What are the current physiotherapeutic practices in the management of individuals with scoliosis in the UK? Caitlin O’Malley, Supervisor: Catherine Stancombe Background: The purpose of this study was to establish the current physiotherapeutic practices in the management of individuals with scoliosis within the UK. The current lack of research into physiotherapeutic practice has raised concerns for some qualified physiotherapists. There are no recent guidelines available specific to the different types of scoliosis. Method: A web-based survey was employed to collect the data from qualified physiotherapists. Respondents were recruited through a post on relevant networks of the interactive Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (iCSP). Results: Advice and education were the most predominantly used practices in ‘always’ the management of scoliosis (80%). Postural re-education and goal setting were ‘always’ used by 60% of respondents. The pain scale was the most predominantly used ‘always’ outcome measure (40%). Conclusion: From the results of the survey it would appear that physiotherapists currently favour a hands-off approach when managing scoliosis. In terms of appreciating the psychosocial effects of scoliosis physiotherapists appear to be adopting a limited range of outcome measures. Findings suggest that the lack of guidance available for the scoliosis patient population might be adversely affecting physiotherapy practice. Highlighted is the need for more literature to be available to guide the physiotherapeutic practice in the management of this cohort.
What are the current physiotherapeutic practices in the management of individuals with scoliosis in the UK? Caitlin O’Malley, Supervisor: Catherine Stancombe Background: The purpose of this study was to establish the current physiotherapeutic practices in the management of individuals with scoliosis within the UK. The current lack of research into physiotherapeutic practice has raised concerns for some qualified physiotherapists. There are no recent guidelines available specific to the different types of scoliosis. Method: A web-based survey was employed to collect the data from qualified physiotherapists. Respondents were recruited through a post on relevant networks of the interactive Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (iCSP). Results: Advice and education were the most predominantly ‘always’ used practices in the management of scoliosis (80%). Postural re-education and goal setting were ‘always’ used by 60% of respondents. The pain scale was the most predominantly ‘always’ used outcome measure (40%). Conclusion: From the results of the survey it would appear that physiotherapists currently favour a hands-off approach when managing scoliosis. In terms of appreciating the psychosocial effects of scoliosis physiotherapists appear to be adopting a limited range of outcome measures. Findings suggest that the lack of guidance available for the scoliosis patient population might be adversely affecting physiotherapy practice. Highlighted is the need for more literature to be available to guide the physiotherapeutic practice in the management of this cohort.
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