The interview

Ann Smith, Colorado/USA

What is your name, and where do you come from?

Ann Smith, I grew up in the mountains of Colorado (at a ski area) on a large cattle ranch

What is your profession?

Physical Therapist: I am currently a director of Orthopaedic Rehab at a large Children's Hospital

How is the rehabilitation treatment of spine diseases managed in your country?

Patients are usually referred to an orthopaedic surgeon or neurosurgeon who specialises in spines; they guide the treatment for the patient based on their evaluation. We are fortunate to have the resources to provide X-rays, CT scans, EOS, MRIs, and EMG studies as needed. We also have the ability to provide PT, bracing, or surgery as indicated by the results of testing and evaluation.

Scoliosis: how is it treated?

Typically, we observe low-magnitude curves, braces when indicated, and also perform surgery on large-magnitude curves. I am fortunate to work with 3 spinal surgeons who also strongly believe in referring patients to physical therapy for scoliosis-specific exercises.

What aspects of actual clinical practice would you like to see improved in your country?

Knowledge of how to assess and treat scoliosis is seldom taught to our students in the university setting, and there is a lack of education amongst licenced physical therapists on evidence-based treatment options for this population.

What do you believe you can learn from this course, and how can you use the new concepts in your regular clinical work?

I am so excited to learn more about evaluation, treatment options, and specifically targeted exercise programmes for this population.