Scoliosis / Schroth Physical Therapy Specialist

What is scoliosis?

Your spine has a natural curve from your neck through your thoracic and lumbar spine. A scoliosis curve is lateral, which means it curves from side to side instead of back to front. 

In many cases, scoliosis doesn’t cause pain or other disruptive symptoms. However, more severe or pronounced curves can lead to back pain and complications such as herniated discs, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis.

How is scoliosis treated?

The doctors and the team offer highly personalized treatment plans for scoliosis, which may include observation, bracing, physical therapy, and surgery. The physical therapists at our offices are certified in the Schroth Method — a type of physical therapy that specifically targets scoliosis. 

What is the Schroth Method?

The Schroth Method is a specific type of physical therapy that uses specifically targeted exercises to correct scoliosis. The goals of the Schroth Method are to de-rotate, elongate, and stabilize your spine, restoring it to a more natural position. 

During scoliosis physical therapy, your therapist teaches you exercises and stretches to restore your muscular symmetry and postural alignment. Scoliosis can cause muscle weakness on one side of your back, while it overworks muscles on the other side of your back and makes them more prominent. The exercises in the Schroth Method address both issues. 

You also practice breathing into the concave side of your body. Your therapist teaches you rotational angular breathing, which helps you rotate your spine with every breath and reshape your rib cage.

Throughout your practice, you learn to become more aware of your posture. During physical therapy, you use mirrors to increase your awareness and learn how your breathing and movement can restore spinal symmetry. 

How do I know if the Schroth Method is the best treatment?

Our team provides thorough consultations before recommending any therapy for scoliosis. The Schroth Method is suitable for patients of all ages. The exercises are physically demanding, so your provider confirms that you’re able to meet the challenges before starting treatment. 

Call the office today or make an appointment online if you have concerns about scoliosis and want to learn more about nonsurgical treatments, including the Schroth Method of scoliosis physical therapy.