Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approaches to Physical Therapy for Idiopathic Scoliosis in Children and Adolescents (Literature Review)

Summary. In pediatric orthopedics, scoliotic spinal deformity is among the most extensively studied conditions, as it represents one of the most common problems encountered in pediatric orthopedic practice. Despite the high prevalence of the disease, there is no consensus regarding the optimal management of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. The choice of treatment modality and the timing of treatment initiation are of particular importance, as inadequate or delayed treatment is often associated with progression of spinal deformity. Among the available treatment options, physical therapy is a key component of conservative management and is applied depending on the clinical presentation and severity of the deformity. This approach is based on the concept of scoliosis as a three-dimensional deformity of the spine in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes. Given the wide range of physical therapy techniques, clinicians frequently are faced with the challenge of selecting the most appropriate approach. This review summarizes current physical therapy methods for idiopathic scoliosis in children and adolescents, with the aim of supporting informed selection, prescription, and monitoring of physical therapy in order to optimize treatment outcomes.