Schuermanns disease and physical therapies by Dr Les Bailey phd,DO,acopm,apta(int part)

Oct. 27, 2012 - PRLog -- Dr Les Bailey phd,DO,acopm,Apta(int part )Discusses the role of physical therapies in SCHUERMANNS DISEASE. Dr Les Bailey

schuermanns disease is one of the osteochondroses diseases.
The vertebrae become temporarily soft at the late childhood/teenage development.The result is that they become deformed due to weight bearing during this softening stage.
Thel part of the vertebrae affected is the anterior part(front)of the thoracic vertebrae that takes the weight of the upper body.
Consequently,the vertebrae grow wedge shaped rather than a square type formation.
A roundedness of the dorsal is most noticeable during the ages of around 10 to 16 years of age.
It affects the thoracic spine and typically begins with upper back pain in early teens that abates ,only to be replaced by osteoarthritis in adulthood,where the vertebrae literally show wearing .
There is also a slight forward stoop(kyphosis) which gives rise to its alternative name of schuermanns kyphosis.
many patients are unaware they had schuermanns as a child and only upon asking if they recall pain at that stage will they remember.
There has never been a genetic disposition to this condition to be a factor as far as past studies have shown.
I have often had the opportunity to work on younger patients with schuermanns,and i tend to treat the same as adults with the aim of stopping the condition worsening.
My main treatment consists of using thoracic lift procedures to seperate the vertebrae and give spacing,which lessens the impact of the osteoarthritic changes and reduces localised vertebrae on vertebrae pressure.
Usually I will use deep tissue massage prior to the lift,plus infra red to soften the surrounding soft tissue lessening the need to perform an over harsh manipulation.
I then use more deep tissue massage after the manipulation to nourish the surrounding soft tissue and reduce spasm.
I generally use plenty of upper spine mobilisation techniques to keep a good movement between vertebrae.
I think its important to advise the patient to strengthen the upper back as a whole,and the best way to do this is by using gym equipment so the back is strengthened against weight. A single cable machine is ideal for this as they can use various bars attached to target all areas of the upper spine.Posture is most important whilst doing the exercises as we do not wish to exacerbate the kyphosis,but strengthen the upper spine.
A good personal trainer is best with instruction from the practitioner. I tend to accompany my own patients to the gym at least once to ensure they do the correct exercises.
The outlook for schuermanns is very good if tackled as above, and we have good patient compliance.
copyright Dr Les Bailey phd,DO,acopm,apta(int part)
Dr Les Bailey
Les Bailey
About Dr Les Bailey phd,DO, acopm.apta(int part)
website http://www.drlesbailey.com
Email drlesbailey@yahoo.co.uk
Direct phone number 07801418080
Dr Les Bailey began in physical therapies in 1981,qualifying in remedial massage,and later going on to qualify as an osteopath.
He gained his phd from OIUCM for a thesis on the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
He was awarded a teaching/lecturing diploma from the northern school of osteopaths in 1993.
He also holds a diploma in foot biomechanics .
Dr Les Bailey works from his clinic near Banstead in surrey.