What to expect from physiotherapy for kyphosis

Your physiotherapist will look at spinal movement, shoulder position, hip mobility, muscle endurance, balance, and how you sit, stand, or work. Exercises may include thoracic extension, chest mobility, shoulder-blade control, and trunk strengthening. The aim is often better movement and function; the plan depends on whether the curve is flexible, fixed, related to growth, or linked with another spinal problem.

Posture advice is not about holding yourself rigidly all day. Learning to change position, take movement breaks, and use comfortable support can reduce strain while muscles become more capable.

Perform the home exercises as demonstrated and breathe normally unless instructed otherwise. Build tolerance gradually, especially for prolonged sitting, lifting, overhead work, or activities that make the back tired. Tell your therapist about pain that travels around the ribs, new weakness, or symptoms that appear after a particular movement.

If a brace, imaging, or specialist review is part of your care, physiotherapy can complement that plan. Do not force the spine into a painful position to improve posture.

Seek prompt medical assessment for new or worsening limb weakness, loss of balance, numbness spreading around the body, or changes in bladder or bowel control. Urgent review is needed after significant trauma, or when back pain is severe and accompanied by fever or unexplained illness.

Is my curve flexible or fixed, and what is the likely cause? Which movements should I practise or avoid? Would a brace or further assessment be useful? How will we judge progress in posture, breathing comfort, strength, and daily activity?