Adult scoliosis
There Are Two 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.
But living with scoliosis doesn’t mean you have to stop actively managing it.
If your scoliosis has become more noticeable, painful or disabling—or you have been told that spinal surgery may be an option—you may be wondering:
Is there anything I can do before considering surgery?
For many adults, the answer is worth exploring.
Schroth Method physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) treatment provides an individualised, a non-surgical approach to managing adult scoliosis.
Treatment is designed around your curve pattern, your posture, your symptoms, your movement and your goals.
"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
Schroth Method Treatment for Adult Scoliosis
Adult patients can benefit from a customised program of Schroth Method physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) treatment.
Adult scoliosis treatment is customised to each individual's curve pattern, symptoms and physical function:
- Managing pain and disability
- Improving movement and mobility
- Improving postural control
- Developing three-dimensional self correction
- Improving body awareness
- Applying movement strategies to everyday activities
- Developing a customised home exercise program.
Our aim is to give each adult patient practical skills for long term self-management, and reduce the factors that may contribute to worsening asymmetry and disability over time.
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. The 56 year old patient, who has a 45° left lumbar and a 32° right thoracic curve.
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- 39 year old patient
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- 56 year old patient
After attending one of our immersive Schroth Method programs and committing to their weekly home exercise program, both female patients are actively managing their scoliosis in every day life (without having had surgery) and at the same time enhancing their quality of life.
Schroth Method Scoliosis Exercise Treatment Program
Our Schroth Method 6 day Scoliosis Exercise Treatment Program for adult patients is customised for individuals based on their primary curve type.
To learn more, you can Download a summary of the content, structure and scope of our program:
- Adult Scoliosis(opens in new tab)
If you have any questions about program's suitability for yourself:
And to enquire about our program costs:
Visble Symptoms of Adult Idiopathic Scoliosis
You may be able to identify your type/pattern of adult idiopathic scoliosis and its associated visible symptoms (clinical characteristics):
Living With Scoliosis
"To say that the experience of attending the Scoliosis Therapy Centre and learning about Schroth Method Exercise Treatment has changed my life is an understatement." Michelle - Victoria, June 2026
To access Michelle's and other adult patient 'stories' about their life experiences "living with scoliosis" and their engagement with our Schroth Method Scoliosis Treatment Program, Click Here
Schroth Method
Treatment for Scoliosis
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