Bromley Scoliosis Treatment
Scoliosis affects around 1 in 50 people and can potentially cause a lot of discomfort and pain. Seeking treatment and support for scoliosis is key to managing the condition successfully. As experts at diagnosing and treating scoliosis, we are here to help you towards a good quality of life and a pain-free future.
We’re an osteopathic clinic in Bromley offering a range of physical therapy treatments including dry needling, osteopathy, laser therapy and sports massages. Booking is quick and easy with our online system, or alternately our staff will be happy to help.
If you have any questions about scoliosis or the treatment we can offer for it, then please don’t hesitate to book a free 15-minute consultation. One of our team will be happy to speak to you in person or over the phone and answer any questions you have about scoliosis, or about the most appropriate treatment in your particular case.
"Oliver has helped to reduce my chronic low back pain significantly! He is really knowledgeable, explains your difficulties well, and gives you helpful advice. I'm pleased to say that the effects have been long-term, and would recommend him to anyone."
Pooja, Bromley
"My mum woke up one morning with crippling back and leg pain and Oliver squeezed her in for an appointment at short notice. I'm pleased to say just over a month later, mum is happily walking around again and just in time for our holiday too. Oliver was very professional, kind and compassionate. We can't recommend him enough, thank you so much!"
Elise, Google Review
"Robert was extremely professional, kind and knowledgeable. I got a brilliant treatment with my first session and excellent exercises to practise at home. I highly recommend Robert."
Alicia, Google Review
"I have been seeing Oliver for a year now since I started getting difficulties with my neck and I have not regretted this one bit. He has encyclopaedic knowledge about his field and a great passion for what he does. He always explains what he is doing and he is so well researched and up to date on the different methodologies used. 1 year on and I feel more confident and pain free. Thank you Oliver!"
Hasti, Google Review
"I've been treated by Oliver for years for neck, back and calf tension. Very effective treatment. Recommended him to my mum who was also impressed and sees Oliver regularly now. Recently she had a course of acupuncture and was very pleased with the results. Recommended."
Sophia, Google Review
"It had been recommended to me to see an Osteopath and was very happy to locate one close by. I’m so glad to have met Oliver who has literally given me my life back by sorting out my back pain in as little as three sessions! I have never felt so much better and have exercises that I can do myself at home. Oliver is a lovely person and always enjoyed our chats during the sessions."
Nicky, Google Review
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is the name given to a sideways curvature of the spine. An idiopathic scoliosis develops in childhood or adolescence. It may be triggered by genetic causes, or conditions such as muscular dystrophy or cerebral palsy. An improper fusing of the spinal cord during growth or in the womb can also be responsible.
As we age other types of scoliosis can occur. These include a degenerative scoliosis, where wear and tear on the spine caused by osteoporosis or simply getting older, might occur more on one side than the other, causing the spine to lean to one side. It’s also possible to develop a functional scoliosis, where lifestyle factors cause the body to adapt by curving the spine sideways – for example if you spend all day carrying heavy things around with one particular hand.
What are the Symptoms of Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is typically easily diagnosed because of the obvious curvature of the spine. In extremely minor cases this may take an experienced physical therapist to notice the slight curvature, but often the symptoms are visible even to the untrained eye. For example, the shoulders are often uneven, one shoulder blade may be more prominent than the other, one side of the rib cage might be further forward, or the hips may be noticeably uneven.
As scoliosis is not necessarily painful, you may first realise you have a scoliosis simply by looking in the mirror. Your friends and family may even notice it before you do, or it may take a physical therapist to diagnose it as the underlying cause when treating a different problem.
“Scoliosis is a reasonably common condition that can occur for various different reasons. It is a condition that is well-managed by osteopathy, and although we cannot always directly treat the underlying condition, osteopathy can usually improve your mobility and prevent any secondary conditions from arising.”
Oliver Hicks M.Ost, Clinic owner
How is Scoliosis Diagnosed?
Most of the time, a diagnosis for scoliosis is made by a physical examination of the body and making an assessment based on physical symptoms. In some cases it may also be helpful to perform an x-ray to properly display the curvature of the spine and identify the severity of the problem. We are qualified First Contact Practitioners and will refer you for further diagnostic scans or imaging should it be necessary.
What Treatments are Available for Scoliosis?
Treatments for scoliosis depend entirely on the severity and nature of the problem. In the case of idiopathic (childhood) scoliosis, a doctor may recommend wearing a back brace if the problem is severe, to try and guide the growth of the spine into the correct position. In extreme cases, surgery may also be necessary.
In many cases, however, osteopathy and similar physical therapies exist as a tool for pain management and helping to correct milder cases of scoliosis. Physical therapy may be recommended by your doctor or surgeon, or you may self-refer to a private clinic such as ours for a full diagnosis and recommended treatment plan.
Our Bromley Clinic
Our Bromley Clinic is located in a peaceful and easy-to-access part of South Bromley. We offer treatments ranging from osteopathy to acupuncture, sports massage and many more. Our experienced staff are here to give you any advice you may need.
Any information you might need for your visit can be found on our Bromley Clinic information page. This includes key info about public transport and parking.
Treating Scoliosis With Osteopathy
Osteopathy is a physical therapy incorporating a variety of different techniques including direct spine and joint manipulation, massage, mobilisation, stretching and dry needling. Osteopathy is a conservative and non-invasive treatment which does not prescribe drugs and is not generally considered painful.
Osteopaths go through a minimum of 4 years training and are regulated in the UK by the General Osteopathic Council. Osteopathy is recognised as one of the 14 Allied Health Professions, and many osteopaths work in musculoskeletal departments of the NHS.
Osteopaths are also experts in the interconnectedness between different parts of the body and in understanding when your scoliosis might be caused by an underlying problem elsewhere.
Osteopathy is an ideal treatment for scoliosis or within your scoliosis management plan. For minor forms of functional or degenerative scoliosis, osteopathy can be used to realign the spine, relieve pain and muscle tension caused by the scoliosis, and improve the general biomechanics and function of the musculoskeletal system. For more severe and idiopathic scoliosis, osteopathy can help to relieve tension and misalignment caused by the scoliosis, and allow your body to move more naturally, freely, and with less pain.
Your First Appointment For Scoliosis
At your first appointment, your osteopath will ask you to explain the symptoms you are experiencing and how they are affecting you. They will then carry out a brief physical examination, both of any affected areas and your general biomechanics, and ask you about any relevant lifestyle factors.
Your osteopath will normally be able to give you a diagnosis immediately following the examination and commence treatment. You will often notice an improvement in your symptoms from the first session. Your osteopath will also discuss treatment plans with you and give you an idea of how much, if any, further treatment that will be necessary.
Book an Appointment
Booking is easy using our online system, or call us on 0208 088 0442 and our expert staff will be happy to help. There are no long wait times and appointments are usually available within 24-48 hours.
To discuss your symptoms and the best treatment for you, a free 15-minute telephone or in-person chat is also available.
This page was reviewed by Oliver Hicks M.Ost on the 24th March 2024