NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Six to nine million Americans have scoliosis (three-dimensional curvature of the spine), 90% of which presents during adolescence. The results of a newly published clinical trial* demonstrate the efficacy of a unique, non-surgical medical treatment that quickly reduces curves before they become disabling. Standard treatments -- lengthy, uncomfortable bracing and major spinal surgery (36,000 operations per year) -- can almost always be avoided with this rapid-acting, conservative approach that balances spinal muscles and straightens curves. Loren Fishman, MD, assistant clinical professor at Columbia University Medical School and medical director of Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, is the lead investigator of this groundbreaking clinical trial

In a controlled, randomized study of 30 patients aged 12-20 years old, a simple exercise done daily, plus small injections of botulinum toxin during one office visit, successfully reduced spinal curves an average of 12 degrees in three months. Progress continued thereafter. The simple yoga-like maneuver alone, done briefly three times a day, was shown in earlier published research** to significantly straighten lumbar curves.

In this current study, in addition to the physical maneuver strengthening the weak muscles on the convex side of the spine, botulinum toxin relaxes the overly strong muscles on the concave side preventing them from pulling the spine into a curve.

This new muscle-balancing technique may be used on curves below 45 degrees and on curves up to 90 degrees. For many years, until now, difficult, embarrassing bracing and major surgery for helpless young patients waiting for their curves to become "bad enough" were virtually the only options for those with scoliosis. This easy treatment, which can also help adults, offers life-changing help to countless patients. 

Dr. Fishman and a study participant are available for interview

* https://globaljournals.org/GJMR_Volume25/1-Yoga-and-Botulinum.pdf          

** https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0413/3/1/4,  includes 1-minute explanatory video by lead investigator Loren Fishman, MD; https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/2164956120988259

Contact:
Carol Ardman
Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Carol.Ardman@gmail.com
Mobile: 917-856-6402

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SOURCE Manhattan Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation