FAQs - Adolescent & Adult Scoliosis

The following questions are a random selection received from visitors to our website regarding the effectiveness of Schroth 3D Therapy.

In terms of health related quality of life, our programs can benefit each of the demographic profiles listed below:

Juvenile and Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis before puberty and skeletal maturity

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after puberty and skeletal maturity

Adult idiopathic scoliosis from the age of 18

Adult idiopathic scoliosis >30 years of age; and "De Novo" new adult scoliosis, a degenerative scoliosis

We advocate conservative treatment for idiopathic scoliosis (CTIS) and adhere to the SOSORT 2016 guidelines reagrding Othopaedic and Rehabilatation treatment of idiopathic scoliosis during growth.

With regards to adolescent bracing, we advocate the use of three dimensional (3D) asymmetrica Chêneau style bracing such as the Gensingen brace. With compliance during the pubertal growth spurt and before skeletal maturity, bracing can be effective in preventing curvature progression, and reducing curvatures.

2 questions from mothers, each with a 13 yo daughter being fitted with a brace.

My 13 year old daughter’s curve has progressed to 26°. She is being fitted with a brace in a fortnight. My eldest daughter has congenital scoliosis and has had corrective surgery, I need to avoid this with my younger daughter.

My 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with thoracic scoliosis (Cobb 37°) in January and will shortly be fitted with a brace, with the suggestion that she may in the future require surgery. We are interested to find out more about the Schroth method in order to improve outcomes and avoid surgery.

Orthpaedic specialists consider a patient at risk of spinal fusion surgery once curvatures increase to around 45°.

The fact the 2 thirteen yo girls are being fitted with a brace indicates they have not yet reached skeletal maturity, and have an opportunity to prevent further progression before growth is complete.

Appropriate 3D symmetrical Cheneau style bracing together with Schroth 3D therapy can be a very beneficial conservative treatment approach in preventing further progression.

Idiopathic scoliosis is a three dimensional (3D) disorder of the spine and trunk. For bracing to be effective, it should correct the spine three dimensionally, in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes. Asymmetrical 3D Chêneau style braces such as the Gensingen and Rigo RSC braces are custom made for each individual using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology.

The braces are a mirror image of the individual’s scoliosis. They have pressure points and relief (open) areas to allow for expansion and correction. A major attribute of an Asymmetrical Chêneau style brace is the opening and fixing straps are at the front, making it easy to put on and take off without assistance.

Further helpful information about adolescent bracing and Schroth 3D Therapy is available here:

Can Schroth Method scoliosis-specific exercise therapy help post surgery?

Is the exercise therapy program suitable when a patient has had spinal fusion surgery? My daughter has had surgery but also still has a curve in her lower back.

Post-surgery the focus needs to be on stabilization of the free (unfused) vertebra/segments below the fusion, and lumbar sacral junction. Initially, rotation should be avoided. Breathing is very important, and emphasis needs to be given to improving breathing movements on the concave side using the Schroth Corrective Breathing technique.

If there is a functional second curve remaining, this also needs to be addressed, it does not always correct by itself after surgery. Therapy also needs to take into account the psychological welfare of the patient.

A Schroth 3D Therapy Program would help.

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

24 yo female with chronic pain in right shoulder and lower back; and curvatures at risk of progression.

I am 24 years old and have a scoliosis it’s about 43°. Would the Schroth Method be helpful in my case? The side effects of my scoliosis are pain in my right shoulder and increasing pain in my lower back.

The 24 yo female reported pain in her right shoulder and increasing pain in her lower back, which indicated there are 2 curves present. A digital x-ray image, and radiology reports for the previous 4 years, emailed to our Centre, confirmed a primary thoracic curve, of approximately 50°; and a secondary curve in her lumbar spine. Her right hip was also prominent and elevated.

The pattern of her idiopathic scoliosis indicates, due to the presence of a prominent right hip, that her lumbar curve is the dominant of the 2 curves.

Prominent Hips - Idiopathic Scoliosis

The reports described her pain as chronic.

Curvatures of 45° are considered at risk of spinal fusion surgery. If surgery is not the preferred option, what conservative treatment options are available for the 24 yo?

