Shocking! Breathing can also correct scoliosis!

Shocking! Breathing can also correct scoliosis!

SCOLIOSIS

Scoliosis, as a common spinal deformity, not only affects the patient's body shape, but may also have adverse effects on cardiopulmonary function. However, you may not know that scoliosis can be corrected to a certain extent through scientific breathing training. At present, the Schroth correction system is considered to be one of the best conservative treatment options, in which breathing training occupies a pivotal position. This article will explore the application of breathing therapy in scoliosis.

The Schroth Correction System and the Importance of Respiratory Therapy

The Schroth Correction System is a comprehensive conservative treatment for scoliosis that combines breathing training, muscle strengthening training, and daily posture correction. Among them, breathing training is considered to be the key to correcting scoliosis. Breathing is not only related to life activities, but also closely related to the health of the spine. Through scientific breathing training, the breathing pattern of scoliosis patients can be improved, the core muscles can be activated, and thus help correct the spine.

Principles of respiratory therapy

The principle of respiratory therapy is based on the close connection between the respiratory muscles and the spine. During normal breathing, the diaphragm, intercostal muscles and other respiratory muscles work together to expand and contract the chest to complete the inhalation and exhalation of gas. However, the breathing pattern of scoliosis patients is often asymmetrical, resulting in impaired strength and coordination of the respiratory muscles. Respiratory therapy adjusts the breathing pattern and strengthens the strength and coordination of the respiratory muscles, thereby improving the expansion ability of the chest and providing strong support for spinal correction.

Corrective principles of respiratory therapy

01Adjust your breathing pattern

Through breathing training, the patient's breathing becomes deep, long and slow, shallow and rapid breathing is reduced, and the strength and endurance of the respiratory muscles are enhanced.

02Activate core muscles

Through abdominal contraction and chest expansion during breathing, the core muscles around the spine, such as the transverse abdominal muscle and multifidus muscle, are activated to enhance the stability of the spine.

03Improve chest space

Through breathing training, the chest cavity can expand more fully, increase lung capacity, improve the symmetry of the chest cavity, and provide space for spinal correction.

How your abdomen and chest change as you breathe

Specific breathing therapy for different types of scoliosis

There are many types of scoliosis, including C-type scoliosis (single curvature), S-type scoliosis (double curvature), etc. For different types of scoliosis, respiratory therapy also has different focuses and specific methods.

01Chest right waist left bend

Features : The thoracic vertebrae are convex to the right, and the lumbar vertebrae are convex to the left.

Breathing therapy : Use the "rotational angle breathing" technique. When inhaling, consciously guide the air to the left concave area of ​​the thorax to fully expand the area; when exhaling, maintain the stability and symmetry of the thorax. Through repeated practice, the symmetry of the thorax can be gradually improved, providing favorable conditions for the correction of the spine.

02 Left chest and right waist bend

Features : The thoracic vertebrae are convex to the left, and the lumbar vertebrae are convex to the right.

Breathing therapy : In contrast to the right-side chest and left-side waist bend, when inhaling, direct the air to the right concave area of ​​the thorax, and when exhaling, maintain the stability and symmetry of the thorax. Through targeted breathing training, the symmetry of the thorax can be gradually improved and the correction of the spine can be promoted.

03 C-type scoliosis (unilateral scoliosis)

Features : The spine presents a single curvature.

Breathing therapy : Use corresponding breathing training according to the direction and degree of scoliosis. Generally speaking, when inhaling, direct the air to the concave area of ​​the thorax, and when exhaling, maintain the stability and symmetry of the thorax. Through continuous breathing training, the degree of spinal curvature can be gradually improved.

Specific respiratory therapy introduction

1. Rotational Angle Breathing (RAB)

This breathing technique expands the concave rib cage from the inside by pushing the concave ribs "sideways and backwards," bringing the vertebrae closer to their normal, non-twisted position. It helps with rotation of the vertebrae and ribs and increases lung capacity.

2. Breathing method of Schroth gymnastics

Schroth Gymnastics is a leader in the sports therapy series, and its breathing methods include the "balloon" breathing method and the "translation" training method. The former corrects scoliosis by rotating breathing, and the latter improves scoliosis by translating the trunk.

Examples of Breathing Therapy in Scoliosis

In practical applications, breathing therapy is often combined with other treatment methods to form a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, in the Schroth correction system, breathing training is combined with gymnastics exercises, posture correction, etc. to work together to correct scoliosis. Through scientific breathing training, patients can gradually improve their breathing patterns, enhance the strength and coordination of their respiratory muscles, and thus help correct the spine.

in conclusion

The application of respiratory therapy in scoliosis has significant advantages. It can not only improve scoliosis by adjusting breathing patterns, but also enhance spinal stability by activating core muscles and improving thoracic space. However, it should be noted that respiratory therapy is not a panacea, and for patients with severe scoliosis, it may be necessary to combine other treatments, such as surgical correction. But in any case, respiratory therapy is an indispensable part of conservative treatment of scoliosis, and it is worth our in-depth study and promotion.

References

[1] Yoon S, Rhee MH. Effect of physical therapy scoliosis specific exercises using breathing pattern on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Nov;28(11):3261-3263. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.3261. Epub 2016 Nov 29. PMID: 27942163; PMCID: PMC5140843.

[2] Hu Yiping, Li Chengzhi, Wang Jinpeng. Research on the effectiveness of breathing training in treating mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis[C]//Chinese Society of Sports Science. Collection of abstracts of the 13th National Sports Science Conference - Poster Exchange (Physical Fitness and Health Branch) (I). Library of Shandong Institute of Physical Education; Shandong Institute of Physical Education; Jinan No. 7 Middle School, Shandong Province;, 2023:2.DOI:10.26914/c.cnkihy.2023.097754.

[3] Wang Aiying, Meng Shan, Liu Yajing, et al. Effect of rehabilitation exercise prescription combined with breathing training on adolescent scoliosis[J]. Journal of Weifang Medical College, 2023, 45(05): 392-394. DOI: 10.16846/j.issn.1004-3101.2023.05.022.

[4] Guo Wei, Fan Jiecheng, Liu Junyi. Observation on the application of breathing training combined with orthopedic exercises in scoliosis rehabilitation[J]. Chinese Prescription Drugs, 2024, 22(06): 161-165.

Based on the popular science project of Songjiang District - "Scoliosis Screening Promotion Activities"