Schroth Method FAQ
What is the Schroth Method?
The Schroth Method is a conservative treatment that has also been demonstrated to slow or stop curve progression in adolescents. It has been shown to reduce pain, improve posture and improve quality of life. The Schroth Method was originally by Katharina Schroth, who had scoliosis, in 1921 in Meissen, Germany. It has been used across Europe in treating scoliosis since the 1960s. The method utilizes stretching, breathing and muscular retraining exercises to decelerate scoliotic curve progression in children and teens, manage postural pain in children, teens and adults and restore optimal postural alignment and control.
What should I expect during my first visit?
The first visit will include a thorough evaluation of your posture, curve, range of motion and strength to create an individualized treatment plan for you.
What is a treatment session like?
The Schroth-trained physical therapist will guide the patient with hands-on feedback so that the patient develops a sense of where they need to breathe into their collapsed areas and where they need to elongate and activate their muscles to create muscle activation in the direction of the corrections. By visualizing and feeling the parts of their body respond to their breathing, the patient learns a new way to breathe and align the body. Working with mirrors, the patient receives new visual information and is asked to remember how the alignment and corrections feel. Following detailed vocal guidance from the therapist, the patient is then able to maintain the correct posture and practice it in various positions and in their daily activities.
What do I bring to the first visit?
The state of Illinois requires a diagnosis from a physician prior to treatment by a physical therapist. If you do not have a doctor, we can provide a recommendation. We require an X-ray for review by your second or third visit. Please bring any old x-rays. We prefer patients wear a fitted top and fitted pants for the assessment. A non-racerback bra is helpful for females. Please bring your brace if you wear one.
What type of x-ray do I need?
A scoliosis series x-ray includes a full spine x-ray. Request your Cobb Angle and Risser Stage (if you are still growing, this tells us how much growing you have left). Bring your disc or copy of your films.
What are the exercises like?
The exercises are determined by the curve patterns andseverity, as well as the patient’s age and level of function and fitness. They are designed to create awareness of posture and alignment through proper positioning and repetition. The patient is taught certain positions that will allow expansion of the flattened chest and back areas. Many scoliosis patients have flattening of their backs, prominence ribs, lumbar, or pelvic as a result of the curvature. We encourage exercises that improve the flat back, restore the alignment of the pelvic and reduce the protruded areas of the trunk. Once the patient becomes familiar with their individual curve pattern and the principles of the corrections, the method offers many positions that will apply all of the concepts in the same manner, making the program easy to follow.
How much will I improve?
The ability to decrease the curve depends on what type of scoliosis you have, and other clinical factors, such as age, curve magnitude, and your skeletal age. In addition, your ability to perform the exercises properly and consistently is of great importance!
In a randomized controlled trial that recruited adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, aged 10-18, with curves 10-45 degree, researchers found that adolescents performing the Schroth exercises for 6 months, had either stable curves or decreased curves. On the other hand, patients not treated with Schroth method had curves that either remained stable or worsened. In our clinical practice, we have seen ranges from minimal (0-3 degrees) to large (>10 degrees) improvement. Each case is unique, and many known and unknown factors drive the final result.
Adults participating in the Schroth Method have been shown to slow or stop curve progression, improve breathing function, decrease rib hump size, improve posture and report decreased pain.
What happens after a patient has been trained in the Schroth Method?
After completing an intensive course of training with a Schroth therapist, the patient is able to perform his or her exercises at home. Continuation of therapy is recommended to improve the learning and performanceof these exercises, as these should be utilized as a lifetime management tool for the scoliosis patient. Over time, the patient increasingly learns to develop a sense of postural awareness and correction. The patient is instructed to stay conscious of his or her posture after leaving therapy and throughout their daily activities, such as getting up in the morning, going to school, spending time with friends, and doing their home exercise program. The posture learned through the Schroth method should become the patient’s new habitual posture for life.
Does insurance cover treatment?
Treatment with the Schroth Method for scoliosis is eligiblefor coverage by insurance. Our administrative staff will assist in verifying your specific benefits.
What if I do not have insurance?
Treatment is available with a discounted cost when paymentis made on the day of service. Packages are also available. After attending several sessions, you may also be eligible to attend the Schroth Exercise Classes offered twice per month.
What is the background of the Schroth Method?
The system of exercises for scoliosis was developed in Germany in 1927 by Katherina Schroth, who was researching treatments for herown scoliosis condition. By the 1960s, the Schroth Method had become the standard non-surgical treatment for scoliosis and was further developed by Katherina daughter Christa Lehnert-Schroth. Schroth treatment is currently supported all over Europe and has gained a very strong reputation in the United States. The Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) is based on the original work of Katharina Schroth. “BSPTS teaches the original principles of Schroth, with advanced concepts learned during years of clinical experience and research. The pioneer of the Barcelona school was the Spanish physical therapist Elena Salvá. She met Katharina Schroth and Christa Lehnert-Schroth in Germany during the 60’s, and they became good friends. Elena Salvá founded the Institute with her name in Barcelona and started to use the Schroth method to treat scoliosis patients in 1968. Later, her daughter Gloria Quera-Salvá and her son in law Manuel Rigo, both medical doctors, continued her work at the Institute.
Don’t live near Chicago?
We offer intensive multi-day ‘immersion’ sessions that build a foundation for you or your child to start Schroth exercises in your home. Please contact us at least 2 weeks prior to your planned dates.
Still have questions? Please call (773) 665-9950 for more information or schedule an onsite or virtual appointment.