According to the SOSORT 2016 Guidelines, there is now strong evidence emerging which is supporting the use of physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. The Schroth Method is acknowledged by SOSORT as a ‘School’ which is compliant with its PSSE exercise guidelines. The 2016 SOSORT guidelines relate specifically to a review…

The major aim of conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is to prevent curve progression. History of the disorder has shown that curvatures of 50° can continue to progress in adulthood. Curvatures of 45° and above are therefore considered at risk of surgery. Rigid bracing is widely used as a treatment for the prevention…

Schroth Method scoliosis exercise therapy can play a significant role in improving health related quality of life (QOL) for idiopathic scoliosis patients, both during adolescence and throughout adulthood. However, during the adolescent growth spurt, brace treatment can be considered the primary treatment. Whilst there currently exists a wide offering of braces, which all claim to…

Evidence that the Schroth Method of conservative treatment for scoliosis can alleviate, and eliminate pain, and therefore enhance quality of life despite the presence of adult scoliosis, is well documented in a research article published in 2012 – The Schroth Method of Treatment for a Patient Diagnosed with Scoliosis: A Case Report. The 62 female…

Idiopathic scoliosis may develop at any time during childhood and adolescence but it is most common in periods of rapid growth spurts. The growth spurt in adolescence occurs between 11 and 14 years of age when scoliosis can progress rapidly before puberty. Once girls experience their first menstruation, the risk of curve progression tapers away…

The results of a study (March 2016) undertaken at a hospital in South Korea reported Schroth exercise therapy as being significantly effective as a conservative form of treatment for idiopathic scoliosis. The study was conducted with 5 female patients over a 12 week period which involved 3 x 60 minute Schroth exercise therapy sessions per…

The Schroth Method offers conservative management of idiopathic scoliosis in the form of scoliosis specific physical exercises – the main goal being the prevention of curve progression. Scoliosis specific physical exercises counter the ‘vicious cycle‘ by restraining deforming forces and establishing a ‘virtuous cycle’, not only during corrective exercises but also in activities of daily…

Adults, children and teenagers with scoliosis are all affected by what is known as the ‘Vicious Cycle‘. Once their structural scoliosis has begun, a vicious cycle of asymmetrical gravitational loading takes over. As the Vicious Cycle takes hold it causes: more changes in the deformed vertebrae; further progression of the curve, which looses its flexibility;…

Schroth Method scoliosis exercises when performed consistently, improve posture, mobility and balance, and facilitate more efficient movement patterns. The Schroth Method is not just another ‘exercise fad’, in vogue for a short period of time only, promising much, but delivering little. Katharina Schroth, who suffered a moderate scoliosis and wore a steel brace at 16 years…