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Repetitive

Repetitive

Repetitive Motions Affecting the
R epetitive
Repetitive Aging Scoliotic Spine

Paula Allia, PT, DHSc, MTC, OCS

coliosis is a asymmetry with some areas being
medical term tight and compressed while other areas
Sthat explains are more stretched and weak. These
a lateral curvature imbalances need to be counteracted
of the spine that by using the other side in a similar
is not normal. manner to balance it out.
This curvature There are specific exercises that
can be functional can be done to address imbalances.
or structural. A structural curvature First, if recognized early, a small lift
involves a true lateral curvature that can be used in the shoe to level the
involves some degree of rotation. A pelvis more so that the spine is more
functional or non structural curvature balanced at the start. This should be
is usually due to a postural issue or directed by someone who is familiar
the body adjusting itself to a problem with this problem. Second, discovering
such as an acute herniated disc, where the curvatures are and exercising
muscle imbalances, or a leg length the body appropriately can help
discrepancy. Anyone may be subject to mediate the overuse in one direction.
these functional issues with aging. If a Third, the areas on the concave side of
functional curve is not addressed and the curvature may need to be stretched
corrected, it can, over time, become out while the muscles on the convex
more structural by abnormally fusing or side need to be strengthened. It is
degenerating. important to attempt improved body
Participating in sports many times involves repetitive symmetry while creating spinal and pelvis balance for longevity.
motions. Examples are swinging a golf club or tennis racket. In addition to trunk modifications with scoliosis the lower
There is repetition in all activities. Stronger movement to a extremities may develop tightnesses and limitations in excursion
more dominant side can occur. Over time, repetitive motions and flexibility. Conversely, leg joints may be hyper mobile
can cause imbalances and movements become compensated. resulting in muscles being overstretched and not as controlling
Even a small leg length discrepancy may cause compensatory as they need to be.
curvatures as well. The curvatures with repetitive activities have Sitting to perform exercises can help the pelvis stabilize and
various compressive components that lead to wear and tear and also removes the leg length issues. First, it is important to have
degenerative issues over time. good mobility in the ribs. The ribs need the ability to rotate
It is not uncommon for someone to have imbalances that with every breath. Stretch the side that is concave and lean on
lead to a functional scoliosis. Actually, with structural scoliosis, the opposite arm to hold the position while supported for 30
imbalances will also occur due to the altered movements of second stretches. Adding slow but full deep breaths can allow
the spine. The key is recognizing that the body symmetry is better excursion for the ribs themselves. Soft foam rolls can be
different. Some of the common findings are: used during workouts. Centering while lying down on a foam
• Leg length discrepencies roll can give you tactile feedback of your positioning.
• Ribs more prominent on one side versus the other Considerations of which sporting activities that one
• One shoulder higher performs regularly with a scoliotic curvature should be
• One side of the pelvis being higher than the other considered. At the very least, make attempts to minimize the
• A sidebending in the spine with or without rotation possible detriments by performing counteractive exercise. Keep
The repetitive motions affect muscle balance. Some moving, just be aware and take care of the body so that it lasts.
muscles get worked more on one side of the body. This causes Here’s to your health!

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