Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) can be a frustrating diagnosis because the cause is unknown in more than 80 percent of cases. Shriners Healthcare for Children — Twin Cities offers a non-traditional 3D treatment approach for AIS called scoliosis specific exercise (SSE). Since inception of the SSE program two years ago at Shriners Healthcare for Children — Twin Cities, more than 60 patients with AIS have experienced improvements in postural control, pain reduction, strength and overall quality of life. Patients receiving treatment for AIS at Shriners Healthcare for Children — Twin Cities also have the benefit of low dose radiation X-rays via our EOS imaging system, in-house orthotists for custom bracing and specialized care from pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.

Shriners Healthcare for Children — Twin Cities has two therapists on the staff who are certified in SSE: Sarah Kelly, D.P.T., and Rebecca Rouse, D.P.T. Both are Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School C1 and C2 certified to treat scoliosis, and have extensive knowledge of the treatment of back pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Currently, these physical therapists are two out of only four in the state of Minnesota who hold the advanced C2 certification, allowing for the treatment of a patient who has undergone spine surgery. Primary care providers who refer will receive progress updates and are welcome to reach out for more information. Referrals may be made by phone at 612-596-6105 or via fax at 612-596-6102.

Learn more about our SSE program by reading Scoliosis Specific Exercise Program Empowers Patients, an article co-authored by Christopher Vara, M.D., and Sarah Kelly, D.P.T., of Shriners Healthcare for Children — Twin Cities, in the Minnesota American Academy of Pediatrics newsletter.