Complicated Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis as Treated by DPT Students in a University Pro Bono Clinic: Case Report

BACKGROUND: Adult idiopathic scoliosis is a common orthopedic condition, yet current Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) curricula lack standardized training for scoliosis rehabilitation. This case presents a framework that integrates clinical practice guideline driven clinical reasoning with foundational pathoanatomical concepts to provide a structured yet adaptable approach to managing adult scoliosis in entry-level practice. CASE PRESENTATION: A 52-year-old female self-referred to a student-run university physical therapy clinic seeking pain management for idiopathic scoliosis. She experienced pain during sleep, recreational activities, and prolonged standing. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: Her pain and functional abilities improved, despite a significant setback involving multiple visceral aneurysms. She eventually returned to yoga, hiking, and sleeping with minimal discomfort. DISCUSSION: DPT students successfully managed her treatment without scoliosis-specific training by applying low back pain clinical practice guidelines and considering the triplanar arthrokinematics of a scoliotic spine. This case demonstrates the potential for entry-level physical therapists to effectively treat scoliosis using existing clinical reasoning frameworks. JOSPT Cases 2025;5(3):127-132. Epub 23 May 2025. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2025.0111