Is Swimming Good for Scoliosis? Scoliosis Treatment & Swimming

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, the most common type, occurs in adolescents in their 10s. The cause is not known exactly, but genetic and environmental factors seem to be effective. Poor posture and wrong movements do not cause scoliosis but may contribute to the worsening of existing scoliosis.

The benefits of swimming are often mentioned in the treatment of scoliosis, but there is not much clarity about the effect of swimming on the treatment of scoliosis. While it’s widely recommended for its ability to improve posture, flexibility, and core strength, there are nuances to consider, particularly when discussing scoliosis—a complex spinal curvature condition.

That’s why I decided to talk about the effect of swimming on scoliosis in this article.

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity that is the most common among spinal deformities and causes extremely serious posture disorders in the progressive stages. This deformity may occur due to the structural defect of the spine, or it may develop due to non-spinal causes.

There are multiple types of scoliosis. In addition to the types of scoliosis, each scoliosis has different characteristics, depending on the angle of inclination of the bones. Therefore, if you suspect scoliosis in yourself, you should confirm it as soon as possible through your doctor.

Why Swimming Is Recommended

Swimming is frequently recommended for scoliosis patients because it is a non-weight-bearing exercise. Unlike running or cycling, swimming eliminates the compressive forces acting on the spine, allowing for freer movement and reduced pain. Moreover, the buoyancy of water can:

• Relieve Spinal Pressure: By reducing gravitational pull, swimming provides a unique environment for joint decompression and spinal elongation.
• Promote Muscle Symmetry: The bilateral nature of swimming helps balance muscle activity on both sides of the spine, a critical factor for scoliosis patients.
• Enhance Core Stability: Core muscles play a crucial role in supporting the spine. Swimming engages these muscles, particularly during strokes like freestyle and backstroke.

Can Scoliosis Be Treated? Can It Be Corrected?

Scoliosis is a treatable disorder. Especially at early ages, the treatment of scoliosis is easier than in advanced ages. Surgical and non-surgical treatment methods are used in the treatment of scoliosis. Only 10% of people diagnosed with scoliosis will need surgery.

In the treatment of scoliosis, the age of the patients, the degree and location of the curvature of the bones, the severity of the pain, the diagnosis made by the doctor, and the rate of increase in the curvature are taken into consideration. In the treatment of scoliosis, early diagnosis is of great importance in terms of rapid intervention and early recovery.

Physical therapy and surgical methods are used in the treatment of scoliosis. Surgery is the last method used in the treatment of scoliosis. For this reason, doctors resort to physical therapy and other methods to reduce the speed and severity of the curvature and reduce pain before resorting to the surgical method.

There is also a place for sports in the treatment of scoliosis. Especially since swimming is a sport in which all the muscles in the human body, especially the back and shoulder muscles, work actively, it is of great importance in the treatment of scoliosis.

Is Swimming Good for Scoliosis?

Swimming benefits people with scoliosis in many ways. First of all, swimming strengthens the muscles around the spine, namely the back and waist. In addition, swimming improves lung capacity. Lung weakening is common in patients with advanced scoliosis, and as a result, body endurance decreases. Lung health and lung endurance increase in individuals who swim for several hours a day.

Although scoliosis does not usually cause pain, pain in the lower back and around the waist can be seen in scoliosis patients. Swimming can contribute to reducing these pains.

Does scoliosis go away with swimming?

So, is it possible to improve scoliosis by swimming? Unfortunately, it’s hard to say for sure. . Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Because of the curvature of the spine, the trunk muscles on one side may be too tight, and the muscles on the other side may be weak and elongated. That is, there is an imbalance between the muscles on the inner and outer arc of the curvature. Since the trunk muscles are exercised as a whole with swimming, it does not have a direct effect on the correction of the curvature. Special exercises are required to correct possible muscle imbalances. In certain cases, the use of scoliosis braces can be effective in correcting the curvature. In advanced cases, surgery may be required.

Since swimming is a sport that does not put too much load on bones and joints, it is preferred for muscle strengthening and maintaining conditioning in low back and back problems, including scoliosis. The buoyant force of water carries most of the body weight. The resistance of the water to the movement ensures the strengthening of the muscles. In addition to the trunk muscles, the arm and leg muscles also benefit from swimming. Swimming and in-water exercises also help improve balance.

