The Schroth method is based on typical physiotherapeutic principles. It is a scientifically acknowledged approach and a conservative way to treat scoliosis, kyphosis and lordosis at all ages and mainly for children, using corrective breathing techniques and isometric exercises.
The special breathing and isometric exercises of the Schroth method basically asymmetrically strengthen a scoliotic or kyphotic body.
The Schroth method exercises are nothing like classical gymnastic exercises and are used to correct scoliosis in a 3-dimensional plane with special movements and a different breathing pattern, known as Corrective Breathing.
The use of the corrective breathing zones, particularly if the user has been specifically trained with the Schroth method, is possible using asymmetric braces such as the Scoliosis Brace.
The method’s goal is to correct and stabilise the spine in a three-dimensional plane, achieving an improved posture.
Some of the goals of the Schroth methods are:
- To correct the spine rotation
- To improve lungs function
- To improve the elongation of the thorax when breathing
- To improve the aspect and aesthetic results
- To achieve a more balanced posture
- To reduce or get rid of pain, if any with scoliosis
- To achieve the correct muscular strengthening in a scoliotic body
Special mobilisation techniques are used (passive–assisted–active), the activation of specific muscular groups which will help correct curvatures, corrective breathing and corrective exercises in different postures.
With this method, a person is taught to use corrective postures daily, aiming to prevent the asymmetrical burden on the spine caused by the deformities and hence reducing the risk of progress and also pain.
The method is initially used for persons suffering from adolescents’ idiopathic scoliosis, but its principles can also be modified and used to treat children’s scoliosis, for children who are near adolescence, and also for adults.
With this specific method, other ailments and sagittal deformities can also be treated, such as the abnormal curvature of the spine (Scheuermann kyphosis) and lordosis (inverted back). The treatment of adult scoliosis applies a modified Schroth method according to the severity of pain, and the degree and rigidity of the spinal deformity.
The method includes also the mobilisation and flexibility of the spine in order to enhance the mobility of the joints before effectuating the exercises.
The PSSE programme is individually designed, according to the shape and severity of the curvature and is taught only by a well-trained and certified physiotherapist who will train the individual to properly do the exercises, with the assistance of minimum equipment and can be realised in different positions (standing, sitting, kneeling).
Procedure: 4-6 sessions in a short period of time are needed to teach the trainee everything necessary to correctly effectuate his/her programme. . Exercising at home requires 3-5 sessions, as the case may be, and 30’ duration
A clinical assessment is effected at the first session and the daily activities are taken into consideration
The Schroth method focuses on teaching orthostatic corrections throughout the day, in order to change the usual posture and improve alignment, pain and progress. The main advantage of this programme is its application to the usual daily activity, aiming to change the asymmetrical burden on the body, so as to reduce progress and pain. This can also reduce the time needed to perform extremely demanding exercises and allows people to spend more time in entertainment activities and to lead a normal life.
The therapist guides the person to achieve the correct activation of muscles which give the body a corrected posture and reduce asymmetry.
The trainee must focus, both in body and mind, to correcting the asymmetry of his/her spine, which was lost due to scoliosis. In scoliosis, there is a muscular imbalance of the spine and therefore, with the special Schroth method exercises, a person learns how to strengthen the muscles of the curved section of scoliosis, which have become loose, and to elongate the muscles of the concave section, which have been shortened.
Based on the typical principles of physiotherapy, the Schroth method was developed by Katharina Schroth in 1920, from whom it took the name. She herself suffered from scoliosis and tried movements and exercises of her own device to improve mostly respiratory function and body posture. Since 1960, it has been officially acknowledged and financed by the German Health System. It is also the most worldwide spread method to address scoliosis, with a great number of valid scientific research certifying its results.
