How to Find Scoliosis Physical Therapy in Boulder That Goes Beyond the Basics
- Colin O'Banion, DPT
- Jan 21
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 22
Have you already tried physical therapy, chiropractic, or the “wait and see” approach for scoliosis—and still feel stuck? I see it all the time.
Many people come to me after working through conventional treatments that failed to deliver long-term relief. At my Boulder-based clinic, I offer expert-level scoliosis physical therapy designed for those ready to move beyond generic care and get real results.
With over 20 years of experience treating complex pain and spinal conditions, I use a root-cause, full-body approach that goes far beyond what typical insurance-based models can offer. If you're searching for scoliosis pain relief in Boulder without surgery or bracing, here’s what makes my method different—and why it works.
Can Physical Therapy Help Scoliosis?
Yes, when done right, physical therapy can be one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for scoliosis. The key is personalized care that addresses your unique posture, movement patterns, and daily habits.
In my Boulder clinic, scoliosis treatment isn’t just about exercises. It’s about understanding the mechanical causes of your symptoms and giving you the tools to make lasting change.
Why Traditional Scoliosis Treatment Often Falls Short
Most scoliosis care relies on passive stretching, bracing, or brief physical therapy sessions that never get to the root of the problem. These approaches focus on where the pain is, not why it's happening, or how your sitting, sleeping, and movement habits are reinforcing dysfunction.
Even when exercises are provided, they’re often delivered without explanation or proper instruction.
You need to know why you’re doing each movement, how to do it properly, and how it fits into your bigger recovery plan.
Without that clarity, it’s just movement and won’t provide you with meaningful progress.
A Personalized, Whole-Body Approach to Scoliosis Care
My scoliosis treatment begins with a thorough verbal intake and comprehensive physical evaluation.
We look at your entire movement system from your spine to your hips and feet, and analyze how daily habits like sitting, sleeping, and walking are affecting your posture and function. This gives us the “why” behind your pain or curve progression.
From there, I develop a plan that fits your goals, time, and budget. Some patients prefer a self-led approach with periodic check-ins, while others benefit from more consistent in-person work.
You’ll also receive a custom home exercise program delivered through a simple app, called Physiapp with clear video and written instructions to make your routine easy to follow and stick with.
Goal 1: Relieve Pain and Improve Function
The first step is to reduce pain and restore better movement. Scoliosis pain often results from mechanical stress, not just the spinal curve itself. By improving posture and movement patterns, we reduce this stress and create the foundation for lasting relief.
Depending on your needs, I may incorporate manual therapy, shockwave therapy, dry needling, EMS, and other tools to help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and support healing. This hands-on care complements your home routine and accelerates your progress by targeting the structures that need the most attention.
Goal 2: Stop (or Even Reverse) Scoliosis Curve Progression
Yes, scoliosis is a progressive condition, but it doesn’t have to keep getting worse. With the right physical therapy, many people can stabilize or even reduce their curvature.
This is especially true with early intervention, but I’ve helped many older adults, including those in their 70s, 80s, and even 90’s (!) reduce pain, improve posture, and move more confidently.
We start by correcting the habits that reinforce the curve: sleep posture, sitting mechanics, movement asymmetries. Then we reinforce that process with skilled hands-on therapy, effective modalities, and a few targeted exercises that are simple and sustainable. Over time, this retrains your body to support better alignment and stability.
Simpler Is Often Better
After decades in practice, I’ve learned that simple, consistent movement done well beats complexity every time. I don’t overload patients with a long list of exercises.
Instead, I focus on 3–5 key movements that are precisely chosen for your needs and easy to execute correctly.
We start with the fundamentals: spinal alignment, core stability, and efficient movement from the hips and shoulders. Then we build only what’s necessary into your routine. When you understand the why behind each movement and can do it well, the results follow.
What Makes My Care Different
One-on-one care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy every session
20+ years of experience treating scoliosis and complex spinal conditions
Direct-pay model that gives us time to do what works, without insurance constraints
Manual therapy + advanced modalities used when and where they’re most effective
Clear, app-based home routines that support your progress outside the clinic
And this doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money. My goal is to give you the education, tools, and a little TLC on the table. I consistently see noticeable improvements in 2-3 sessions. That’s the power of focused, expert care.
How Many PT Sessions Do I Need for Scoliosis?
This varies based on your goals and how much support you want, but many of my scoliosis clients see real progress within just 2–3 visits. My aim is to give you the education, home program, and hands-on care you need quickly, so you’re not locked into months of treatment. Whether you prefer regular sessions or occasional check-ins, your plan is built to fit your schedule, budget, and needs.
Ready for a Better Approach to Scoliosis in Boulder?
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been dealing with scoliosis for decades, improvement is possible. You don’t need to rely on bracing or settle for a generic exercise sheet. With the right guidance, your body can relearn how to move, stabilize, and support your spine more efficiently.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if this approach is a fit for you. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more balanced foundation, so you can move better and feel better.
How to Connect with Me:
Colin O’Banion, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Colin is a licensed Physical Therapist and founder of Colin O’Banion Physical Therapy in Boulder, Colorado. With 20 years of experience, he specializes in solving complex and chronic pain cases through a root-cause, integrative approach. Colin combines advanced manual therapy, shockwave therapy, dry needling, and movement re-education to help clients return to the activities they love. His one-on-one practice is dedicated to clients seeking lasting solutions when traditional PT has fallen short.
Comments