Schroth Method: Physical Therapy for Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a laterally rotated curvature of the spine that becomes apparent in generally healthy children around the time of puberty. It is diagnosed when spinal curvature (cobb angle) is greater than 10 degrees. When it comes to scoliosis and spine curvature, you want the least invasive treatments without interrupting your life. The Schroth Method is a low-impact form of physical therapy with exercises designed to stop curve progression, improve posture and enhance your quality of life. In some cases, it can even prevent the need for spine surgery.

A Schroth-certified physical therapist has advanced training and can customize a physical therapy program based on your age, skeletal maturity and specific spine curvature.

What Is the Schroth Method?

The Schroth Method is a physical therapy approach to treating scoliosis and spine curvature, with exercises tailored to each patient’s specific curvature.

Schroth physical therapy can help stop your scoliosis from progressing and lower your chance of needing surgery. The goal is to:

• Make you more aware of your posture
• Help correct your posture by improving muscle strength
• Improve breathing quality and increase lung capacity
• Decrease joint pain related to muscle imbalances from the spinal curve

Who Would Benefit From the Schroth Method?

Patients of all ages with scoliosis or spine curvature can benefit, including:

• Children, adolescents or young adults with a diagnosis of scoliosis — whether or not you wear full- or part-time bracing
• Anyone with a lateral curvature of the spine or exaggerated normal curves
• Anyone who underwent spine surgery and is experiencing issues with pain, stiffness or limited function
• Anyone with asymmetrical posture who is experiencing pain or stiffness

How Does the Schroth Method Help Treat Scoliosis?

Schroth exercises are designed to improve posture and movement mechanics in order to minimize further progression of scoliosis, reduce pain, preserve joint integrity, improve respiratory function, improve aesthetic appearance and maximize function.

What Are Some Schroth Exercises for Scoliosis?

The Schroth Method includes exercises tailored specifically to an individual’s curve pattern involving traction techniques, diaphragmatic breathing, muscle stretching and strengthening to create three-dimensional postural corrections, which are then integrated with functional movements.

How Does the Schroth Method Differ from Traditional Physical Therapy?

The Schroth Method is an individualized approach to scoliosis treatment. It takes into consideration the patient as a whole, including quality of life, pain, aesthetics and participation in meaningful activities. Patient education is an essential part of therapy.

Patient and therapist work as a team to establish treatment goals and develop a sustainable fitness program after therapy.