Supporting children with spinal curves, posture imbalance, and early-stage alignment concerns
Scoliosis and other spinal deformities can affect posture, balance, mobility, and overall comfort. Early physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing curves, improving alignment, and supporting healthy spinal development during childhood and adolescence.
At Next Level Speech and Physiotherapy Dubai, our pediatric physiotherapists provide targeted, child-friendly treatment plans for children with mild to moderate scoliosis, postural curves, spinal asymmetries, and related musculoskeletal concerns.
Families from Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Palm Jumeirah, Bluewaters Island, and nearby areas rely on us for early intervention and long-term spinal health.
To explore more pediatric services, visit our Pediatric Physiotherapy page.
Understanding Scoliosis and Spinal Curvature in Children
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that may appear during rapid growth phases, especially between ages 8 and 14. Parents often notice signs such as:
- One shoulder higher than the other
- Uneven hips or waistline
- Prominent shoulder blade
- Leaning to one side
- Visible curve during bending
- Clothing hanging unevenly
- Fatigue or discomfort with prolonged sitting or standing
Not all curves are structural scoliosis — some are postural or related to muscle imbalance, which physiotherapy can correct early.
Common Types of Spinal Deformities We Treat
Our physiotherapy program supports children with:
- Mild to moderate idiopathic scoliosis
- Postural curves caused by muscle imbalance
- Hyperkyphosis (rounded upper back)
- Flat back posture
- Functional spinal asymmetry
- Early-stage spine deviations related to growth spurts
- Poor core stability affecting spinal alignment
Early identification helps prevent progression and reduces the need for later, more invasive interventions.
Our Approach to Assessment
Each child receives a detailed, posture-focused evaluation that may include:
- Observation of spinal alignment in standing and bending
- Posture and balance analysis
- Core strength and muscle endurance testing
- Assessment of muscle tightness and flexibility
- Evaluation of gait, functional movement, and stability
- Review of growth patterns and current symptoms
Parents receive a clear explanation of findings, curve type (if applicable), and recommended treatment strategies.
Treatment Methods: Building Strength and Improving Alignment
Our therapy programs focus on targeted exercises and corrective strategies to support spinal health. Treatment may include:
- Core strengthening to improve trunk stability
- Exercises for curve-specific correction
- Breathing techniques to support rib mobility and alignment
- Stretching tight muscles contributing to imbalance
- Strengthening weak muscles on the opposite side of the curve
- Posture training for sitting, standing, and everyday activities
- Balance and proprioception exercises
- Functional movement training to support healthy biomechanics
Therapy is designed to feel safe, structured, and empowering for children and teens.
Posture Education and Daily Habit Training
We teach children and families how to incorporate small but impactful habits such as:
- Correct sitting and standing posture
- Best positions for studying, reading, and using devices
- How to distribute weight evenly when carrying bags
- Strategies to reduce strain during daily activities
- Ergonomic setups for school and home environments
Posture awareness plays a major role in long-term curve management.
Home Program for Better Long-Term Results
Children progress faster when exercises become part of their routine. We provide:
- Personalised home exercise videos or instructions
- Clear guidelines on how often to practise
- Tips for improving posture throughout the day
- Activities to support core strength and flexibility
- Advice for parents on monitoring alignment at home
Consistency helps maintain improvements between sessions.
Monitoring Progress During Growth
Because scoliosis can change during growth spurts, we offer ongoing monitoring to ensure:
- The curve is not progressing
- Core stability continues to improve
- Posture remains aligned
- Movement patterns stay symmetrical
- Exercises remain appropriate for the child’s age and development
Early and regular follow-up supports better long-term outcomes.
Why Families Choose Next Level Speech and Physiotherapy Dubai
Parents trust our clinic because we offer:
- DHA-licensed pediatric physiotherapists experienced in spinal conditions
- Evidence-based approaches tailored for growing children
- A supportive, encouraging environment
- Flexible options for clinic or home-based sessions
- Personalised exercise plans that children can follow long-term
- Clear communication, progress tracking, and curve management strategies
We focus on helping children grow with confidence, strength, and healthy alignment.
Book a Consultation
We welcome families from Dubai Marina, JLT, JBR, Bluewaters Island, Palm Jumeirah, and nearby communities.
To schedule an appointment, visit our Contact Us page.
Postural Curves vs Structural Scoliosis: What Parents Should Know
Not every spinal curve is scoliosis. Many children develop postural or functional curves due to muscle imbalance, growth spurts, or prolonged sitting habits. These curves often improve with targeted physiotherapy and posture education.
Structural scoliosis, on the other hand, involves a fixed spinal curvature that may require closer monitoring. Understanding the difference helps parents make informed decisions without unnecessary fear.
Physiotherapy plays an important role in both cases by improving core stability, posture awareness, and muscular balance. For postural curves, therapy may help correct alignment completely. For structural scoliosis, physiotherapy supports function, comfort, and curve management alongside medical monitoring.
Clear assessment and early guidance help families understand what type of curve is present and what steps are most appropriate moving forward.
FAQs – Scoliosis & Spine Alignment
1. Does my child need X-rays before starting physiotherapy?
If scoliosis is suspected, X-rays can help determine the curve angle. Physiotherapy can begin before or after imaging, depending on the situation.
2. Can physiotherapy reduce the spinal curve?
Physiotherapy can help improve posture, strength, and alignment, and may prevent progression—especially when started early.
3. Is scoliosis painful for children?
Many children do not feel pain but may experience fatigue or discomfort with prolonged sitting or standing. Therapy helps reduce these symptoms.
4. What age is best for scoliosis physiotherapy?
Early school years through adolescence is ideal, especially during growth spurts when curves can change quickly.
5. How long does treatment take?
Mild curves may require short-term intervention. Progressive or moderate curves may need ongoing sessions and monitoring.
6. Can poor posture cause scoliosis?
Poor posture does not cause structural scoliosis but can create functional curves that appear similar — and physiotherapy can correct these.
7. Do you treat children who are also wearing a brace?
Yes. Physiotherapy complements bracing by strengthening the muscles that support the spine.
8. Will my child need surgery?
Most mild to moderate curves do not require surgery. Early physiotherapy helps reduce the likelihood of progression.
9. Do you offer home sessions for scoliosis?
Yes. Home physiotherapy is available for families who prefer treatment in a familiar environment.
10. How can I get started?
You can reach out through our Contact Us page to book your child’s first assessment.