Scoliosis and Schroth Therapy
What Is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal curvature in which the spine bends sideways while also rotating around its own axis. It can be present from birth or develop during the growth period; the most common form is the idiopathic type, whose cause is not fully known.
Particularly in growing children, the curvature can change more quickly during adolescence, which makes follow-up valuable. The curvature can occur in different regions of the spine (thoracic, lumbar) and in different patterns (a single curve or a double curve).
Because the curvature can progress over time, early recognition and regular follow-up are important.
Scoliosis Is a Manageable Condition
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine: alongside the sideways bend, the spine also rotates around its own axis. The most common question is usually the same — “Will the curvature progress, and what can we do?”
At our clinic, the answer to this question is clear: scoliosis-specific physiotherapy.
In children and adolescents, while growth continues, our priority is to slow the progression of the curvature; in appropriate cases, we also work towards reducing it. In adults, posture, balance, function and quality of life come to the fore.
An Approach for Every Age
In Children and Adolescents
While growth continues, our priority is to slow the progression of the curvature; in appropriate cases, we also work towards reducing it. Because the curvature can change more quickly during this period, regular follow-up is particularly valuable.
In Adults
Once skeletal maturity is reached, the priorities are posture, trunk symmetry, function, addressing pain where present, and quality of life.
Schroth-Based and Scoliosis-Specific
Scoliosis is not treated like a general back or posture problem. Because it is a three-dimensional curvature, the approach must also be adapted to the curve pattern, its direction and the person's stage of growth. Scoliosis-specific exercises (defined in the literature as PSSE) differ from general exercise programmes for exactly this reason: the aim is a posture correction specific to the curvature, sustained in daily life. International guidelines define scoliosis-specific exercises, in appropriate cases, as part of conservative management.
Schroth is a scientifically evaluated approach among scoliosis-specific exercises, defined in international guidelines as part of conservative management. At its core are three-dimensional posture correction, stabilisation of the corrected posture and curvature-specific breathing work. At our clinic, the Schroth-based programme is carried out within a framework aimed at slowing the progression of the curvature, with the goal of supporting posture, trunk symmetry and breathing mechanics. The approach is not a ready-made list of exercises — it is adapted to the curve pattern, age group and the person's goals.
The Foundations of Our Approach
Individualised Planning
Every curve pattern and every person is different; the programme is planned individually after a detailed assessment.
Evidence-Based Framework
Current scientific guidelines and the biopsychosocial model form the basis of our work.
Multidisciplinary Collaboration
Where needed, the process is coordinated with a physician and an orthotist.
Regular Follow-Up
Clinical findings are monitored at intervals appropriate to the age group.
From Assessment to Follow-Up
At our clinic, scoliosis treatment is a planned process that begins with an assessment and proceeds with regular follow-up.
Clinical Assessment
Clinical examination is the basis of scoliosis assessment. The radiological investigation required to determine the degree of the curvature is evaluated by a physician.
Individualised Programme
Following the clinical assessment, an individualised Schroth programme is planned — adapted to the curve pattern, age group and the person’s goals.
Periodic Follow-Up
The process is followed through periodic reviews carried out on a physician’s advice, according to the curve pattern, the person’s age and growth potential. The aim is to notice change in time and update the programme accordingly.
The Goals of the Approach
Goals are set according to the person's stage of growth; the programme is generally built on the following areas:
Managing Progression
Working to slow and manage the progression of the curvature.
Posture and Trunk Symmetry
Supporting posture and trunk symmetry.
Breathing Mechanics
Improving breathing mechanics.
Posture Awareness
Increasing posture awareness in daily life.
Quality of Life
Effects on quality of life can be monitored with scales such as the SRS-22.
Components and Scope of Treatment
Deep Trunk Support
Because scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal curvature, it also affects the trunk’s deep support system. For this reason, we complement the Schroth-based programme with approaches that train the deep supporting muscles of the trunk; the aim is for the corrected posture gained to be maintained more stably in daily life.
Combination with Bracing
Depending on the degree of the curvature and growth potential, international guidelines rest on scientific evidence recommending that scoliosis-specific exercises be applied together with a brace (such as Rigo-Chêneau) in certain situations. Bracing decisions and follow-up are carried out together with a physician’s evaluation; the exercise programme is planned as a complement to this process.
Who Is It Suitable For?
The Schroth-based approach can be applied to children, adolescents and adults, adapted to the person’s curve pattern and goals. In growing children the priority is monitoring the curvature and managing progression, while in adults posture, function and addressing pain where present may come to the fore.
Surgery and the Multidisciplinary Framework
In advanced curvatures, surgery may be an option; this decision is made in line with the relevant physician’s evaluation and the person’s preferences. The aim of the conservative approach is not the “correction” of the curvature. The goal is to help manage progression and, where possible, contribute to reducing the need for surgery. The process is followed, where needed, in collaboration between physician, physiotherapist and orthotist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Schroth therapy straighten scoliosis?
The aim of the Schroth-based approach is not the complete correction of the curvature. Within the scientific framework, the goals are to help slow and manage the progression of the curvature, to support posture and trunk symmetry, and to improve quality of life. While growth continues, the priority is to slow progression; in appropriate cases, we also work towards reducing the curvature.
Which age groups is it suitable for?
It can be applied to children, adolescents and adults. The goals and the programme are adapted to the person’s age and curve pattern.
Is it applied together with a brace?
In certain situations, it can be combined with a brace alongside a physician’s evaluation. The exercise programme is planned as a complement to this process.
How is the process followed?
It is followed through clinical assessment and periodic reviews carried out on a physician’s advice; the programme is updated as the condition changes.
When is it appropriate to seek an assessment?
If there is asymmetry at shoulder or waist level, a prominence on one side of the back that becomes more noticeable when bending forward, or a previously noticed curvature, you are welcome to contact us for an assessment. Early recognition makes follow-up easier.
For Assessment and Information
You are welcome to contact us to learn more about scoliosis or to arrange an assessment.