How does scoliosis-specific physiotherapy affect the muscles around the spine?

According to a randomized controlled trial presented at SOSORT 2026, adolescents who participated in a 24-week scoliosis-specific exercise program demonstrated more balanced muscle activation around the apex of their curve compared with a control group receiving standard care alone.

What might this mean?

Previous research has found differences in how the muscles surrounding a scoliosis curve function, including reduced or delayed activation of muscles on the concave side of the curve.

This study suggests that scoliosis-specific exercises may help improve muscle balance around the curve. While the study did not examine muscle activity during everyday activities or sports, one possible interpretation is that improving muscle balance during scoliosis-specific exercises may influence how the body moves and functions outside of treatment sessions as well.

Reference

Chan WY, Sun ER, Fu SN, Zheng YP, Parent EC, Cheung PY, Wong AY. Effect of a 24-Week Physiotherapy Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE) Program Compared to Standard Care Alone on Cobb Angle and Paraspinal Muscle Function in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Presented at SOSORT 2026, Torino, Italy.