The Benefits of Swimming for People with Scoliosis

Swimming Makes Breathing Easier

Depending on the current state of scoliosis, patients may experience breathing difficulties. As scoliosis puts pressure on the lungs by changing the shape of the body, lung endurance decreases, and the breathing pattern of the individual changes.

Depending on the severity of scoliosis, swimming exercises may tire the patient at first. But over time, swimming helps strengthen the lung and bring the patient to a level that can manage their breathing difficulties.

Provides Flexibility

Swimming exercises help to work and strengthen all the muscles in the back. Strengthening the muscles around the spine reduces pain and discomfort caused by muscle imbalance. Strengthening your muscles will not eliminate scoliosis, but will greatly reduce the additional discomfort associated with scoliosis. At the same time, you will have more flexible muscles in physical life, as swimming contributes to your muscle flexibility.

Reduces Back Pain

Whether you have scoliosis or just suffer from back pain in everyday life, swimming will reduce all these pains. The best sport to strengthen the back muscles is swimming. Strong back muscles and a strong spine mean less pain and discomfort.

What is the Best Swimming Technique for Scoliosis?

People with muscle imbalance due to scoliosis can almost always learn to swim and benefit from it, although some swimming techniques may be difficult at first. Butterfly-style swimming is not preferred. Freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke are techniques that are suitable for people with scoliosis.

Swimming as Exercise for Scoliosis

Swimming is an ideal exercise for almost all levels of scoliosis. The effect of swimming on the spine is less harmful when compared to other sports. Since swimming is a sport in which the body weight and the force applied to the body are low, your spine does not have to endure too much force.

However, it must be said that swimming is only effective in reducing pain and discomfort caused by spinal curvature. Swimming is not effective in the direct treatment of scoliosis. Swimming is ineffective in stopping the progression of scoliosis or in treating scoliosis completely.

Seeing swimming as an alternative that supports treatment and understanding that it is a sport that should be done in consultation with a doctor will be the best choice for patients suffering from scoliosis.

Key Considerations for Scoliosis Patients

Professional Guidance Is Essential

Swimming should never be a standalone therapy for scoliosis. It’s imperative to consult a physiotherapist or orthopedic specialist who can tailor an exercise regimen to the patient’s specific spinal curvature and condition severity.

Avoid Overtraining

While swimming offers numerous benefits, overtraining can lead to fatigue and improper technique, negating its positive effects. Patients should focus on quality over quantity, aiming for 2–3 moderate-intensity sessions per week.

Incorporate Complementary Therapies

To maximize the benefits of swimming, scoliosis patients can integrate complementary therapies like:

• Scoliosis-Specific Exercises: The Schroth method is particularly effective.
• Core Stabilization Workouts: Pilates and yoga can enhance the muscle control gained from swimming.
• Bracing: For patients with progressive scoliosis, wearing a brace during land-based activities ensures better spinal support.

Temperature Matters

Cold water can increase muscle tension, which is counterproductive for scoliosis patients. Swimming in heated pools helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness.

Potential Drawbacks of Swimming for Scoliosis

Despite its advantages, swimming has limitations:

1. Limited Axial Loading: While swimming promotes spinal elongation, it does not mimic the axial loading necessary for bone mineral density development, which is particularly crucial for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
2. Hyperextension Risk: Certain strokes, particularly the butterfly and breaststroke, can lead to hyperextension of the lumbar spine, worsening the condition in some patients.
3. Over-reliance on Bilateral Movements: Scoliosis patients often have an asymmetric muscular system. Bilateral swimming movements may not address these imbalances as effectively as unilateral exercises prescribed in physical therapy.

When Swimming May Not Be Ideal

In rare cases, swimming may not be suitable for scoliosis patients, particularly those with:

• Severe spinal rigidity that limits effective movement.
• Associated respiratory conditions where aquatic exercise may exacerbate symptoms.
• Post-surgical considerations, such as spinal fusion, which require a structured rehabilitation protocol.

Conclusion

Swimming can be an invaluable addition to a scoliosis management plan, offering benefits such as improved posture, muscle balance, and core strength. However, it is not a cure-all. Patients should view swimming as part of a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy, bracing, and, in some cases, surgical interventions.

By understanding the nuances of scoliosis and tailoring swimming routines to individual needs, patients can enjoy improved quality of life while minimizing discomfort and progression risks.