The Advantages of Utilizing the Schroth Method
The Schroth Method provides physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) designed and tailored to each individual's specific curve type and symptoms. Scoliosis is considered a 3-dimensional problem so optimal treatment involves addressing the spine from all 3 planes: sagittal (front to back) frontal ( left to right) and transverse (rotational component). Three primary principles include axial elongation, rotational angular breathing to facilitate derotation and strengthening and activation while in the more corrected position. Manual techniques are combined with postural re-education to support the corrected posture.
These exercises counteract the abnormal forces on the spine that scoliosis or kyphosis create. This 3-dimensional treatment reshapes the body and changes the proprioceptive and kinesthetic feedback to the brain. Patients are encouraged to perform these exercises at home, to incorporate postural corrections into their daily lives. This corrects the muscle and postural imbalances, which are important in preventing curve progression.
Core stability and pilates-based exercises as well as stretching are also incorporated to further stabilize and promote proper alignment.
In treating adults, intervention may sometimes need to proceed more slowly than with adolescent intervention, due to other contributing medical factors, soft tissue restrictions, arthritic changes, disc problems, severity of the curve, pain issues etc. The length of time needed to learn and perform the exercises independently varies, depending on your individual needs.
What to expect
The Initial Evaluation includes :
Comprehensive musculo-skeletal and postural assessment with detailed anatomical explanation, x-ray review and curve pattern categorized according to the Schroth based method, as well as lung function testing.
The Initial Evaluation and all treatments are solely administered by Dori Rubin, PT. All treatments are performed on a 1:1 basis.
Treatment Plan:
- Exercises for self-elongation of the spine,
- Postural awareness and the ability to recognize the different shapes of one's back
- Isometric strengthening and corrective rotational breathing to promote more symmetrical, balanced posture
- Stabilization in the corrected posture and how to incorporate into daily activities
- Customized home exercise program, documented with photographs and videos
Most treatment programs are performed 1-2 times per week for 60-90 min sessions, depending upon patient's individual needs.
Intensive training is also offered which encompasses up to 4 hours per day for 5-7 days. This is an ideal option to accommodate out-of-town clients or those who wish to limit their travels.
Be Proactive!
Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)
The Cobb angle (curve angle) is used by the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) to indicate treatment guidelines :
< 25 ° Observation (or “wait and see”)
25-50° Bracing is recommended (if still growing)
> 45-50° Surgery is recommended
Evidence based research supports physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) and positive results are shown either before, during or after bracing (see resources).
PSSE provide a great treatment option as it not only provides postural stability but can also help prevent curve progression, which can occur as children/adolescents further mature. The program is set up to also teach them the exercises as a home program, using them as a lifetime management tool.
Instead of "wait and see", clients feel empowered to be proactive and choose "TRY and SEE" !
Before and After Pictures
9 year old male after 4 day Intensive Training
9 year old male after 4 day Intensive Training
9 year old male after 4 day Intensive Training
Improved Posture after
Intensive Training
- Improved head and neck position
- More level shoulders and scapulae
- More level pelvis
- More symmetrical waist angle
16 year old female after 4 day Intensive Training
9 year old male after 4 day Intensive Training
9 year old male after 4 day Intensive Training
Prior to treatment
- Head tilted to the left
- Uneven shoulders
- Thoracic trunk shifted right and rotated
- Uneven waist angle
- Pelvis translated to the left
16 year old female after 4 day Intensive Training
9 year old male after 4 day Intensive Training
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
Improved Posture after
Intensive Training
- Head and neck posture more neutral
- Shoulders more level
- Decreased thoracic trunk shift
- Improved waist angle symmetry
- Decreased pelvic translation
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
Prior to Treatment
- Significant trunk imbalance to the Left
- Uneven shoulders
- Uneven waist angle
- Pelvis translated to the right
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
64 yo female after 4 months of treatment
Improved Posture and
Symmetry
- More upright posture
- More level shoulders
- Improved waist angle
- Pelvis more balanced and centered