Standing Tall: What People Should Know About Scoliosis & the Power of In-Home Therapy

Scoliosis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide causing side-to-side spinal curves that measure greater than 10º. On an x-ray, the spine of a person with scoliosis looks more like an "S" or a "C" than a straight line. These curves may cause your shoulders or hips to be uneven, depending on where your curves are in your spine and typically appear during the growth spurt just before puberty. 

Scoliotic S curve

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, a time to bring attention to a condition that often begins in childhood and adolescence—and can quietly impact a child’s posture, confidence, and daily life. While many associate scoliosis primarily with back pain and posture issues, the truth is it can affect how kids move, breathe, and feel about themselves—especially if left undiagnosed, this condition can impact multiple aspects of daily life. While some cases are mild and need only monitoring, others may require a treatment plan to prevent further curvature and manage symptoms.

Early Signs of Scoliosis: What Parents Should Watch For

Spotting the signs early is one of the most important things you can do as a parent. Here are some things to look for:

• One shoulder or hip higher than the other

• Ribs that stick out more on one side

• Clothes that hang unevenly

• Back pain or stiffness (especially after activity)

• A visible curve in the spine

• Difficulty standing straight or balancing

• Fatigue after standing or sitting too long

When scoliosis is caught early, there is often more opportunity to slow progression, reduce discomfort, and avoid invasive treatments like bracing or surgery. If you have noticed any of these signs, talk to your pediatrician or Physical Therapist. Physical and functional therapies not only help manage the physical curve but also support your child’s strength, mobility, and emotional well-being.

Checking for Asymmetrical Alignment

How In-Home Therapy from F.I.T. PT Supports Kids, Teens, & Adults

At F.I.T. PT, we specialize in home-based therapy that meets people where they are most comfortable—at home. This makes it easier to build trust, stay consistent, and create therapy routines that work in their everyday life.

Our integrated approach ensures that physical, emotional, and social needs are all addressed. By combining Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy, we create a comprehensive care plan that works across the board—and gives you or your child the best possible chance to thrive.

Here is how our team helps:

Physical Therapy

Our Physical Therapists design age-appropriate exercises that improve posture, flexibility, and core strength. We make it fun and practical, so your child builds healthy habits that support long-term spinal health. At home, we tailor exercises to their real-life routines—from carrying a backpack to sitting at a desk.

Physical Therapy for scoliosis can include breathing exercises, range of motion work, postural awareness, and re-education exercises. The goal is to de-rotate, elongate, stabilize the spine, and restore balance and symmetry. We also address muscle imbalances, helping to strengthen weak muscles while gently lengthening those that may be overly tight or compensating.

In addition, Physical Therapy can help manage pain, reduce fatigue, and improve endurance for school, sports, and play. For children who wear scoliosis braces, we provide guidance on safe movement and proper body mechanics, ensuring they stay active and comfortable. Early PT intervention can also reduce the risk of curve progression and empower children to feel more in control of their bodies.

Occupational Therapy

Scoliosis can affect fine motor skills, core strength, bilateral coordination, energy levels, and even self-esteem. Our Occupational Therapists help your child navigate daily tasks, like dressing, writing, or organizing their schoolwork, with confidence. We focus on creating smoother routines and boosting independence in ways that feel empowering.

In addition, scoliosis-related postural changes can impact hand-eye coordination, balance, and endurance, making everyday activities more challenging. Occupational Therapy interventions target postural stability, adaptive strategies, and ergonomic modifications to reduce strain and fatigue. We also work on strengthening the upper body and improving sensory processing to support better body awareness, which is often affected in children with spinal curvature.

By addressing both the physical and emotional challenges of scoliosis, our OTs help children develop resilience, improve their participation in school, extracurricular activities, and social interactions, and foster a greater sense of confidence and self-efficacy.

Speech Therapy

Severe curves in the upper spine can affect breathing patterns, lung capacity, and diaphragm movement which can impact vocal strength and sound production. Our Speech-Language Pathologists help support clear communication and confident social interaction—especially for children who may feel self-conscious in school or around peers.

Additionally, scoliosis-related postural changes can alter head, neck, and jaw alignment, contributing to articulation challenges, reduced vocal resonance, or muscle tension dysphonia. Speech therapy addresses these factors by improving breath support, optimizing vocal quality, and enhancing oral motor coordination for clearer speech.

Beyond the physical aspects, our therapists also work on building social communication skills, self-esteem, and coping strategies, helping children navigate any emotional or psychological challenges associated with their condition and ensuring they can express themselves with confidence.

Let Us Raise Awareness—Together

Scoliosis Awareness Month is the perfect time to start the conversation—for kids, teens, and adults alike. Whether you have just noticed signs or you or your child has already been diagnosed, you do not have to navigate this journey alone.

In-home therapy offers a compassionate, convenient way to support spinal health—tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and schedule. From posture and pain management to building strength and confidence, our team is here to help at every age and stage.

Wondering if you or your loved one could benefit from scoliosis care at home? 

Contact F.I.T. PT to learn more about our Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy services—designed to help you or your child stand tall and move confidently.

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