Physiotherapist
Mark John So
Mark John So is a DHA- and UK-licensed physiotherapist in Dubai with over 14 years of clinical experience. He specializes in Orthopedic, Musculoskeletal, and Neurological rehabilitation, with advanced training in pre- and post-operative recovery, sports injury management, and specialized Scoliosis Care. He is Schroth-certified in the assessment and conservative treatment of Scoliosis, particularly for children and adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis.
Who Is Mark John So?
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy (2012) from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila), Philippines, Mark delivers precise, evidence-based care tailored to restore optimal movement, rebuild function, and enhance quality of life. He is certified in Dry Needling, Dry Cupping, Myofascial Release, and Fascial Movement Taping / Kinesiotaping. He also holds certification in International Schroth Three-Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy (ISST).
- DHA- and UK-licensed physiotherapist: Over 14 years of clinical experience
- BSc in Physiotherapy (2012): Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (University of the City of Manila), Philippines
- Schroth-certified for scoliosis: International Schroth Three-Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy (ISST); plus Dry Needling, Dry Cupping, Myofascial Release, and Fascial Movement Taping / Kinesiotaping certifications
What Does Mark John So Specialize In?
Mark brings focused clinical expertise across several areas:
- Schroth Method for Scoliosis: Certified assessment and conservative 3D management of Idiopathic Scoliosis in children, adolescents, and adults.
- Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation: Care for acute injuries, chronic joint or spinal pain, and degenerative conditions.
- Pre- & Post-Operative Care: Targeted protocols designed to prepare patients for surgery and support functional recovery post-op.
- Sports Injury Rehabilitation: Tailored return-to-sport programming emphasizing biomechanics, strength recovery, and injury prevention.
- Neurological Rehabilitation: Specialized movement restoration for conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems.
- Balance & Proprioceptive Re-education: Fall prevention, vestibular support, and neuromuscular control training.
What Conditions Can Mark Help With?
Drawn from Mark's specializations, he treats a wide range of conditions, including:
Balance, fall risk, and neuromuscular control difficulties
Conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems
Idiopathic scoliosis in children, adolescents, and adults
Acute injuries, chronic joint or spinal pain, and degenerative conditions
Sports injuries and return-to-sport recovery
Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation cases
The Schroth Method for Scoliosis
Mark is Schroth-certified in the assessment and conservative treatment of Scoliosis. The full method is outlined below.
The Schroth Method is a specialized, non-surgical physical therapy approach designed specifically for Scoliosis and spinal deformities. Unlike traditional exercise programs, it treats the spine in three dimensions using custom physical posture corrections and targeted breathing techniques with the goal of helping decompress and realign the spine.
What is Schroth Therapy?
Scoliosis causes the spine to curve side-to-side and rotate, creating asymmetrical posture. The Schroth Method uses customized exercises tailored to your specific curve pattern. Through focused muscular training and specialized rotational breathing, patients learn to work toward de-rotating, elongating, and stabilizing the spine in daily life.
Primary Goals of Treatment
Slow Curve Progression
Work to reduce the rate at which spinal curvature advances, particularly during adolescent growth or adult spinal aging. Individual response varies with curve type, severity, and consistency of treatment.
Reduce Pain & Discomfort
Help ease muscular tension, joint overload, and nerve-related discomfort associated with spinal asymmetry.
Improve Posture & Symmetry
Support a more balanced alignment of the torso, shoulders, and hips through targeted postural work.
Support Non-Surgical Management
Offer a conservative therapy option that may help delay or reduce the need for spinal fusion surgery in some cases. Suitability is decided after a clinical assessment and, where relevant, in coordination with the treating specialist.
Support Lung Function
Through targeted breathing techniques, the method may help improve breathing capacity and torso mobility. Individual results vary.
Core Treatment Objectives
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- 3D Spinal Elongation
- Aim to decompress compressed spinal segments using customized correction postures.
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- Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB)
- Direct airflow into the collapsed ("concave") side of the rib cage to help expand the torso from the inside out.
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- Muscular Stabilization
- Strengthen the deep core and postural muscles to help hold the spine in an improved, more balanced position.
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- Postural Awareness in Daily Life
- Retrain the brain and body to maintain proper alignment during sitting, standing, walking, and working.
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- Patient Empowerment
- Equip patients with a personalized home exercise routine for long-term spinal health self-management.
Who Can Benefit?
Adolescents
Paired with or without bracing to help stabilize curves during growth. Care for children and adolescents always involves the family and, where appropriate, the treating doctor.
Adults
To help manage chronic back pain, work on posture, and support the spine against further age-related curvature.
Post-Surgical Patients
To support mobility and body awareness following spinal procedures, following your surgeon's clearance.
What to Expect at Our Clinic
- ISST-Certified Specialists: Your treatment is managed by therapists certified in International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy standards.
- Personalized Programs: Every plan starts with a precise clinical and, where appropriate, radiological evaluation to tailor 1-on-1 exercise protocols to your curve.
What Techniques Does Mark Use During Rehabilitation?
Mark combines manual therapy with active, movement-based strategies to address root causes rather than just symptoms:
- Targeted Manual Therapy: Certified in Dry Needling, Dry Cupping, Myofascial Release, and Kinesiology / Fascial Movement Taping.
- Spinal & Joint Mobilization: Osteoarticular techniques to help restore joint mechanics and ease restriction.
- Bobath Concept: A neurological recovery approach used to support motor control and coordination.
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF): Stretching and strengthening techniques used in neurological and musculoskeletal recovery.
- Motor Re-learning Programs: Retrain movement patterns after neurological injury or surgery.
- Functional Movement Training: Purpose-built exercise interventions targeting real-world strength, daily activity tasks, and athletic movement patterns.
Common Questions
Neurological physiotherapy may be relevant if you experience balance problems or unsteadiness, difficulty with movement or motor control, nerve-related symptoms such as numbness or weakness, or movement limitations after a neurological condition or surgery.
What Should You Expect During a Session With Mark?
Mark keeps each session clear, structured and reassuring:
- Assessment: He takes the time to understand your symptoms, medical history, movement and goals.
- Clinical evaluation: He assesses your movement, strength, balance and coordination to understand how your condition affects your function.
- Treatment plan: He develops a personalised treatment plan using the most appropriate rehabilitation techniques for your condition.
- Progress tracking: He monitors your progress throughout your recovery and adjusts your treatment plan as you improve.
BOOK Appointment
Mark John So
Book a Rehabilitation Session With Mark John So in Dubai
Ready to move and feel better? Book a session with Mark at Physiowell in Dubai and start a personalized rehabilitation plan built around your recovery. You can also explore our other wellness experts to find the right specialist for you.
