Scoliosis affects a significant number of the population, with more than 4 million registered patients in the USA alone. While the condition affects children, young adults, and older generations, adults are more likely to require life-long care for the disorder.
The disorder presents itself in many different ways. Since Scoliosis affects the back, uneven muscles are usually the most prominent symptom. It could cause abnormal curvature of the back, lopsided shoulders, waist, or unaligned hips. Often, breathing issues and back pain are also reported by patients that suffer from the condition.
The condition may appear physical, but it also profoundly affects the psychological health of the patient. Young adults with a Scoliosis diagnosis are up to 40% more likely to suffer from mental health complications than their peers.
The condition can be treated in many ways to help better the back’s curvature and manage pain. Bracing, physical therapy, surgical correction, and Schroth Therapy are some ways a patient’s back can be restored to a more normal position.
What is Schroth Therapy?
Katharina Schroth developed the Schroth method as a non-invasive treatment method for Scoliosis. As a patient of the condition, she noticed that the indent left in a rubber ball after air was pressed out of it resembled her deformed back. And when the air was again let in, the depression disappeared.
So, she started to experiment with different breathing methods. She noticed how filling her chest with air changed how her body looked and felt. Coupled with gentle exercises, the breathing techniques started to gradually have a more prominent effect on her physical appearance and pain levels.
The basic elements of Schroth Therapy are derived from that same principle of using air to fill out a cavity within the body to help better the curvature of the spine. The versions of Schroth therapy practiced today result from the dedicated research of three generations of the Schroth family.
What is Rotational Angular Breathing?
All muscles present in the back are connected to the bend of the spine. Any abnormality in this curvature could result in weakened back muscles on one side of the back. While the muscles on the other side get over-exerted and overworked. This uneven distribution of exertion leads to the symptoms associated with Scoliosis.
Rotational Angular Breathing, also known as corrective rotational breathing, aims to boost muscular symmetry in the patient’s back through guided breathing techniques.
These specially formulated exercises focus on the core and trunk as well as body positioning as a whole to establish corrected posture. During these exercise sessions, patients learn techniques for improving and maintaining their posture, ultimately strengthening their spinal musculature.
How Can Rotational Angular Breathing Help Scoliosis Patients?
The benefits of Rotational Angular Breathing within Schroth therapy extend to the psychological health of the patient, as well as pain management and improvement of the general quality of life. Here are some advantages of RAB and Schroth Therapy:
- Enhanced endurance
- Enhanced quality of life
- Better postural alignment
- Reduction in body rigidity
- Reduction in the Cobb angle
- Improvement in lung functionality
- Increase in cardio-pulmonary function
- Reduction in the need for pain medication
- More control over neuromuscular functions
- Better pain management without medication
- Less dependency in performing daily tasks
What to Expect During a Rotational Angular Breathing Session?
It’s crucial to understand that each patient’s scoliosis is just as unique as other aspects of their personality. The type and intensity of exercises performed during Schroth therapy will depend on the symptoms and the extremity of the Cobb angle the patient presents with.
Typically, sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. Exercise equipment such as poles, bands, or wall ladders is used. They aid the patient in finding the optimal angle to position themselves correctly.
Many low-impact exercises are performed under the guidance of a chiropractor, physical therapist, or Schroth therapy practitioner. Patients are assisted in standing, sitting, and lying down while simultaneously performing breathing exercises.
During the ‘inhalation’ part, your therapist will teach you to compress the back muscles on the bowed side of your spine while elongating the muscles on the opposite [concave] side. Exhalation or stabilization will help maintain this improved spinal positioning. Pay attention to how your body feels, your back in particular.
Recognizing and repeating this posture in daily activities is how RAB helps combat Scoliosis.
How to Maintain Schroth Therapy Exercises at Home?
Schroth Therapy will only be effective if the patient maintains core principles of posture and breathing during daily activities. Remember, your practitioner is like your teacher; the more you practice on your own, the sooner you can see improvement in your outward appearance and regain your confidence.
Improving spinal symmetry is as much mental work as it is physical. Learning optimal postures and methods of breathing for your unique condition can help you be more aware of your body and take control of Scoliosis.
Ask your practitioner for video recommendations you can watch and follow along at home. Put signs around your home in places you pass by frequently to remind you to work on your posture. With regular practice, better posture and breathing will slowly become second nature.
Ready to Overcome Scoliosis?
Scoliosis can be tricky to deal with, especially if you want non-surgical correction for your condition. Many elements, such as pain and spinal curvature, can affect the outcome of Schroth therapy for you.
One key element that’s within your control is selecting the right Schroth therapy practitioner and program for you. Our trained experts at Align Clinic will customize each exercise to better your chances of overcoming Scoliosis. Give us a call or book an appointment and take control of your health today.
