Schroth Method - Desired & Sustainable Treatment Outcomes
Adolescent Patients
Curve progression is possible whenever substantial growth remains.
Whether your child with idiopathic scoliosis is in their early onset stage or pubertal (Adolescent) growth spurt, it's a critical time for them and you as their parent(s). Not only is your child’s spine growing rapidly, there is also a risk of rapid curve progression.
The absolute goal of conservative treatment for juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients during growth is to avoid surgery, if possible by stopping progression at puberty.
You can take the option of 'Watching & Waiting' or seek immediate, timely and appropriate treatment for your child. Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) in conjunction with appropriate 3D Chêneau style bracing can be very effective in stopping curvature progression during growth.
The images immediately below are those of an 11 year old adolescent female performing her Schroth Method exercises, and her comparative x-rays. The initial x-ray taken on diagnosis recorded a 72° thoracic curve. The x-ray on the right, taken 9 months later, after she had been compliant (20 hours a day) wearing her Chêneau style 3D asymmetrical brace and performing her weekly Schroth Method exercise program, recorded her thoracic curve at 43°. This an excellent outcome thus far.
She has outgrown her initial brace and has been fitted with a new brace. If she continues to be compliant with her brace and her weekly Schroth Method home exercise program, with the guidance and coaching of her parents until reaches skeletal maturity, there will no be need for surgery to be prescribed.
Adult Patients
Desired and sustainable treatment outcomes for adult patients are reducing pain and disability, improving posture, and preventing further progression, to enhance their overall quality of life.
The x-ray images below are those of 39 and 56 year old adult female patients whose idiopathic scoliosis had progressed since adolescence.
Adjacent to each x-ray image, the patient is displayed performing a Schroth Method exercise.
The 39 year old patient has a 24° left lumbar and a 36° right thoracic curve and right prominent hip. Without treatment, her thoracic curve would most likely will progress.
The 56 year old patient, who has a 45° left lumbar and a 32° right thoracic curve would, without treatment, inevitably experience further progression in her lumbar curve and potentially in her thoracic curve.
After attending one of our immersive Schroth Method programs and committing to their weekly home exercise program, both female patients are better managing their scoliosis in every day life, while at the same enhancing their quality of life.
- 39 year old patient
- 56 year old patient
Schroth Method Scoliosis Exercise Treatment
Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises have been proven to improve function; decrease cobb angles; improve vital capacity; and reduce pain and disability; and prevent progression in patients diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis.
To achieve these desirable and sustainable treatment outcomes, Schroth Method exercise treatment focuses on patients' muscular and postural asymmetry in order to redress their scoliosis. By elongating and stabilising their spine three-dimensionally, patients learn how to effectively self correct their scoliotic posture and transition to a balanced, aligned and upright posture.
In the case of children, Schroth Method exercises when performed in conjunction with bracing have improved bracing outcomes for adolescent patients with curvatures >40º, thus avoiding the need for spinal fusion surgery.
Visible Symptoms of Scoliosis
Comprehensive explanation of the visible symptoms (clinical characteristics) of idiopathic scoliosis:
Living with Scoliosis
Read about our patients stories who have benefited from attending our immersive 6 day Schroth Program:
Our 6 Day Schroth Exercise Treatment Program
Our Schroth Method Scoliosis Exercise Treatment Program and Schroth Method Patient-Parent Program are customised for individual patients based on their primary curve type.
Download a summary of the content, structure and scope of our Schroth Method Scoliosis Exercise Treatment Programs:
- Juvenile & Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis(opens in new tab)
- Adult Idiopathic & Degenerative Scoliosis(opens in new tab)
Program Registration and Costs:












