green - symbolising health, growth, and vitality. At Fit2Go, green is more than just a symbolic gesture. It represents our philosophy.
With our Body Screen monitoring tool, green indicates optimal spinal and movement function - and our motto, “Let’s paint the town green,” means we strive to help every client achieve and maintain that level of wellness. Nowhere is this more relevant than in the growing field of adult scoliosis management.
Adult Scoliosis: A Complex Clinical Landscape
While scoliosis is commonly associated with adolescence, adult scoliosis is a frequently under-recognised condition. It typically falls into two categories:
1. Persistent Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis – scoliosis that was first detected during adolescence but was either untreated or insufficiently monitored and has progressed or become symptomatic in adulthood.
2. Degenerative (De Novo) Scoliosis – curvature that develops later in life, often secondary to spinal degeneration, osteoporosis, facet joint arthritis, disc collapse, or postural compensations. It is estimated that as many as 30% of adults over the age of 60 have a spinal curvature exceeding 10 degrees.
Symptoms tend to include:
• Lower back pain
• Lateral trunk shift
• Stiffness and reduced mobility
• Nerve compression symptoms (e.g., sciatica)
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
• Postural asymmetry
• Balance issues and fall risk
A Multidisciplinary Physiotherapy Approach at Fit2Go
The clinical management of adult scoliosis requires nuanced, individualised care. At Fit2Go Clinics in West Bridgford and East Leake, we combine academic knowledge with advanced practical tools.
✅ Initial Assessment and Screening
We begin with a detailed musculoskeletal assessment, including range of motion, gait analysis, strength testing, and postural review. Using our Body Screen system, we monitor asymmetries and compensations. While it does not diagnose scoliosis, it provides a quantifiable movement baseline - essential for measuring progress and personalising care. A green result confirms optimal movement health and balance.
✅ Real-Time Tracking (RTT)
RTT allows us to evaluate dynamic loading, lateral trunk shift, pelvic alignment, and movement efficiency during tasks like walking, squatting, or single-leg stance. These insights are vital in adult cases, where degenerative patterns often lead to compensatory strain.
Core Treatment Goals for Adults with Scoliosis
At Fit2Go, our physiotherapists use evidence-based interventions to:
• Reduce musculoskeletal pain
• Improve spinal mobility
• Enhance postural control and proprioception
• Correct biomechanical asymmetries• Strengthen the deep trunk musculature
• Support functional independence
• Delay or avoid surgical interventions
This often includes a blend of:
• Manual therapy to address myofascial restrictions
• TECAR therapy for pain modulation and deep tissue stimulation
• Shockwave therapy where trigger points and tendonopathies are present
• Targeted strengthening and stretching routines
• Falls prevention training
• Breathing and ribcage mobility exercises
• Access to Fit2Go’s Stretch & Strength classes adapted for spinal health
Psychosocial Considerations and Functional Ageing
Adult scoliosis can have a significant impact on psychosocial wellbeing. Pain, loss of independence, reduced mobility, and postural deformity can contribute to depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal - particularly in older populations.
At Fit2Go, we believe in whole-person rehabilitation, addressing physical health while also empowering our clients through education, reassurance, and measurable progress.
Preventive Potential: Monitoring the Ageing Spine
Even in the absence of symptoms, our Body Screen offers value to adults seeking to age well. It helps identify early dysfunctions or imbalances before they develop into chronic pain or degenerative spinal changes - aligning perfectly with the preventive ethos of
physiotherapy.When our traffic light system turns green, we know the spine and body
are functioning in harmony. And we celebrate it.
Let’s Paint the Town Green - Especially After 50
Scoliosis is not just a paediatric condition. It’s a lifespan issue, with increasing relevance in the context of functional ageing.
This June, during Scoliosis Awareness Month, let’s commit to betterunderstanding, screening, and supporting adults who live with - or areat risk of - spinal curvature.
At Fit2Go, we’re proud to align with the message of hope, awareness and health.
Green is not just our colour - it’s our goal.
Let’s help more people age strong, stand tall and move freely.
Let’s paint the town green.
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