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Specialized Scoliosis Treatment
The Schroth method is a nonsurgical treatment that uses customized exercises to help patients self-correct and stabilize their posture to diminish the progression of their curves and the negative effects of degenerative changes.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curve of the spine, which affects more than 3 million people each year in the United States. It is a 3 dimensional deviation of the spine that can progress over time and be exacerbated further by degenerative changes. This may cause musculoskeletal pain along the spine, shoulders, pelvis and hips. It may also affect cardiorespiratory function in more severe cases.
History of the Schroth Method
The Schroth Method was established in 1921 by Katharina Schroth in Germany who was braced for scoliosis at the age of 16. She developed her own conservative treatment method, using the image of a balloon to selectively inflate the concavities of her body in front of a mirror. In the process, she discovered that postural control can only be achieved by changing postural perception.
After studying spinal deformities and function of scoliosis, Katharina created a unique breathing technique and exercises to manage her scoliosis. In her desire to help others with scoliosis, Katharina opened a small institute in Meissen. After World War II, Katharina and her daughter Christa opened the Sanatorium Lehnert-Schroth in West Germany, helping more than 150 patients at a time. In 1983, it was renamed the Katharina Schroth Clinic and still operates as an orthopedic rehabilitation center for scoliosis patients in Bad Sobernheim.
What To Expect from Physical Therapy
Scoliosis-specific exercises are used for postural correction, applying techniques to facilitate three-dimensional de-rotation, elongation and muscle activation and integration. Stabilization of the spine assists with diminishing pain and curve advancement. Exercises are tailored to each patient and may be performed standing, sitting or lying down and involve visual feedback, and other assistive devices such as wall bars, resistance bands, weights or other apparatuses.
Benefits of the Schroth Method
The goal of the Schroth Method is to apply the 3 dimensional correction to assist in diminishing or preventing the progression of scoliosis. At Integrated Rehab, our patients can expect:
- Improved posture
- Improved core stability and strength
- Easier breathing
- Less pain
- Improved overall movement patterns and function
- Improved self-management and understanding of the spine
- Better pelvis alignment
Through the guided correction of postural perception and awareness, breath and muscle activation, stabilization exercises and movement integration activities, the Schroth Method can build strength and functional integration for patients with scoliosis.
For more information or to make an appointment with a physical therapist certified in the Schroth Method,
Contact Integrated Rehab today