A Brief Overview of the Schroth Method for Treating Scoliosis

The Schroth Method is a nonsurgical scoliosis treatment that uses customized exercises to de-rotate, stabilize, and elongate the spine. For many, Schroth exercises reduce scoliosis-related pain, halt curve progression, and improve comfort during everyday activities. Learn more in this brief overview of the Schroth Method for treating scoliosis.

Schroth Goals

Schroth exercises address muscular symmetry, posture awareness, and breathing. Spinal curvature can affect the back muscles, causing the muscles on one side of a curve to weaken and the muscles on the other side to become overworked. Schroth exercises attempt to achieve muscular symmetry.

Scoliosis can alter a person’s breathing pattern and further impact the curvature and rotation of the spine. The Schroth Method teaches how to inhale breath into concave areas to help them expand, then exhale using abdominal and trunk muscles, training them to control the outward curve.

Personalized Approach

Therapists tailor flexibility, strength, and breathing exercises to address individual patients’ scoliosis curves. The activities can reduce pain, halt curve progression, and improve posture. A medical provider will assess your needs based on factors including age, degree of curvature, and bone maturity to determine an appropriate exercise routine.

Schroth sessions often last between 40 minutes and an hour. Schedules vary, but people often attend one or two sessions per week for up to 12 weeks. After learning your personalized exercise routine from your Schroth-trained physical therapist, you can do the exercises at home.

Exercises and Equipment

Your physical therapist will assist you with low-impact exercises during your therapy session. You can complete the exercises lying down, sitting, or standing. Common Schroth exercise props include stall bars, therapy balls, and poles.

Your therapist will also teach you techniques to improve your posture and breathing. The versatility of Schroth exercises and a customized plan make this a good therapy option for many types of scoliosis. If this brief overview of the Schroth Method for scoliosis therapy interests you, talk to your doctor or physical therapist for more information.

Find essential Schroth exercise equipment at Beyond Balance. We sell quality scoliosis exercise devices to private individuals and physical therapy offices. Shop for stall bars, extension poles, therapeutic kneeboards, and more today.