Bracing is no longer an option. However, Schroth 3D Therapy could help restore postural balance and alignment; prevent further progression; and eliminate pain by removing the asymmetrical loading on her spine.

Attending our 6 day Schroth 3D Therapy Program, and committing to a home exercise program of 3/4 days per week would help improve her health related quality of life.

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

29 yo female, mostly pain free, with curvatures at risk of progression.

I am a 29 year old female with a ‘S’ curve. I have been mostly pain free my entire life … However, I would like to correct my curve. I believe my top curve is around 40° and lower is around 29 °.

Schroth 3D therapy could help restore postural balance and alignment; prevent further progression; and thereby prevent the possible onset of pain by removing the asymmetrical loading on her spine.

Attending a 6 day Schroth 3D Therapy Program, and committing to a home exercise program of 3/4 days per week would help improve her health related quality of life.

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

Go to 'Adults Over 40' and refer to response to FAQ from a 54 yo female for an explanation of how 'S' curve adult scoliosis visually (clinically) changes the body static. Her question also asks about outcomes for adult scoliosis.

33 yo female experiencing constant lower back pain, curves now at risk of progression.

Hello, I am a 33 year old female who was diagnosed with scoliosis at 18 years of age. It’s only more recently that I have been experiencing constant lower back pain on the side of my scoliosis curvature. I have noticed over a period of time, my hips and waistline have become very different, my right side is much weaker, and caving in. Is there any way the Schroth Method of exercises can improve the appearance of my hips and waist, and stop the constant pain in my lower back?

Schroth 3D Therapy and introducing therapeutic elements into ordinary activities in daily life (ADL) could help restore postural balance and alignment; prevent further progression; and thereby prevent the possible onset of pain by removing the asymmetrical loading on her spine.

Click on the 2 website page links below for details of Major Thoracic and Lumbar Curve Types:

Schroth 3D Scoliosis Exercise Therapy is gentle and non-invasive and focuses on stopping further progression rebalancing and strengthening the postural muscles of the body to reduce the asymmetrical loading on the spine caused by the scoliosis.

Click on our website page Living with Scoloisis...to read Shilpa's and Irene's stories regarding how our Schroth 3D Therapy Program and their commitment to a weekly home exercise program has improved their health related quality of life.

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

Even though in this case, the patient has the same scoliosis pattern as the 24 yo female above, the pain syndrome is different. Every case of idiopathic scoliosis is different. Schroth 3D Therapy is customized to individual needs.

2 females in their 40's in constant pain with their scoliosis.

I am 46 and have had scoliosis all of my life, it has now got to the stage where I am in constant pain, and I am starting to see humps in my back, I need to do something to avoid surgery in the future.

I'm a 42 yo woman with a long S-bend - 33° one way, 31° the other...with rotation. I work with a personal trainer and do swimming but I'm still not managing pain levels very well, and this is becoming increasingly challenging as I get older. I'm seeking information on your 6 day residential program including dates, costs, and medical documentation needed beforehand. It's been probably a decade (and two babies) since I've had x-rays done and I haven't seen a surgeon for probably two decades, as the advice at the time was that it wasn't operable noting that it is so spread out.

Schroth classifies common types of idiopathic scoliosis firstly by their major structural curve, which is compensated for by either a secondary functional curve, a secondary functional curve and a prominent hip, or solely by a prominent hip. In some cases, the magnitude of the 2 curves, deem them both to be double major structural curves, buth nevertheless one of the 2 curves will be the dominant one.

Identifying which of the 2 curves is the major dominant one is important as Schroth 3D Therapy Programs are customized for patients based on their major curve type.

Click on the 2 website page links below for details of Major Thoracic and Lumbar Curve Types:

Click on our website page Living with Scoloisis...to read Shilpa's and Irene's stories regarding how our Schroth 3D Therapy Program and her commitment to a weekly home exercise program has improved her health related quality of life.

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

While gym type exercises and swimming are OK from a general fitness perspective, these activities will not help relieve the asymmetrical loading on the spine, which is a major factor in scoliosis progression, and the onset of chronic pain.

It's important to have up to date x-rays taken to determine the current extent of the curvatures. For scoliois patients, the x-ray required is referred to as 'Full Spine and Pelvis – AP LAT' . The x-ray is taken in an erect standing position. A radiologist will issue a report describing the extent of the scoliosis, and note any degenerative aspects, if present.

