Kyphosis Treatment
Causes, Symptoms & Physiotherapy Treatment
Kyphosis is an excessive forward curve in the upper spine that gives the back a rounded or hunched appearance. Depending on how pronounced it is, you might notice stiffness between the shoulder blades, an ache that builds through the day, or simply that you’re finding it harder to stand up straight without consciously correcting yourself.
What Causes Kyphosis?
For a lot of people, kyphosis develops slowly from years of poor posture, particularly with long hours spent hunched over a desk or a phone. It can also run alongside conditions like osteoporosis, where the front of the spinal bones compress over time, or ankylosing spondylitis, where the spine gradually stiffens into a fixed forward position. In younger patients, structural causes such as Scheuermann’s disease are more likely, a proper assessment of the curve is the best way to understand what’s causing it, whether that’s postural or something else.
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Our Treatment for Kyphosis
At your initial assessment, we’ll examine your posture, spinal mobility and the strength of the muscles supporting your upper back before agreeing a plan with you. Treatment usually centres on stretching tight chest muscles, strengthening the muscles between the shoulder blades, and postural retraining so the correction becomes second nature rather than something you have to think about constantly. Physiotherapy is the main route to managing kyphosis day to day, and massage therapy can help release the tightness that builds up across the chest and shoulders as the spine curves forward. As strength and control improve, sports therapy can support a return to more demanding training without the curve limiting what you can do.
How much a kyphotic curve can be improved depends on its cause and how flexible the spine still is, but most people notice reduced pain and better posture within a few months of consistent exercise.
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Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
