exercise suggestion for kyphoscoliotic elderly

[physiomitch]

Exercising when there is tightness can definately cause further stiffness and thus more pain. Kyphoscoliosis is an indication of fascial shortening in some areas, not uncommonly the psoas, and as this is connected to the low back, it commonly causes LBP. I try and test the strength of the hip muscles first to assess muscle balance, usually finding weakness in one or both hip flexion or abduction. This can be corrected by soft tissue work over these muscles (abdomen and anterior thigh in the case of psoas), and a return of flexibility in the sheath of the muscles often restores stremgth as well. The spine posture is altered by changes in fascial networks in the affected area, so I tend to go for this first, and release what I can. Then as a maintanance, give them some gentle stretching axercises they can do at home. Not too many as they either forget or get bored. Simple things like hip flexion, lunge stretch for psoas.

[estherderu]

Patients with a scoliosis often have more pain when they become older. If they also have a kyphosis it can become really problematic.
They have serious problems staying aligned and have to fight against gravity and their decreasing strength.
Pain is the biggest problem, stiffness and breathing problems can also become a problem.

In these cases I teach patients to fight gravity, explaining why they need to do so.
I will also give very soft passive mobilisations and this can be done in many ways depending on your own practical skills and education.
The trunk patterns of the PNF can be very helpful as the fascial techniques, but many manual techniques can be used including massage.
In the Schroth and SEAS clinics you can be offered a brace if need be.

Pain can become an increasing problem and should be taken seriously. The elderly loose muscle strength and need a strengthening programme as well.
Lots of possibilities to do so. The SEAS, Bugnet and Schroth techniques teach patients to know their bodies well, increasing awareness of posture, muscle position and physical fitness.

Esther