What is Scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a condition involving an abnormal sideways curvature (>10°) of the spine that more often than not is combined with a rotation of the spine to the same side to give 3 dimensional changes to the trunk. Most cases involve the thoracic spine and are idiopathic in nature (i.e. of unknown cause). A small percentage of scoliosis cases can be attributed to congenital, neuropathic or degenerative factors or vertebral anomalies.

What is Schroth Therapy?

Schroth therapy comprises of specific exercises and manual therapy techniques aimed at optimizing the alignment of the spine, decelerating / halting any progression and providing the patient with strategies to manage any symptoms and postural alignment

Exercise Goals

• Mobilization of ‘primary curves’ (the major curve where the scoliosis is presumed to have started) where the spine tends to be more inflexible.
• Stabilization of ‘secondary curves’ (the compensatory curves that develop in response to the more major curve)
• Elongation of tight muscles that can maintain / accentuate curves
• Increase strength and endurance of elongated, weak muscles
• Improvements in Respiratory Function – using specific breathing exercises to inflate the lungs where the rib cage has become compressed. These exercises also mobilize and spread the ribs and contribute to postural improvements.
• Promote optimal postural alignment during activities of daily living
• Pain reduction through all of the above.

What Does the Treatment Consist of?

• Your rehab will start on a one-to-one basis with a Chartered Physiotherapist specializing in Schroth therapy so that you can really get to grips with all that is involved. Then, if you prefer, you can join in our group classes. This can be a much easier way of keeping up your rehab as opposed to doing it alone at home.
• Specific exercises that are tailored to your particular curve pattern and functional ability.
• The exercises are designed so that they can easily be performed at home with common household items as props – for example, pillows, chairs, broom handles etc.
• Exercises are supplemented with massage and myofascial release techniques to help your body adapt to its corrected posture
• Your therapist will use various gentle manual techniques +/- kinesiology taping to help your body feel where it needs to move and to facilitate this movement.
• You will be advised as to whether orthotics, heel raises or the use of a brace might help you in reaching your end goal.
• ‘Treatment’ also consists of being an information resource for our patients, so don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions!
• As gravity is a constant in our lives, therapy and rehab will also have to be performed on a regular basis going forwards, and is vital in order to maintain your postural correction.
• It is recommended that patients are re-evaluated every 3 months following their initial discharge from our program. Please ask your therapist about when you should return.

Who Would Benefit from Schroth Therapy?

• This treatment approach can be used to treat scoliosis patients of all ages.
• Schroth therapy can benefit scoliosis patients at any stage of their diagnosis, including after surgery.