Scoliosis & Massage—What’s Helpful and What’s Hype?
Massage is popular for back pain and muscle tension, and many scoliosis patients ask whether it can treat or correct their curve. The answer is nuanced: massage can help with comfort, but it does not realign bones or reverse structural scoliosis.
What Massage Can Do
Skilled soft-tissue work can:
- Reduce muscle tension and trigger points.
- Improve blood flow and relaxation.
- Support pain relief alongside other treatments.
What Massage Cannot Do
Massage cannot:
- Straighten a structural curve.
- Replace bracing, exercise, or surgery where indicated.
- Change bone shape or disc alignment.
Integrating Massage at Dorsi
Dorsi Spinal Institute may include massage within broader programmes to:
- Ease discomfort around brace edges or tight areas.
- Prepare muscles for exercise or stretching.
- Support general wellbeing and stress management.
Choosing a Therapist
We recommend working with therapists who:
- Understand scoliosis and its limitations.
- Communicate with your specialist team when needed.
- Avoid claims of “curing” or “fixing” scoliosis with massage alone.
Next Steps
If you’re considering massage as part of scoliosis care, Dorsi Spinal Institute can advise on realistic goals and help coordinate treatment safely within a comprehensive plan.
Related reading: see our blogs on pain management, exercise, and myths about scoliosis treatments.
Written by
Dr Matthew ABJ Potts BSc MSc DC ISPRM
Clinical Director
Doctor of Chiropractic
Specialist Scoliosis Consultant
Fellow of the British Scoliosis Society
Member of the Scoliosis Association (UK)
Chair of the Clinical Advisory Board at Meloq AB
Member of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine
Editorial board member of international journals CICRJ & Rehabilitation Science
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