Can wearing braces for scoliosis still keep you fit

Patients with scoliosis can generally exercise while wearing braces, but high-intensity or spinal twisting exercises should be avoided. Brace therapy is mainly suitable for adolescents with unclosed bones, and exercise selection should take into account both corrective effects and safety. When the spinal curvature is light and customized braces are worn, low impact aerobic exercises such as swimming and brisk walking can help maintain cardiovascular function, while water exercise can reduce spinal pressure. Core muscle training can enhance trunk stability, but it should be carried out under the guidance of a rehabilitation therapist to avoid unilateral weight-bearing movements. Partial stretching exercises in yoga can improve flexibility, but postures that excessively bend or rotate the spine should be avoided. If the lateral bending angle exceeds 40 degrees or is accompanied by vertebral rotation, instrument training and adversarial movements should be suspended to prevent brace displacement or worsening of deformities. Emergency stop turning exercises such as basketball and soccer may increase the asymmetric load on the spine, and caution should also be exercised in events such as skiing and gymnastics that require spinal torsion. Adult patients with combined osteoporosis require strict assessment of strength training to avoid the risk of compression fractures.

It is recommended that patients with scoliosis consult a rehabilitation or orthopedic department before exercising to develop personalized plans based on the type, angle, and suitability of the scoliosis brace. Pay attention to the tightness of the braces during exercise, and stop immediately if there is pain or discomfort. Daily respiratory training can be combined to adjust chest symmetry, and braces should be used in a standardized manner during sleep. Regular follow-up spinal X-rays should be taken to monitor corrective effects.