The Schroth Method
Scoliosis causes your spine to curve. It may develop during childhood (pediatric scoliosis) or during adulthood. Most common scoliosis curves look like an ‘S’ or ‘C’ shape.
Scoliosis can affect any part of your spine, from the neck, mid-back, lower back, or all of those areas. A physician can identify and diagnose scoliosis. They can help you understand how it affects you and recommend appropriate care.
A Care Option Tailored to You
A Schroth Method-certified physical therapist uses this approach to help treat scoliosis. It involves breathing techniques during physical therapy exercises to open up (elongate) your spine and hold it neutral.
People of all ages can benefit from the Schroth Method. It’s typically used with patients who have a greater than 20-degree curvature of their spine. Younger children may be referred to a pediatric physical therapist.
How the Schroth Method Can Help
A key goal for people with scoliosis is maintaining a neutral or straight spine alignment. This helps protect your spine during movement.
Physical therapy with the Schroth Method can teach you how to:
- Move and exercise safely
- Lessen pain and discomfort
- Use safe exercises specific to your unique spine needs
- Achieve and maintain good core strength
- Strengthen your spine and improve your posture
- Use your hips and knees as intended instead of your back
- Find your neutral spine posture so you can use it in everyday movements and during rest
Children
In some growing children and teens, physical therapy can reduce spine curves. It can be used with scoliosis bracing to help avoid surgery. Scoliosis bracing aims to keep the spine from curving more as the child grows.
Adults
For adults, physical therapy can prevent or reduce pain, help you get stronger safely and prevent scoliosis from getting worse.
What to Expect
- The therapist will use specific exercises with breathing techniques to elongate weak parts of your spine curves.
- They will teach you how to feel that elongation.
Most children attend therapy once a week for 12 sessions. Then, they may have two visits a month until they can do the exercises on their own. Children may come back for physical therapy as they grow. This helps adjust exercises and address any changes.
Adults usually are seen once a week for 10 sessions until they master the exercises at home.
Schedule a Visit
You must have a physician’s prescription for physical therapy. It helps to have “Schroth Method” on the prescription, so we know to connect you with a physical therapist with the appropriate training and experience.
To schedule a physical therapy visit, please call 630.933.1500