How to Deal with Scoliosis: A Comprehensive Guide to Schroth Therapy

Unfortunately, the lack of awareness, people still underestimate and consider the effectiveness of the Schroth therapy a myth.

If you believe your back is getting curvier as time goes by, maybe it’s a sign that you should try  Schroth therapy for scoliosis.

If you ignore this spinal disorder and take it lightly, your spine adjusts to the curvature of your body. 

Ultimately, you are left with two options:

• To live with the back pain and the curve.
• To get surgery.
  
  

Hence, the earlier you start treating scoliosis, the better it is.

This article will dispel all the myths that keep you and multiple other scoliosis patients away from the correct diagnosis and ultimate treatment.

What is Schroth Therapy for Scoliosis?

Schroth Therapy is a scoliosis-specific method that primarily focuses on the three-dimensional correction of the curve pattern for your spine using physical therapy.

Simply put, it’s an exercise-based treatment for scoliosis that works for people of all ages.

The name Schroth came from the surname of the originator of the famous method, Katharina Schroth. After going through painful steel brace treatment for scoliosis at a very young age, she decided to introduce a more functional approach to the patients.

The result was Schroth therapy, which could do wonders for your curvy spine. 

How Schroth Therapy Treats Scoliosis:

If you have scoliosis, the spine gets misaligned because of a certain percentage of rotation in your vertebrae. Therefore, the 3D spinal deformity requires the alignment of the three-dimensional geometry of the spine.

Here, the Schroth method comes into action and corrects the curve pattern from all three dimensions.

During physical therapy, specific exercises and positions are used to align the posture properly without surgery. Gradually, the muscles that support your spine are strengthened. Ultimately, your posture slowly gets better, and your spine functions smoothly.

The Schroth method helps:

• Enable oxygen flow to the curved part of the body for easier breathing.
• Enhance the spine's strength for an improved posture. 
• Facilitate correct posture to prevent scoliosis from worsening.
• Reduce back pains.
• Enhance overall spine strength.
  
  

Should You Get Schroth Therapy?

One advantage of Schroth's therapy is that people of all ages can benefit from the treatment.

Whether you’re in the initial stages of scoliosis or you are at a severe stage, you can use the approach and observe rewarding results in the form of:

• Reduced spine pain
• Better posture
• No more scoliotic curve progression
  
  

Top Five Schroth Exercises You Should Perform

Among multiple exercises that are effective in treating scoliosis, below are the top exercises that you can try under the supervision of a trained professional: 

1. McKenzie Exercise

One of the most efficient exercises for treating the spine curve is the McKenzie Exercise. The exercise reduces the pressure on your lower back. Ultimately, the spine is aligned. For apparent results, you can try the following exercise 7-8 times daily:

• Lie on your stomach.
• Keep your hands on your sides.
• Turn your face on any one of the sides.
• Remain in the position for 2-4 minutes.
  
  

2. "50 x Pezziball"

With this exercise, you sit on a Swiss ball in front of the mirror. Once you set yourself on the ball, you hold the war bar in front of you to adjust your spine's three dimensions: forward-backward, sideways, and twisting, as per 3D auto self-correction.

3. Prone Position on a Stool

Although other props can be used, a stool is more efficient in correcting your shoulder traction and counter-traction, the thoracic and lumbar curve, etc.

You must lie on a stool with your face towards the ground and your hands on your sides. You have to perform the exercises for a few minutes daily for apparent results.

4. SAIL

The stretching exercise helps improve breathing by increasing the chest cavity. You expand your rib cage by breathing in a specific direction, maintaining 3D postural correction. Ultimately, the collapsed lungs are opened.

To perform the exercise:

• Stand on a half foam roll.
• Hold two poles vertically in each hand.
• Breathe to activate the deactivated muscles of your spine.
  
  

5. Schroth Semi-Hang Exercise

The famous semi-hanging exercise is usually used to prepare patients for the Schroth method. The practice helps reduces the pressure on your spine by stretching it using gravity.

Usually, a still hang or a pull bar is used for the exercise, preferably the ones mounted to the wall. Keep your back and hips straight, and pull yourself up to a 90-degree angle without bending your legs. Once done, lower your legs back to the starting position and repeat the sets.

Why Do You Need a Reliable Schroth Therapist?

Now that you have all the knowledge and information to treat yourself through the Schroth Method, can you treat scoliosis yourself?

The answer is no!

You may have adequate knowledge of the general exercises, but every patient has a different spine structure, curve patterns, severity level, and age. Hence, the treatment of scoliosis will vary for every other individual.

For this, you need someone reliable and knowledgeable enough to guide you through every step. The chiropractor will analyze your condition and offer options for your body type, age, and gender. Additionally, they will help track the progress of your corrections that you cannot do on your own.

You must get regular sessions from a trained and experienced orthotics professional.  

The Bottom Line

No matter your age, diagnosing and treating scoliosis requires observing apparent changes in your spine and curvature.

Dealing with such issues has been made easy by treatments like the Schroth method.

If you are developing the symptoms, then reach out to us today. Align Clinic has a team of qualified, trained, and professional experts who have been treating people who have scoliosis for years.
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Are you looking for a consultation? Contact us today.​