Schroth Method Exercises for Scoliosis

A three dimensional exercises for scoliosis has been the cornerstone of conservative management in Germany since 1927, but is relatively new here in the U.S. It was initially developed by the pioneer physiotherapist Katharina Schroth for treatment of her own scoliosis condition. She expanded her work when opening the Schroth Institute and the Schroth Method became widely adopted as the treatment of choice for both mild and severe cases of scoliosis in adults and children.

Because of the effectiveness of her treatment she was awarded the “Federal Cross of Merit” by the Federal Republic of Germany. She has been praised for the introduction and development of her revolutionary treatment for scoliosis, which is unique in its specificity, effect and results.

It has been continually updated over the years and has become the premier treatment of scoliosis in Germany and much of Europe. It has only recently crossed the Atlantic and is now being incorporated for scoliosis treatment here in the US.

This method of exercise for scoliosis is a conservative treatment that works to elongate the trunk, correct the imbalances of the body and use a special breathing technique to change the shape of the rib cage that has been affected by scoliosis.

Schroth Method of Scoliosis Exercises

Recognizes that it is a three dimensional problem that requires a three dimensional solution.

This system of exercises for scoliosis not only takes into account the rotation component of scoliosis but also the affects of the rib cage and helps the patient develop specific breathing exercises designed to correct the biomechanical faults by re-educating the patient’s neuromuscular system to new movement patterns that correct the underlying faults.

The Schroth Method develops the inner muscles of the rib cage to change the shape of the thorax allowing for a correction of spinal deformity, slowing or halting of progression, improve cardiopulmonary function, improving mobility and postural stability as well as diminishing pain.

The patient is taught specific exercises for scoliosis that puts their bodies in positions that enable an expansion of the flattened portion of their rib cage on the concave (inside) of the thoracic curve in the back and chest areas. Through many repetitions in the proper positions the patient develops a new awareness of their posture and alignment. Many scoliosis patients also have a flattening of their back as a result of the curvature. Schroth Method of exercises for scoliosis encourages restoration of the proper curvature of the rib cage on that side.

These specific exercise for scoliosis are performed in many postures, sitting on a physioball, lying facedown, and face up or on the side. The method also utilizes many standing postures as well as utilization of other simple tools to assist in regaining and maintaining the proper positioning. The exact combination of exercises is determined by curve pattern and severity.

Nu Schroth Method of Exercises for Scoliosis

After completing an intensive training in the Nu Schroth Method of Exercises for Scoliosis in the office, the patient is able to do them at home. Periodically undergoing progressive NuSchroth training in the office is recommended as these exercises will be utilized as a lifetime management tool for Scoliosis.

Nu Schroth Method

“One of the most important aspects of this method is the perceptual changes of the body during and after the scoliosis exercises. The patient is instructed to keep this new body awareness in their mind. This is enhanced further by receiving visual feed back by looking in the mirror while doing the exercises. By recognizing the differences in their postural alignment and continually readjusting their body mechanics to the ideal positioning, they increasingly develop a better sense of postural awareness and correction.

By recognizing their body in the corrected posture and then expanding their breath into the breathing places enhances the realization of a new way of breathing and results in a reorganization of the motor patterns of respiration and movement. The emphasis is for the patient to keep the conscious posture not only while they use the exercise program but during the entire course of their daily activities, from the time they get up in the morning to the time they go to bed. This is intended to become their new habitual posture forever.”

Comprehensive Corrective Movement Scoliosis Treatment

Our Program of specific exercises for scoliosis combines the Schroth Method of scoliosis exercises with other effective scoliosis exercise therapies and is provided in a small class size, circuit training programs as part of a comprehensive rehabilitative therapy for treatment of scoliosis. Each exercise is designed to reduce and stabilize specific scoliosis curvatures. Our programs often combine the use of a flexible dynamic scoliosis device called SpineCor, Active Release Techniques A.R. T. with these specially designed scoliosis exercises and breathing techniques that help retrain aberrant movement patterns found in scoliosis that contribute to the progression of the curvatures. Patients and families are given the tools and information necessary to live successfully with scoliosis, while avoiding the need for rigid braces or surgery.

The program was developed by a team of doctors and an advanced exercise therapists: Dr. Marc J. Lamantia, D.C. one of the foremost experts in the country on alternative scoliosis treatment and a Certified Master Trainer in the Schroth Method of scoliosis exercise and has modified and integrated this method to be used in conjunction with A.R.T. and dynamic bracing: Dr. Brett Diaz, D.C. a SpineCor provider, Certified ART Provider, Certified NuSchroth Instructor and a Certified Exercise Rehabilitation Specialist through the American College of Integrative Medicine.

We also have an advanced Exercise Therapist Gigi Leonte who is a Certified Schroth Therapist who specializes in movement based rehabilitative therapies and was the past exercise therapist and coach to the Romanian Olympic Gymnastic Team.

Blending these approaches into a comprehensive Scoliosis Specific Exercise Program as part of a complete scoliosis treatment program has been proven to be clinically effective for the stopping or reversing the progression of scoliosis curvatures.