What to Expect at Your First Scoliosis-Specific Physical Therapy Appointment

Nov 19

Written By Dr. Rosemary Carvajal, PT, DPT

Starting scoliosis-specific physical therapy is an important step toward understanding your spine and taking control of your treatment plan. Whether you’re a parent bringing your child for their first visit or an adult seeking guidance for your own scoliosis, knowing what to expect can help you feel confident and prepared.

This guide walks you through what typically happens during a first appointment with a scoliosis specialized physical therapist.

A Conversation

Your first session begins with a conversation about you. Your therapist will take time to learn about your medical history, current symptoms, daily activities, and goals. For parents, this includes understanding your child’s routines, sports, and any concerns you may have.

This part of the session helps your therapist understand the full picture, not just the X-ray.

Review of Imaging

If you have recent X-rays or reports, your therapist will review them with you in simple, easy-to-understand terms. You’ll learn:

Your curve type
Your Cobb angle(s)
What those measurements mean
How your spine behaves in three dimensions

Postural and Movement Assessment

Next, your therapist will look at how your body moves and how the curve affects your posture. This may include:

Standing and sitting posture checks
Posture photos against a posture grid
Measurement of ATR (angle of trunk rotation) with a scoliometer
Sagittal plane measurements of kyphosis and lordosis
Shoulder, ribcage, and pelvis alignment observations
Functional movement patterns (like bending, standing up, lifting arms, or walking)
Balance, leg length, or thoracic cage mobility assessments

This helps identify the most important areas to address in your individualized program.

Introduction to Scoliosis-Specific Exercises

You will learn the foundations of PSSE (Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises), which are designed specifically for three-dimensional spinal correction.

During your first visit, you might begin to practice foundational PSSE techniques to safely start to work on at home. Each exercise is tailored to your exact curve pattern, age, ability, and goals.

A Personalized Treatment Plan

Before your appointment ends, your therapist will outline an individualized plan. This may include:

How often therapy sessions are recommended
Goals for posture, strength, mobility, and curve management
Starting a customized home exercise program
If needed, recommendations for bracing, imaging, or follow-up with a specialist

Parents and patients often feel relieved to have a roadmap that makes the next steps clear.

Time for Questions

You’ll have time to ask questions, whether it’s about daily activities, sports, school, pain, long-term outlook, or how to support your or your child’s confidence. No question is too small.

Leaving Feeling Empowered

Most patients leave their first scoliosis PT appointment feeling more informed and in control than when they arrived. Understanding your spine, learning the purpose of each exercise, and knowing there is a plan in place brings clarity and peace of mind.

Ready to Start Your Scoliosis Journey?

At ScoliSource, your first appointment is designed to educate, support, and guide you. If you or your child are ready to begin scoliosis-specific physical therapy, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.

✅ If you or your child have recently been diagnosed with scoliosis, ScoliSource offers individualized scoliosis-specific physical therapy to help you move better, and live confidently. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an initial evaluation.

Dr. Rosemary Carvajal, PT, DPT

Dr. Rosemary Carvajal, PT, DPT is a board-certified Doctor of Physical Therapy and scoliosis-specific rehabilitation specialist. She has dedicated her career to helping children, adolescents, and adults with scoliosis and other spinal conditions move with greater ease, manage pain, and achieve lasting improvements in posture and function.

Rosemary is certified in the Rigo Concept BSPTS (Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School) method (L1, L2, L3 Advanced Certification) and SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) method, both internationally recognized systems of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) that evolved from the original Schroth Method. These advanced certifications allow her to design individualized treatment plans rooted in the most current research and best practices in scoliosis care.

Her passion for scoliosis rehabilitation is deeply personal. As a teenager, Rosemary wore a scoliosis brace and later underwent spinal fusion surgery. She has experienced firsthand the physical, emotional, and social challenges that scoliosis can bring. Today, she continues to practice scoliosis-specific exercise herself, which fuels both her empathy and her belief in the effectiveness of the methods she teaches. This lived experience allows her to provide not only clinical expertise but also compassionate, understanding care that truly connects with patients and families.

Rosemary provides scoliosis-specific physical therapy across the lifespan, including pre- and post-surgical care, brace management support, and long-term exercise programs. Her clinical practice is complemented by active involvement in research.

Beyond clinical care, Rosemary serves on the Communication Committee of SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment), where she helps advance global education and collaboration in scoliosis treatment.

Her approach blends advanced clinical expertise with personal experience and compassion. By combining evidence-based scoliosis-specific exercise methods with a hybrid practice model- offering both in-home and private clinic sessions, Rosemary ensures that every patient receives personalized care designed to support both spinal health and quality of life.