The Schroth Method - Physical Therapy for Scoliosis Patients

What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a Complex three Dimensional Pathological development of the Spine affecting approximately 3-5% worldwide. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine Roughly 3 million new cases of the condition are diagnosed in the United States each year.

Scoliosis affects all three planes
[ 3 direction, 3 dimension] which define the space within which the body can move as well as the axes around which the body can rotate.

The morphological changes in the spine cause wedging and rotation of the vertebrae. In simple terms there will be a ‘C’ shaped or ’S’ shaped curve with a convex and a concave side. As the disease progresses,the vertebrae and the spinous processes in the area of the major curve rotate toward the concavity of the curve. On the concave side of the curve the ribs are closer. On the Convex side,they are widely separated.

As the vertebral bodies rotate,the spinous processes deviate more and more to the concave side and the ribs follow the rotation of the vertebrae.the posterior ribs on the convex side are pushed posteriorly, causing the characteristic rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. The anterior ribs on the concave side are pushed anteriorly.

How Early Should Children be Screened for Scoliosis?

Children can be screened at any age, although Idiopathic Scoliosis is more commonly discovered during Child’s growth spurt ( 10-15 years old).

The scoliosis research society recommends that girls be screened twice at 10 and 12 years of age (grade 5 and 7) and boys once at 12 or 13 years of age (grade 8 or grade 9).

What is the Schroth Method?

Schroth Method Uses 3D postural correction specific to the curve type, achieved by reshaping the body through amplification of the corrections done with increased expansion and stabilization/muscle activation.

Corrections taught during physical therapy become conscious posture, and later becomes automatic and integrated into daily life. The goal of Schroth therapy is to build muscle memory of the corrected posture, movement patterns and different positions to integrate it into daily living.

Objectives

1. Correction of Scoliotic Malposture

2. Stabilization of the corrected posture by improvement of postural capacity

3. Maintenance of the corrections during daily activities by facilitating a corrected body awareness

4. Halting Progression

5. Improvement of breathing function

6. Improvement of cardiopulmonary capacity

7. Acquired knowledge results in more confidence and assurance in dealing with one’s own Scoliosis

How is Schroth Method Different from Regular Physical Therapy?

The Schroth Method is a physical therapy approach that is specific to scoliosis treatment and personalized based on the specific curve type.

There are three main principles of corrections:

Axial elongation
Sagittal plane correction
Frontal plane correction

This is followed by facilitating 3D Postural Alignment and torso reshaping, which involves expansion and muscle activation. The result is de-torsion of the spine and the trunk to create the best spinal alignment. The corrections taught at therapy through Schroth method becomes conscious posture and later become automatic, integrated in the brain into everyday life.

General Physical therapy is in one and two dimension and not in 3 dimension. It will help with generalised strengthening, while the Schroth Method has shown to reduce the curve and prevent further curve progression quicker and more effectively than traditional physical therapy exercises.

Seaview Orthopaedics provides both insurance-based and private, one-on-one sessions. We recommend one-on-one sessions for optimal results.

Book your Schroth PT Appointment