The goal of treatment in idiopathic scoliosis is to prevent the progression, correct the deformity, and maintain the correction achieved. Bracing is the gold standard in the conservative treatment of scoliosis. Exercises and electrical stimulation are the most commonly used treatment modalities in conservative treatment after bracing. There are no definitive scientific data on the effectiveness of any conservative methods other than bracing on the scoliotic curve. Curves exceeding 40° do not respond to bracing and may progress even after skeletal maturity has developed.
Exercises used in scoliosis include postural exercises (stabilization exercises) to ensure spinal control, stretching exercises to increase spinal flexibility, weight transfer exercises, and breathing exercises. There may be tension and fatigue in the muscles on the convex side of the scoliotic curve, and strain in the ligaments; weakness and shortening may occur in the structures on the concave side. Exercises improve spinal flexibility and muscle tone, preventing discomfort associated with muscle and ligament fatigue, and increase muscle strength, endurance, and function.
In addition to conservative treatment with orthotic applications, surgical treatment procedures can also be applied.
Swimming is the best sport because water provides both buoyancy and a massage effect. Warm waters (such as thermal springs) are even more beneficial. The best sport after swimming is walking.