What is Scoliosis?

The basic definition is a side to side curvature of greater than ten degrees

as measured by the Cobb angle. The Cobb angle is a lateral measurement

between the upper and lower most vertebrae of the scoliosis curve.

Idiopathic means no known cause. Idiopathic scoliosis can be broken down into age groups, based upon onset of curvature.

Infantile: Age 0-4

Juvenile: Age 4-10

Adolescent: Age 10-18

Adults: over age 18

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is the most prevalent scoliosis, and is the

type most often treated using Schroth physical therapy. Patients with AIS can be

treated while still adolescents or as adults.

Conservative therapy for scoliosis is directed at interrupting the "vicious

cycle" that acts upon the spine. There is no exact way to predict which curve

will worsen, and which will not.  Growth is the number one variable that

influences progression of curves: The more growth potential, the more curve

progression is likely. The general rule is the greater the curve and the

younger the patient at diagnosis (in age and skeletal maturity), the higher the

chances the curve will progress.  Almost all infantile and juvenile

scoliosis curves will progress, and therefore require more aggressive

treatment beyond physical therapy.

Summary of Schroth Method

Therapy is based on the principle that scoliosis has a postural component that

can be improved by altering the forces that act on the spine. The belief is that

children and adults are capable of understanding their scoliosis and are willing to

become educated and play a proactive role in their own health. Curve-specific

exercises are taught using principles of physics, anatomy, physiology, and

kinesiology. Exercises are repetitively practiced in multiple positions to challenge

the body.s strengths and weakness. When practicing corrective exercises,

optimal postures, and proper mechanics, the body can adapt to a new and better

position.

Goals of Schroth Therapy

Although prevention of curve progression is the primary goal of physical therapy,

additional goals are also important to quality of life for patients with scoliosis:

• improve posture and body mechanics

• reduce pain (if present)

• improve breathing capacity

• improve strength and flexibility

• optimize cosmetic appearance

• prevent (or delay) surgery

• enhance psychological outlook

History of Schroth Method

The Schroth method was developed in Germany during 1920.s by Katherina

Schroth. Katherina was diagnosed with scoliosis as an adolescent and was told

that she would need surgery. In order to avoid surgery, she diligently preformed

self-made exercises to counteract the affects of scoliosis on her spine. The

techniques have been perfected over decades with the help of her daughter,

Christa Lehnert-Schroth, a physical therapist, and her grandson, Dr. Hans

Rudolph Weiss, an orthopedic surgeon. The Schroth method has now been

practiced in Europe almost 90 years.