What is Functional Scoliosis?

Functional scoliosis refers to a temporary lateral curvature of the spine caused by a muscular strength imbalance between the two sides of the body, especially around the pelvic region. When one side becomes dominant (or tight), the body will gravitate towards the more mobile side, creating a curvature in the spine.

Functional scoliosis can be caused by a difference in leg lengths (due to a lateral pelvic tilt and muscular imbalances), muscle spasms, poor posture, and inflammation of the dominant side.  Although highly treatable, it can lead to tightness and pain in the hip, back, shoulders, and neck. Depending on the severity of the curvature, it can lead to arthritis and structural damage to the vertebrae.

What are the Signs of Functional Scoliosis?

• Lateral curvature in the spine
• Asymmetrical leg lengths
• Tightness and pain in the hip, back, shoulders, and neck
• Muscle spasms
• Inflammation on one side

How do You Fix It?

To address functional scoliosis, we first need to focus on stabilizing the hips and spine while releasing the muscles on the dominant side. We would recommend the following exercises:

• Release - Adductors & QL on the dominant side of the body - 2min each
• Activate - Gluteus Medius - Side Lying Hip extension with Abduction on dominant side 2 x 20
• Integrate - Single leg step up - focus on Adductors & QL on non-dominant side 2 x 20
• Strengthen – 4-Point DB row on non-dominant side with hip extension on dominant side 2 x 20