Understanding the Schroth Method: Effective Treatment for Scoliosis
Specialized exercises to stabilize the spinal curve, correct posture, and more
Do you have a child with scoliosis? You may have heard of the Schroth method for scoliosis. But what is it, precisely? Consider the following case study:
Lily was 11 years old when her mother, Samantha, made an alarming discovery. Lily had bent over to touch her toes when Samantha saw that one shoulder blade was slightly higher than the other. She took her daughter in to see a physical therapist at the first opportunity, where they confirmed that Lily had AIS, or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
AIS is the most common form of scoliosis, a condition that causes a sideways curvature and a slightly twisted or rotated spine. It first appears in children and teens between the ages of 10 and 18 and is called “idiopathic” because it has no known cause, unlike other, less common forms of scoliosis. Around 1% – 3% of the population, mainly girls, has AIS.
When Samantha first learned her daughter’s diagnosis, she was worried Lily would have to go under the knife. Fortunately, they had caught Lily’s condition early, meaning she could correct the curvature with the combination of bracing and physical therapy.
Lily’s physical therapist specifically recommended that she try the Schroth method, a type of physical therapy designed especially to treat scoliosis. In addition to wearing a brace to bed each night, Lily now attends regular physical therapy sessions, where she works through exercises to stabilize her spine. She’s happy to report the exercises are easy–and her mother’s happy to report that the progression of Lily’s curve has slowed.
At Graham Therapy & Fitness, our team of physical therapists has seen lots of adolescents like Lily. And like her PT, our experts are trained in the Schroth method for scoliosis. We’ve helped many teens avoid surgery through this simple, evidence-based approach.
To learn more about the Schroth method, keep reading–and schedule an appointment at our Bethesda clinic today!
What Is the Schroth Method of Physical Therapy?
The Schroth method was first developed in 1921 by Katharina Schroth, who had scoliosis herself. By the time she was 16, she was tired of wearing the metal braces required for scoliosis treatment at the time and sought an alternative method. With the help of a balloon and her bedroom mirror, she realized that she could utilize breathing and exercise techniques to correct her spine’s curve.
Katharina’s daughter, a physical therapist, further refined the Schroth method into the system we use today. It focuses on addressing three main components as a means of correcting scoliosis:
- Restoring muscular symmetry: In scoliosis, the spine’s curve causes one side of the back muscles to weaken while the muscles of the side overcompensate. Strengthening and stretching exercises address this asymmetry and work to bring the back muscles into balance.
- Rotational angular breathing: This breathing technique is unique to the Schroth method and involves using breath patterns to rotate the spine, which in turn helps reshape the rib cage and surrounding soft tissue.
- Posture awareness: Adolescents with scoliosis need to remain aware of their posture. Certain postural positions can worsen their condition, and postural awareness is the first step in identifying and correcting those positions.
The primary goal of the Schroth method is to stop the progression of the condition, which is why, as we saw with Lily, early identification is vital. However, the method can also improve your child’s mobility and reduce pain.
What to Expect During Your Schroth Method Sessions at Graham Therapy & Fitness
The first step of treatment is for our scoliosis experts to thoroughly evaluate your child’s spine. We’ll measure their curve and assess their overall strength and mobility through a series of movement screens. In addition, we’ll take a complete health history and talk to them about any pain or impairments they’re experiencing.
All this information helps us develop the best possible approach for your child. The Schroth method works best when it’s tailored to the needs of the patient, particularly the curvature of their spine. We’ll determine the best position for your child to perform the exercises (whether sitting, standing, or lying down) or if we need to incorporate tools such as therapy balls or Schroth bars.
During sessions, we’ll walk your child through each exercise and provide tactile feedback to help them understand how to direct their breathing and muscle elongation. We’ll measure their progress and provide any necessary modifications.
If your child’s condition requires them to wear a brace, we can also ensure they’re wearing it properly and provide strategies for adjusting to it if needed. One benefit of the Schroth method is that its emphasis on breathing exercises complements brace usage.
Most Schroth method sessions last 45 minutes and will run for about 20 sessions for adolescents. In addition to in-clinic sessions, your child will need to continue the exercises at home to see the best results.
Request An Appointment To Get Started
We know you don’t want your child to undergo scoliosis surgery. Starting a dedicated Schroth method exercise program could be the key to addressing your child’s condition in a safe, non-invasive way.
To learn more about whether the Schoth method is the right choice, request an appointment at Graham Therapy & Fitness today!