Rhythmic Gymnastics and the Development of Scoliosis

Rhythmic gymnastics, in brief, is a kind of sport that involves the cooperation of the floor. It involves athletes using devices such as ropes, ribbons, clubs, balls or hoops. It’s a discipline that masterfully blends together components of classic gymnastics, calisthenics and even dancing. Some rhythmic gymnasts have questions that relate to how this sport may influence the emergence of scoliosis, a relatively common spinal condition.

Scoliosis is a simple thing to grasp. It’s a condition that’s characterized by atypical spine curvature. If an individual has a backbone that appears sideways, then odds are high that he or she has scoliosis. The curve may have a shape that’s reminiscent of the letter C or the letter S. People frequently learn that they have scoliosis when they’re just kids.

Does Participation in Rhythmic Gymnastics Bring on Scoliosis?

Rhythmic gymnastics may make participants more vulnerable to the emergence of scoliosis. People who train in this specific sport may be 10 times more likely to experience irregularities with spine curvature. Why exactly is this? It may be due to the fact that in-depth rhythmic gymnastics training can bring on spine tension that is in no sense balanced.

This form of gymnastics can be quite elaborate in nature. Youngsters who take part in it are often pre-teens. Children often begin taking part in this type of gymnastics when they’re merely five-years-old.

These kinds of athletes in many cases have to endure training regimens that are anything but simple and straightforward. They often practice for close to 30 full hours on a weekly basis. Their daily sessions often last for five hours total. They in many situations practice six days out of the week, leaving little time for any kind of break.

How exactly do rhythmic gymnastics moves pave the way for training tension that isn’t balanced or even at all? Athletes who take part in this form of gymnastics often take charge of training devices using the same exact hands over and over again. Using the same specific hand repeatedly can lead to spine loading that’s asymmetric and therefore quite problematic. It can lead to lower limb and pelvis loading that’s not even or balanced, too.

People who are big on rhythmic gymnastics place a lot of tension on single legs as well. They do this as they retrieve and throw specific devices. Balls are one big example. These actions can bring on significant asymmetric tension all the same.

Rhythmic gymnasts use postures that are part of the “flat-back” category. This sport motivates this kind of posture. This is due to visual factors. The problem lies in the reality that this posture can bring on the diminishment of typical double spine curvature. The absence of standard curvature can make the thoracic spine’s growth plates a lot more prone to substantial mechanical tension that can be tough to turn around.

Scoliosis isn’t the only possible “consequence” of taking part in this specific sport. Young women who are keen on this gymnastics category in many cases begin menstruating a lot later than their peers typically do.

Treatment for Scoliosis

Human beings are never identical. If an athlete finds out that she has this form of scoliosis, then it doesn’t necessarily have to be the end of her participation in sports at all. It’s imperative for athletes to talk to their doctors about their specific circumstances and available treatment pathways. If a gymnast has a spine curve that’s nowhere near significant, then she may be able to proceed without going forward with actual treatment. Lifestyle adjustments alone may work like a charm for her. This can be impossible to predict, though.

Doctors typically speak candidly with scoliosis patients regarding three potential management avenues. Observation is one of them. The remaining two are surgery and braces. Gymnasts should search for professionals who have ample experience with athletes. There are many gymnasts who have spine curvature problems who have not had to have complex surgery or anything else along those lines. They often have physicians supervise their situations as a means of determining which avenue is optimal. Time can often tell.

Back braces are an option for some gymnasts who have scoliosis. These braces tend to consist of a plastic that has a tough texture. People who have curves that are from 20 to 40 degrees often are suitable braces for candidates. What exactly can braces attain for individuals who have scoliosis? These devices may be able to inhibit the intensifying of curves as bodies get bigger and bigger. Note, though, that braces do not ever “fix” scoliosis curves. They simply aim to stop them from getting more out of hand. Braces strive to take charge of curves as a means of keeping the need for surgical procedures at bay.

Surgical treatment can be useful for gymnasts or for scoliosis patients in general who have curves that are in the range of 45 to 50 degrees. Since these curves are often classified as being extreme, people often think that they’re bound to intensify gradually. These curves are so serious that they can in certain cases negatively impact the operations of the lungs. If a gymnast has scoliosis that’s aggressive, then spinal fusion surgery may be the best management path out there for him or for her.

There are so many components that influence scoliosis treatment pathways that are accessible to patients. Some examples of these components are their age groups, their specific scoliosis varieties and even their physical appearances. Doctors in many cases contemplate whether patients are still in the midst of growing.

Get Guidance From Adept Physiotherapists in Singapore

Dealing with scoliosis can be a source of frustration for all kinds of athletes. It can sometimes help for athletes to get advice from physiotherapists in Singapore who have a lot of experience with the ins and outs of scoliosis.

Are you interested in physiotherapy, scoliosis treatment or anything else? Call our highly regarded clinic at any time for more about scoliosis treatment choices.