Does a Scoliosis slow you down?

An abnormal curvature in your spine known as a scoliosis is often detected and diagnosed by Physiotherapists. Some are temporary, particularly when associated with acute back pain, and some are genetic from childhood or from degenerative changes that occurs with age.

Up to 25% of the population are known to have a scoliosis on X-ray and this group of people typically experience more back pain than most. But how much will this limited your athletic endeavours and how much did it slow down this high profile athlete?

The answer is not much. After all he is the fastest man in history…

“When I was younger it wasn’t really a problem. But you grow and it gets worse. My spine’s really curved bad

[makes “S” shape with finger]. But if I keep my core and back strong, the scoliosis doesn’t really bother me. So I don’t have to worry about it as long as I work hard. The early part of my career, when we didn’t really know much about it, it really hampered me because I got injured every year.”

Usain Bolt: ESPN Magazine, December 2011

So why is he so fast then?

The quote above only touches on why this is the case. Apart from the obvious genetic advantage of being Jamaican, he displays not only core strength but incredible control of his spinal movements, impeccable technique and excellent power and stability in his gluts.

While us mere mortals may never reach such levels of awesomeness, there is always room for improvement. Physiotherapy can identify areas of abnormal tone and weakness that place extra stress on an already disadvantages spinal posture.

We can’t promise you’ll crack the 10 second mark over a 100m sprint but we back ourselves to give you a noticeable improvement in your athletic ability.

Sam Brasell

Sports Physiotherapist