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Frequent Questions

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  • What is Scoliosis?
    Scoliosis is a spinal condition that results in a sideways curvature of the spine, often developing during the growth spurts around puberty. It affects both boys and girls, but the risk of progression tends to be higher in girls. The curve can be “functional” in nature, which means that the curve is secondary to causes such as leg length difference, or muscle tone asymmetry. In contrast, the curve can be “structural”, which means that the causes of the curve started in the spine and vertebral changes are noted. Of the types of structural scoliosis, Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) makes up 80% of these cases. AIS presents in otherwise healthy, typically-developing children and teenagers. It typically develops or progresses during the pre-pubertal growth spurt, as the child gains height in the spine. The cause of AIS is still unknown, but research is showing that it’s likely multifactorial in origin. Teenage years is a critical time to receive treatment for scoliosis as the risk for curve progression is much higher. Adult scoliosis can be a continuation of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, or it can develop de novo due to spinal degeneration associated with aging. The latter, known as degenerative scoliosis, can occur from the cumulative effect of wear and tear on the spine’s components, namely the discs and joints.
  • Do I Need a Referral To Book In?
    At QLD Scoliosis Clinic, you do not need a referral to book an appointment with us. We are here to provide specialised and compassionate care for those affected by scoliosis.
  • What is Scheuermann's Kyphosis?
    Scheuermann’s Kyphosis is characterized by changes in the spine causing a curve from the sideview, resulting in a rounded forward posture. Similarly to scoliosis, these vertebral changes occur mostly during the adolescence, and symptoms can worsen with age. Although Scheuermann’s kyphosis occurs mostly during adolescence, symptoms can progress throughout adulthood. Symptoms of Scheuermann’s kyphosis include pain, limited flexibility and reduced respiratory efficiency.
  • What is the Schroth Method?
    The Schroth Method is a non-surgical treatment for scoliosis that was developed by Katharina Schroth in the 1920s. It's a form of physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) that aims to de-rotate, elongate, and stabilise the spine in a three-dimensional plane. The exercises focus on restoring muscular symmetry and alignment of posture, and they can be tailored to the individual's unique curve patterns. Currently, there are very few Physiotherapists in Australia (or internationally!) that are certified in the Schroth Method, and we’re hoping that this treatment approach becomes more recognised in the near future.
  • Is there a cure for scoliosis?
    It’s widely accepted that Scoliosis is of a multifactorial origin, and that there are many factors that contribute to a person developing a spinal curvature. At this point in time, there is no cure for scoliosis. Conservative treatments like physiotherapy and bracing aim to improve posture, strengthen back, shoulder, core, and pelvic muscles, decrease pain, and slow the curve progression as much as possible.
  • Can my spine become straighter?
    The ability of your spine to become straighter depends on various factors, such as your age, the degree of curvature, and the underlying cause of the scoliosis. For adults with scoliosis, the potential for the spine to become straighter is more limited. Once the bones have stopped growing, the curvature tends to become stable, and significant improvement through non-surgical means is less likely. However, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy and exercises can help improve posture, reduce pain, and increase flexibility, which can contribute to a better quality of life. Your Schroth-certified physiotherapists at Curv can work with you to assess your curve and set realistic expectations for physiotherapy.
  • What is the difference between our clinic and other physiotherapy clinics?
    At QSC, we differentiate ourselves from other physiotherapy clinics through our exclusive focus on spinal health. We are not your everyday physiotherapy clinic; our therapists are all trained in the Schroth Method, a scientifically validated and globally recognised therapeutic approach for spinal conditions. Scoliosis-specific exercises require a specific set up, equipment, appointment structure, and documentation – and we have created the ideal infrastructure for each of our clients to be as successful as possible. This specialised training allows us to offer personalised, evidence-based treatment plans that can truly make a difference in our patients' lives.
  • I don't have an X-Ray yet. Should I get one, and if so, how?
    Although X-Rays do provide a higher level of detail of your spine, it is not necessary to have an X-Ray taken prior to your appointment at Curv. Our therapists are trained to take a detailed physical assessment and can create a curve-specific treatment plan designed for you. If you want an X-ray and live on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane, ask your Family Doctor or Physiotherapist to refer you for an EOS scan. The EOS Imaging System is an ultra low-dose 2D-3D imaging system that delivers high quality, detailed images of patients in natural standing positions. If you have already had an X-Ray taken of your spine: Please inform our receptionist when booking your appointment of where and when the X-rays were taken. Our team will do our best to obtain the Xray images.
  • How many sessions will it take?
    This depends on many factors. Our goal is to provide you with the education you need to understand how to perform postural ‘autocorrections’ that are specific to your curve, and how to integrate these principles into your daily life. As these exercises are complex, we find that this typically takes 8-10 one-on-one sessions with your physiotherapist, but this highly depends on: a presence of pain or discomfort general body awareness and coordination levels your ability to practice home exercises general fitness level Your physiotherapist strives to be as efficient as possible, so depending on your response to the treatment, you may require fewer treatment sessions than outlined above.
  • What happens in the initial assessment?
    The initial assessment is where we get to know you and want to hear your story. We’ll ask you questions about your back, your medical history, exercise routine, lifestyle and any symptoms you may be experiencing. We want to hear your goals for coming to see us and answer all your questions We will then perform a physical assessment specifically for your back, taking scoliosis/kyphosis specific measures, posture photos, respiratory function, assess your spine’s flexibility and strength and much more! Then we’ll discuss our findings and spend time educating you on your condition. We explain in depth what scoliosis/kyphosis is, what happens in the spine, how it progresses and what are evidence based recommendations. We will make the appropriate referrals (ie. to get scans, see a surgeon, see an orthotist). At the end, we’ll go through a therapy plan ensuring it meets your goals.
  • Are the sessions covered by private health insurance?
    Yes, depending on your Physiotherapy private health coverage. As all Curv therapists are Registered Physiotherapists/Massage Therapists, we are able to bill your extended benefits provider directly after your Physiotherapy appointment on our HICAPS machine.
  • Are the sessions bulk-billed through Medicare?
    No we do not do bulk billing. However we do accept care plans from the GP, which will cover $58 towards your consultation. You are unable to use your care plan AND private health to pay for the same consultation.
  • What should I wear to my appointments?
    It is ideal if your physiotherapists can see the majority of your back, shoulders, and pelvis alignment to provide accurate cues while you exercise. For males- wear shorts you are comfortable moving in, and we will ask you to remove your shirt to assess your back. For females- we recommend wearing a sports bra (where applicable) and leggings or tighter fitted shorts, with long hair tied up in a bun.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Your appointment time is reserved just for you, and your therapist prepares accordingly. As such, we require a 24-hour notice for appointment cancellations. Any changes or cancellations made within the 24-hour period will result in a fee of $50. If you miss an appointment with no notice given, you will be charged the full consultation amount.
  • What payment methods can I use?
    We accept Visa, Mastercard, debit, cash, cheque. However, we do not take Amex at this time.
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