http://www.livestrong.com/article/556217-exercise-machines-designed-to-help-alleviate-kyphosis-pain/

Exercise Machines Designed to Help Alleviate Kyphosis Pain 

Last Updated: Oct 21, 2013 | By Allison Stevens

Photo Caption Kyphosis causes your back to curve and posture to slump, leading to discomfort and pain. Photo Credit Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images

Kyphosis, or an exaggerated curve of your spine that leads to slouching posture or a hunched back, can be painful for adolescents and adults. With causes ranging from arthritis, muscular dystrophy, osteoporosis and Polio, this condition's symptoms can include a tender, stiff spine, fatigue and even difficulty breathing. Only your doctor can tell whether surgery is required to relieve kyphosis pain and which exercises are best for your condition. While working on some exercise machines might help, there are no machines specifically designed to alleviate kyphosis pain.

Strength Training 

Improved muscle tone and endurance may help your posture, therefore improving painful kyphosis, according to sports physiotherapist and exercise scientist Sean Fyfe. Fyfe suggests focusing on strengthening the muscles, including the lower trapezius, serratus anterior and thoracic erector spinae.Some of his favorite gym machines to work those areas include cable machines, back extension machines and the Smith machine.

Flexibility 

Fyfe recommends stretching exercises to keep your spine and joints supple and mobile to improve discomfort associated with kyphosis. He also suggests using a piece of equipment that is not technically an exercise machine: a high-density foam roller. Lay on your back with the foam roller beneath the painful area of your spine. Bend your knees, and arch your back over the roller. Fyfe also suggests stretching your pectoral and latissimus dorsi muscles to improve slouched posture.

Stability 

To strengthen surrounding muscles and improve slouching posture, position a stability ball beneath your stomach and pelvis area, and place your feet on a wall for stability. Press your chest forward, leaning into the ball while pulling your shoulders away from your ears. Place your arms on your sides while maintaining a strong core, and make the shape of each letter in the alphabet with your arms, holding each letter for 10 seconds.

Stimulation 

A hand-held motorized device called the Deep Muscle Stimulator was designed by chiropractor Jake Pivaroff to reduce the pain associated with kyphosis.Holistic rehabilitation specialist Dr. Jefferey Tucker states that the vibration and rapid percussion of the machine might help relieve tension and increase relaxation for kyphosis patients. Along with exercise and chiropractic care, the Deep Muscle Stimulator may positively change the relationship between your spine and soft tissues, allowing for more relief from kyphosis discomfort.