Therapeutic gymnastics is indicated for almost all pathological vertebral conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Scoliotic processes are no exception, since exercise therapy helps to strengthen the muscle corset.
What exercises can you do for scoliosis?
Scoliosis can be stopped by doing certain sports that strengthen the back muscle tissue. Such treatment is especially recommended for pediatric patients and those with scoliotic processes in the early stages of development, so that the disease does not develop further.
Massage procedures, swimming, Pilates or yoga classes , as well as the Bubnovsky technique will help to strengthen the musculoskeletal system, train muscles, put posture and spine .
All these measures will prevent injury to internal systems and organs.
An important point in the selection of a gymnastic complex is the nature of the elements performed, which can be symmetrical or asymmetrical.
The former have a uniform effect on all muscle groups located symmetrically relative to the vertebrae. Such elements help to strengthen muscle tissue tone, develop endurance and strength. They are usually prescribed at the initial stages of the scoliosis process.
The complex of asymmetric elements affects the muscles in a different way. Such gymnastics makes tonic muscle tissues relax, and weakened ones, on the contrary, train them. Such exercises need to be monitored by the instructor, since improper execution technique can lead to adverse consequences.
Prohibited sports
But not every sport can have a beneficial effect on the patient’s condition. It is strictly forbidden to do:
- Running;
- Pull-ups;
- Outdoor games;
- Sports dancing;
- Squats on one limb;
- Acrobatics;
- Weightlifting;
- Turning the torso;
- Somersaults;
- Hanging on a horizontal bar , etc.
Selection principles
It is very important to take into account the specifics of the scoliosis process in the process of selecting the elements of exercise therapy . For example, for thoracic and lumbar deformities, training of muscle tissues of these particular sections is shown. This approach will help to compensate for the curvature defect and give stability to the spinal column.
So, for the initial stage of scoliotic distortion, it is permissible to perform symmetrical elements and all sports directions, with the exception of the above. In the case of grade 2 scoliosis, the task of the gymnastic complex, in addition to imparting stability to the spinal column, is to correct the distortion and train muscle tissues.
For the 3rd degree of vertebral distortion, it will be necessary not only to eliminate deformation changes, but also to improve the physical condition of the patient. These are very complex elements of a corrective and restorative nature. The asymmetry of scoliotic deformities requires a careful approach to the selection of gymnastic elements.
Right-sided curvatures require workouts to improve balance and balance, so all elements are performed with a left-sided incline. If the bend is directed to the left, then all movements must be performed with the right slope.
The goals of exercise therapy
With the initial development of scoliotic deformities, regular training with a correctly selected composition of movements will help to restore the correct position of the vertebrae. At the second stage, massage and physiotherapy are complementary to gymnastics, since the initial goal is to stabilize the spine with the subsequent cure of the pathology.
In the later stages of scoliotic deformity, exercise therapy is prescribed for postoperative rehabilitation and muscle strengthening.
The effectiveness of gymnastic therapy is due to the adequate distribution of physical activity on the stretched and compressed muscles. Such training forms a muscle corset, which helps to give stability to the posture.
Execution rules
In order for the effectiveness of gymnastics to have maximum performance, you should adhere to the basic rules of gymnastic therapy when correcting scoliosis:
- You need to start training with slow body movements, sensitively following the slightest negative reaction of the body;
- It is imperative to refuse to perform contraindicated elements that can complicate the already deplorable state of the spine;
- All elements should be based on passive stretching of the spinal column;
- It is necessary to increase repetitions of movements or muscle load gradually in order to avoid vertebral- muscular overstrain;
- It is necessary to alternate elements affecting the muscle tissue of the lower back with movements, whose action is directed to other vertebral sections;
- Regularity is the key to a speedy recovery.
Warm-up exercises
Warm-up involves the implementation of elements designed to straighten the back and warm up muscle tissue.
It is recommended to snuggle against an even vertical wall so that the scapular, gluteal and gastrocnemius planes are in contact with it. It is necessary to remember this arrangement and try not to change it. It is in this position that you need to start the warm-up elements:
- Standing straight, you need to raise both hands up, then spread them to the sides, then a little back, so 4 times;
- Perform traditional forward bends, trying to stretch with the spine;
- Standing straight, perform alternate lifts of bent legs, followed by a shallow squat on one limb, so 4 times;
- Perform walking movements in one place, at the same time with the leg raise your arms up through the sides.
Basic complex for back treatment at home
Basic elements are performed to strengthen the muscles of the back with right-sided, left-sided and s-shaped scoliosis, lying on the floor with the stomach or back and suggest the following movements:
- Element “scissors” performed lying on the side, abdomen and back;
- Bicycle movement;
- Lying with your back on the floor, raise your legs up and perform their pushing movements to the maximum possible width with fading at the end point;
- From the same position, try to pull the body into a thin string;
- Lying down with your stomach on the floor, make simultaneous lifts of the legs and trunk, delaying for a few seconds;
- From a similar position, perform leg raises as much as possible;
- From the same position, raise only the body and freeze for a few seconds;
- On all fours, bend the back area, raising your head as high as possible;
- From a similar position, raise the back area up and at the same time stretch the knee to the head, perform for both limbs.
Final part
At the final stage of gymnastic exercises, it is recommended to walk a little, raising your knees high. Then you can supplement such walking by raising your arms through the sides up with the transition to walking on toes, then lower your limbs and walk a few steps on your heels.