Manipulative and rehabilitative therapy as a treatment of idiopathic scoliosis without psychological sequelae: a case report

J Chiropr Med. 2012 Jun;11(2):109-14. doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2012.02.001.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this case report is to describe management and outcomes of a patient with scoliosis.

Clinical features: A 9-year-old female patient with a double curve pattern with Cobb angles of 18° and 24° (thoracic/thoracolumbar) compatible with scoliosis presented for physical therapy treatment.

Intervention and outcome: Physiotherapy treatment with a combination of manipulative and rehabilitation techniques was used. After finishing the treatment, the patient had Cobb angles of 7° and 11°, an improvement of 55% and 54%, respectively. After 6 months, these effects were maintained, as the patient had Cobb angles of 11° and 11°. The clinical appearance of the patient improved after the course of care. The patient was evaluated for psychological outcomes by applying the following tests: Scoliosis Research Society 22, Bad Sobernheim Stress, and the Brace Questionnaire The patient had the maximum score in all tests at the conclusion of therapy.

Conclusion: The patient responded favorably to manipulative and rehabilitation techniques. At the end of care, the patient did not show psychological sequelae with selected outcome measures.

Keywords: Physical therapy; Posture; Scoliosis; Spinal curvatures.