Table 1. Opinions regarding non-surgical interventions for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

negative comments:

“time and common sense prevent me from discussing any other treatment modality than bracing”[9]

“treatment options for patients with scoliosis range from the unproven or harmful to the beneficial” [10]

“physical therapy, chiropractic care, biofeedback and electric stimulation have not been shown to alter the natural history of scoliosis” [11]

“patients should be aware of the absence of evidence for these [physiotherapy] treatments” [12]

positive statements:

“bracing and spinal surgery have been proven to alter the natural history of curve progression” [13]

“exercise-based therapies, alone or in combination with orthopaedic approaches, are a logical approach to improve and maintain flexibility and function in patients  at risk for pain, pulmonary dysfunction, and progression” [14]

“the triad of out-patient physiotherapy, intensive in-patient rehabilitation and bracing has proven effective in conservative scoliosis treatment in central Europe”  [15]