We recommend EOS (digital ) low dosage radiation x-ray imaging, which is 6 to 9 times less radiation exposure than normal x-rays. EOS x-rays are avilable in Medical imaging centres In major Australian capital cities.

54 yo female with 'S' curve scoliosis.

Hello. Hoping you can provide me with some information on outcomes for adult scoliosis. I am 54 yrs old with a 40 deg ‘s’ curve. Thank you.

Perhaps before specifically addressing the question of "... outcomes for adult scoliosis", an explanation of how 'S' curve adult scoliosis visually (clinically) changes the body static is warranted.

'S' curves refer to a double curvature, one in the thoracic and one in the lumbar spine.

Schroth classifies common types of idiopathic scoliosis firstly by their major structural curve, which is compensated for by either a secondary functional curve, a secondary functional curve and a prominent hip, or solely by a prominent hip. In some cases, the magnitude of the 2 curves, deem them both to be double major structural curves., buth nevertheless one of the 2 curves will be the dominant one.

Identifying which of the 2 curves is the major dominant one is important as Schroth 3D Therapy Programs are customized for patients based on their major curve type.

Click on the 2 website page links below for details of Major Thoracic and Lumbar Curve Types:

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

Questions from 3 adult women in their 60's with scoliosis, who are in pain, and have a degenerative condition.

I am a woman, 64 years old, whose scoliosis has continued to get worse. My curve has become more pronounced. I have lost two inches in height. I suffer with constant nagging back pain. I've had back pain for 10 years. I have an S shaped curve. Trying to find what treatment options are available.

Wondering if your Schroth Residential Program could help my advanced scoliosis...I am 67yrs and recently started to get an uncomfortable sensation around my top left rib due to the rotation. I have remained active but am now considering surgery. I have tried other methods of treatment but to no avail and am reluctant to pay the costly amount for the program if it is another dead end. Does it have real results as I would do the hard yards.

I am a 70 year old woman suffering from adult degenerative scoliosis. I have lost 13 cm in height and am unable to stand or walk for long without pain… I have read about the Schroth Method and wondered if it would be helpful in my case.

Excluding scoliosis that develops early in life or from a separate syndrome there are 2 types of adult scoliosis:

Adult idiopathic scoliosis, which is a progression of the scoliosis from adolescence where curves have since worsened due to disc degeneration and possibly sagittal imbalance; and Adult degenerative scoliosis, also known as de novo (new) scoliosis which starts in adult life due to disc degeneration, arthritis of facet joints and other factors.

In all three cases pain experienced now is mostly likely due to degenerative conditions mentioned above, which have occurred during later years as a consequence of scoliosis progression. Schroth 3D Scoliosis Exercise Therapy is gentle and non-invasive and focuses on stopping further progression rebalancing and strengthening the postural muscles of the body to reduce the asymmetrical loading on the spine caused by the scoliosis.

Click on our website page Living with Scoloisis...to read Irene's story (63 years of age) regarding how our Schroth 3D Therapy Program and her commitment to a weekly home exercise program has improved her health related quality of life.

Click Here to download a PDF Summary of the content and scope of our Schroth 3D Therapy Program for Adults.

Attending either our 6 Day Schroth 3D Therapy Program, and committing to home exercise program of 3/4 days per week could help improve health related quality of life of both women. Adult bracing for short periods could provide pain relief for both the 64 and 70 yo women when walking and engaging in household chores.

Schroth 3D Therapy goals and desired patient outcomes need to be in harmony:

Prevent further curve progression
Alleviate/eliminate pain
Avoid surgery
Improve quality of life

The effectiveness of Schroth 3D scoliosis therapy is largely dependent:

A customized In-Clinic and Home Program for each individual patient’s type of idiopathic scoliosis designed by a certified Schroth Therapist.
The ability and commitment of patients, and in the case of juveniles and adolescents, their parents as caregivers, to carry out the prescribed Schroth 3D home exercise therapy program.

Empowering patients to achieve the best possible outcomes is the key focus of Schroth 3D Scoliosis Exercise Therapy Programs.