Adult scoliosis

There are 2 types of Adult scoliosis.

Adult idiopathic scoliosis is a worsening progression of scoliosis since adolescence. As idiopathic scoliosis continues to progress it can become degenerative in late adulthood.

Degenerative de novo scoliosis first appears in adults over 50 years of age, especially in postmenopausal women.

Degenerative scoliosis mostly affects the lumbar spine, a major symptom of which is always lower back pain.

"In my late thirties, my scoliosis had progressed from 27 to 37 degrees in just two years - and the back pain was almost unbearable without daily medication...it’s been three months since I finished the Schroth program and I feel like a completely different person - physically, mentally, and emotionally."

Dilshaad, Hong Kong, July 2025

"I lived with this deformity and hid it well for many years until I was ready to look at it in my 30s...The Schroth Program is the most specific and intensive scoliosis program I have found...tailored to my spine...it has provided me with lifelong training on how to stand, sit, walk, sleep, move and breath to best de-rotate my body."

Pui Ling, ACT, April 2025

Schroth Method Treatment for Adult Scoliosis

Adult patients can benefit from a customised program of Schroth Method exercise treatment.

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 images below are those of 39 and 56 year old adult female patients, whose idiopathic scoliosis has progressed since adolescence, 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 will likely 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 potntially 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 and at the same time enhancing their quality of life.

: 39 year old patient

: 56 year old patient

Comprehensive Conservative Treatment

Our Scoliosis Therapy Centre adheres to The International Scientific Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) 2016 Guidelines which, sets out a specific set of goals for a non-surgical conservative treatment approach for idiopathic scoliosis.

SOSORT's comprehensive conservative treatment goals are defined as Absolute, Primary, and Secondary.

Absolute goal is to avoid surgery, improve aesthetics, and improve quality life.
Primary and Secondary goals support the Absolute goal with the focus on preventing progression, irrespective of whether curvatures are categorised as low, moderate or severe.

Visible Symptoms of Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis

For a comprehensive explanation of the visible symptoms (clinical characteristics) of Adult idiopathic scoliosis, go to: Common Types of Idiopathic Scoliosis and Prominent Hips - Idiopathic Scoliosis

Schroth Method Scoliosis Exercise treatment Program

For information on the content, structure and scope of our Schroth Method Scoliosis Exercise Treatment Programs you can download a summary here:

6 Day Adult Program Summary

Living With Scoliosis

To access patient 'stories' briefly detailing their life experiences "living with scoliosis" and their engagement with our Schroth Method Scoliosis Treatment Program, Click Here