THE SCHROTH METHOD

The Schroth method is a system of exercises applied in physiotherapy for the treatment of scoliosis. The goal of this method is to stop the progression of curvature and to correct it, to increase the vital lung capacity, to improve posture, and to enable the patient to maintain the achieved correction in the long term, thereby avoiding surgical intervention. It has been clinically proven that daily one-hour sessions of Schroth method exercises inhibit the mechanical forces resulting from poor posture and gravity, which would otherwise, over time, lead to a further increase of the curvature (the so-called “vicious circle”), even after the growth has stopped. The Schroth method treats all the aspects of the three-dimensional deformity affecting the spine. Exercises are adapted to the specific type of the patient’s curvature. Thus, there is no template; rather, the physiotherapist should, based on the previously acquired knowledge and experience, design the exercises.

The exercises also facilitate the change of the postural scheme developed in the brain. A scoliotic patient feels comfortable in the scoliotic posture, and finds the corrected posture uncomfortable. The goal of the Schroth method is to make the patient aware and able to recognize the scoliotic posture and to retain the correct posture achieved by Schroth exercises throughout the day. The Schroth method gives patients the necessary knowledge and means to keep the condition of their spine under control for life.

The Schroth method gives patients the necessary knowledge and means to keep the condition of their spine under control for life.