Scoliosis treatment in Hilversum, for children and adults

Scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine, usually with some rotation of the vertebrae. Most people with scoliosis function well with the right guidance. At MoveWell we combine hands on chiropractic treatment with active training, so you gain freedom of movement quickly and keep it: stronger, more resilient, fewer setbacks.
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What scoliosis is

Seen from behind a healthy spine is straight; with scoliosis it forms a C or an S, often with rotation that makes one side of the ribs or waist more prominent. About three in a hundred children develop a scoliosis during growth, most of them idiopathic, meaning no clear cause. In adults we see two groups: those who have had a curve since adolescence, and those who develop a degenerative scoliosis after fifty, when osteoarthritis and disc wear change the alignment of the lower back.

We distinguish structural scoliosis, where the curve is a permanent shape, from functional scoliosis, an apparent curve caused by muscle tension, a leg length difference or a postural habit, which is often reversible. In both cases the number of degrees on an X ray says less about your complaints than how you move, where you are stiff and where you lack strength and control. That is what we examine and treat. Scoliosis is not broken; it is a different shape that moves differently and needs its own plan.

What you notice

Asymmetry of the shoulders, shoulder blades, ribs or waist; when bending forward one side of the back looks higher. A pulling or stiff feeling on one side, burning back muscles after long sitting or standing, fatigue at the end of a working day, difficulty staying upright without effort. In adults often combined with lower back or neck pain and sometimes radiating pain from overload.

Rarely, scoliosis comes with loss of strength or numbness in the legs, unexplained weight loss or night pain. Those signs need a medical check first; we recognise them and refer you.

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Scoliosis at every age

Children and teenagers

Chiropractor examining the pelvis and spine of a patient with scoliosis

Growth is the moment a curve can increase, so monitoring matters: a physical check every few months and an X ray when indicated. We treat the stiffness and the muscle imbalance, give exercises the child can actually do, and work with the school, sport and, when needed, the orthopaedic specialist. See also our page for babies and children.

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Adults with a known curve

Core and back strength training for scoliosis at MoveWell Hilversum

Back pain, stiffness and fatigue that increase with age and sitting. Mobilisation of the stiff segments, release of the overworked muscles and a strength programme for the deep back muscles make the difference between managing and struggling. Many patients also benefit from decompression therapy.

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Degenerative scoliosis over fifty

Posture analysis by a chiropractor

A new curve in the lower back caused by osteoarthritis and disc wear, often with stenosis and leg symptoms. Treated with decompression, careful mobilisation and training for strength and balance, aimed at walking further and staying independent.

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More information in English

Everything MoveWell offers in English, from complaints to rates: start at MoveWell in English.

Why hands on plus training

Treatment on the table gives quick relief: less stiffness, freer movement, less pain. Without training that gain fades, because the muscles that hold the spine in its best position are the ones that tire first with scoliosis. So every plan has two halves: the chiropractor frees the back, and our physiotherapists and medical fitness centre make it strong and resilient, with a clear plan and an exercise app you use at home.

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How we treat scoliosis

Examination and measurement

Chiropractor examining the lower back of a patient

Posture analysis, forward bending test, measurement of the curve and rotation, leg length, mobility of every segment, muscle strength and endurance, and the nerves of the legs. We read your X rays and reports and explain what your curve means for you.

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Chiropractic treatment

Hands on treatment of the back at MoveWell

Gentle mobilisation and adjustments of the stiff segments, muscle techniques for the overworked side, decompression where discs are involved, and if useful insoles to correct a leg length difference. Techniques are adapted to age and to the shape of your spine.

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Training and posture programme

Supervised training in the MoveWell medical fitness centre

Our physiotherapists build strength, control and endurance of the back and core, with specialised rehabilitation equipment that measures what you do. Exercises for home and, for many, a continuation in the medical fitness centre.

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Why MoveWell for scoliosis

One plan, two professions

Spinal decompression treatment at MoveWell

Chiropractor and physiotherapist in one team, one file and one plan, so hands on treatment and training reinforce each other instead of running separately.

Direct access, fast

MoveWell practice in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark Hilversum

No referral needed, acute complaints usually within 24 hours, open until 21:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Dutch supplementary insurance reimburses chiropractic, no deductible.

Honest advice

Chiropractor discussing the scoliosis plan with a patient

If a curve is progressing fast or needs a brace or specialist, we say so and refer you. For everyone else, the goal is a back you can rely on.

Our specialists for scoliosis

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Frequently asked questions about scoliosis

Can a chiropractor straighten a scoliosis?

No, and nobody can promise that for a structural curve. What treatment does is reduce pain and stiffness, improve movement and posture control, and build the strength that keeps the curve stable and the back resilient. For functional scoliosis, caused by muscle tension or a leg length difference, the curve itself often improves.

At what age should a child be checked for scoliosis?

At the first sign of asymmetry, usually between ten and fifteen when growth is fastest. A check takes one visit and is painless. If a curve is found we monitor it during growth and treat the stiffness and muscle imbalance.

Does scoliosis get worse as you get older?

Not necessarily. A stable curve after growth usually stays stable. Degenerative changes after fifty can increase a curve slowly; keeping the back mobile and strong is the best protection, and that is exactly what the treatment plan does.

Can I play sport with scoliosis?

Yes, and you should. Swimming, cycling, running, strength training and most team sports are fine. We advise on sports with heavy one sided rotation and on technique, and we build the strength you need for your sport.

Do I need an X ray?

For a first assessment of a structural curve, usually yes, to measure the angle and to monitor it in children. We tell you when it is needed and arrange it; if you already have X rays, bring the report.

Is scoliosis treatment reimbursed?

Chiropractic and physiotherapy are reimbursed from Dutch supplementary insurance without deductible. Physiotherapy for children under eighteen is reimbursed from the basic insurance. International policies usually cover both.

Is a brace or surgery needed?

Only for large or fast progressing curves in growing children, which an orthopaedic specialist decides. The vast majority of curves are managed with monitoring, treatment of the stiffness and a training programme. If we see a curve that needs a specialist, we refer you quickly.

Do insoles help with scoliosis?

When a leg length difference causes or increases a functional curve, a simple heel raise or insole can make a clear difference. We measure the difference during the examination and only advise insoles when they help.

Scoliosis treatment for Hilversum and the Gooi region

MoveWell, Hoge Naarderweg 3E, Hilversum, in Medisch Centrum Dudokpark. Patients from Bussum, Laren, Naarden, Huizen, Loosdrecht, Baarn, Weesp and Almere, 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam and Utrecht. Move well, feel better!

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Call 035 760 06 45