According to the SRS (Scoliosis Research Society) and the SOSORT (Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment)

The combination of the proper corrective brace with physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises constitutes the most effective form of treatment of the spine deformities, such as scoliosis and kyphosis

During the last decades, all parties implicated in managing scoliosis have been seeking a change in the treatment approach. Parents of children with scoliosis were complaining of the approach of “let us observe the progress” adopted by many doctors when assessing children’s scoliosis curvatures between 10 o and 25o. Follow-up, PSSE and the use of a brace during the growth period are the therapeutic interventions which were accepted by SOSORT since 2011.

This term is used to describe all forms of physiotherapeutic exercises which, with bibliographical documentation, are effective on scoliosis.

They aim to:

• Stop the progress of the deformity during adolescence and, according to the case, the partial or full reversal of the phenomenon.
• Reduce body assymetries or disalignment as well as the forces inuring the deformity’s progress.
• Achieve a 3D correction
• Achieve control of the posture
• Stabilise the corrected posture during all daily activities
• Reduce pain, whenever there is any
• Prevent or address any potential cardiorespiratory dysfunctions therapeutically.
• Achieve an improved aesthetic result where external aspect is concerned, by correcting the body posture
• Facilitate daily life activities and
• Restrict any possible functional deficits

The frequency of the sessions varies on a case-per-case basis, from 2 to 7 days a week. These exercises are indicated both for persons who do not wear a brace and those who will need the conservative use of a brace but also in cases where surgery preceded. The exercises mainly address persons 10 years of age and above.

PSSE exercises include 7 techniques. These are the Lyon technique, from France, the Schroth technique from Asklepios/Katharina Schroth, Germany, the SEAS technique from Italy, the BSPTS technique from Spain, the Dobomed technique from Poland, the Side Shift technique from the UK and the FITS technique from Poland.

PSSE are personalised, according to the type of ailment.

The specific PSSE exercises are not considered an alternative solution to the brace or surgery. They are indeed a therapeutic intervention which can be used alone or combined with a brace or surgery, according to distinct indications. In the PSSE pattern, it is recommended that the physiotherapist works as a part of a multidisciplinary team including the orthopaedist, the orthotist and the person providing psychological support.

At the Scoliosis SLC centre, we provide an integrated approach to treating spine deformities. We use scientifically documented and internationally acknowledged approaches for the treatment of the spine deformities, such as the German Schroth method and the Italian SEAS method. Our physiotherapist associate is certified in the aforesaid methods.

The interested party will have to visit the centre regularly, for follow-up and update of the PSSE programme, according to the overall progress of the treatment and always in cooperation with the treating physician.

A significant factor for the efficiency of the treatment, is the compliance of the patient to the recommendations of the treating physician and the specialised-certified physiotherapist, with respect to the use of the brace and the PSSE programme.