Blog Post Written By: Dr. Caroline Joy, PT, DPT Certified SSOL Schroth Specialist
If you or a loved one have recently been diagnosed with scoliosis or kyphosis, you likely have come across a form of physical therapy called the Schroth Method. If hearing about this treatment has brought you here, you are in the right place to be educated on Schroth and learn if it is the right treatment option for you.
Disclaimer: This blog post focuses on sagittal plane deformities that benefit from the Schroth Method, if you are looking for more information on Schroth Method related to scoliosis, please refer to my blog post covering this!
What is the Schroth Method?
The Schroth Method is a form of therapy that consists of three-dimensional correction of the specific curve pattern of a patient using a combination of sensorimotor, postural, and corrective breathing exercises.(1) As defined by the Schroth Method founder herself, Christa Schroth, “The Schroth Method aims to reverse all of the abnormal curvatures with a variety of means, based upon the therapist’s analysis of a patient’s muscle imbalances.”(2)
The Schroth Method is successfully utilized for more than scoliosis, and has been noted to be impactful on a number of sagittal plane conditions.
Sagittal Conditions Benefiting from Schroth
Inverted back (flat back)
Thoracolumbar Kyphosis
Sway Back
Hyper Kyphosis: including but not limited to Scheuermann's disease.
How Schroth Can Help
The goals of the Schroth Method for sagittal plane deformities include restoring sagittal plane parameters that are associated with increased pain/disability, improve aesthetics, improve posture and balance, and reduce risk of curve progression.
Schroth Treatment
Schroth treatment includes specific exercises and breathing techniques to correct balance in the body. Axial elongation and 3D postural correction that will be achieved, maintained, and emphasized throughout every exercise.
How Do I Start?
Find a local Schroth Therapist to take control of your spinal condition and be a partner in your Schroth Therapy!
References
Ceballos-Laita L, Carrasco-Uribarren A, Cabanillas-Barea S, Pérez-Guillén S, Pardos-Aguilella P, Jiménez effectiveness of Schroth method in Cobb angle, quality of life and trunk rotation angle in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review an meta-analysis. Eur J Phys Rehabil Med 2023;59:228-36. DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.23.07
Kwan et al. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders (2017) 12:32 DOI 10.1186/s13013-017-0139-6
SSOL Sagittal Plane Conditions