There is still a long way to go before the problem of scoliosis can be solved satisfactorily. To achieve this goal, the concern and cooperation of every branch of medicine is necessary. This includes physiotherapy.
The role of physiotherapy is threefold. First, the therapist must understand that scoliosis is a problem of great complexity, involving many different types and their concomitant problems. Secondly, the therapist can be of valuable assistance in the early detection of cases of scoliosis, providing she knows where to look. And thirdly, the therapist should have a knowledge of the various treatment techniques and should know how and where physiotherapy can be applied.
Simple as these three points seem, to follow them through entails a great deal of study. This writer speaks from experience, having recently embarked on a study project of the field of scoliosis and the role of physiotherapy in it. But if it results in even one individual being able to face life - and himself - with a straight back, it will be worth it.
The first two points will be considered together, since detection of a condition depends on knowing something about what one is looking for. Certainly, one is not just looking for obvious scoliotic curves. If a curve is obvious, then it is already too late to do very much about it. Dr. Walter P. Blount, of Milwaukee brace fame has stated that, although orthotists have learned to make good braces, and orthopaedic surgeons to use them, "the greatest difficulty at this point is that patients are often referred for treatment a year or more too late to obtain good results." What is needed, then, is a good detection agency. I suggest that the physiotherapy department can be such an agency.
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