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What Is the Schroth Method for Scoliosis and Why Is It World-Renowned?
The Schroth method is the most commonly used and internationally recognized scoliosis-specific exercise approach for treating both scoliosis and hyperkyphosis. The Schroth method for scoliosis is world-renowned because it addresses spinal deformities using a three-dimensional approach.
Scoliosis is not simply a lateral (side-to-side) curve—it involves changes across all three anatomical planes:
- Frontal plane (side-to-side deviation)
- Sagittal plane (lordosis and kyphosis)
- Transverse plane (vertebral and ribcage rotation)
Schroth therapy targets all three planes simultaneously through deflexion, de-rotation, and elongation of the spine and rib cage. The goal is to promote improved spinal balance, stability, and return towards a more normal physiological alignment, while encouraging the adoption of corrective postures during everyday activities.
An Essential Schroth Method Exercise You Can Learn at Our Clinic
One example of a core Schroth method exercise taught at our clinic is a corrective elongated sitting or standing posture combined with rotational breathing. This type of exercise is a foundational component of many scoliosis treatment exercises.
In this exercise, the patient:
- Actively elongates the spine against gravity
- Corrects their unique curve pattern using specific postural cues
- Maintains alignment while performing rotational breathing
This exercise technique targets muscle imbalances by strengthening weakened muscles on the concave side of the curve and lengthening overworked muscles on the convex side, addressing asymmetry, de-rotation, and deflexion in a controlled and intentional way.
The Role of Schroth Therapists in Corrective Breathing and De-Rotation
Rotational Breathing (RB) is a fundamental element of Schroth therapy. During treatment, patients are taught to breathe into the collapsed or concave areas of the trunk to help:
- De-rotate the spine
- Reshape the rib cage from within
- Assist with spinal elongation and postural correction
Our ScolioGold therapists provide hands-on guidance, verbal feedback, visual cues (such as mirrors), and education about your specific spinal pattern. This ensures that corrective breathing is performed accurately and effectively, maximizing the therapeutic impact of each exercise.
How Rigo-Schroth Therapy Differs from Standard Postural Training
Unlike general postural training, Rigo-Schroth therapy is a highly specialized form of Schroth method physical therapy designed specifically for structural scoliosis.
Rigo-Schroth therapy:
- Uses a classification system to identify a patient’s unique curve pattern
- Develops a tailored, individualized treatment plan rather than generic posture cues
- Focuses on active self-correction, not passive “standing up straight”
It emphasizes sensorimotor and kinaesthetic training, teaching patients how to actively correct their posture during everyday activities such as sitting, standing, and walking using both internal awareness and external feedback from the therapist.
Schroth Method Physical Therapy for Adults vs. Teenagers
The goals of the treatment differ depending on age and stage of skeletal maturity.
For teenagers, the common primary goals include:
- Reducing or reversing curve progression during growth
- Reducing spinal curvature
- Improving body image and symmetry
- Supporting confidence and psychosocial wellbeing during rapid developmental changes
For adults, the focus shifts toward:
- Pain management
- Improved body mechanics and functional movement
- Spinal stabilization
- Preventing further curve progression or degenerative changes
In both groups, the therapy is individualized to meet the patient’s specific needs and lifestyle demands.
Can You Practice Schroth Method Exercises at Home? The Importance of 1:1 Training
While Schroth method exercises are designed to be practiced regularly at home, 1:1 training with a certified therapist is essential, especially at the beginning of treatment.
A therapist must first:
- Perform a detailed assessment of your spinal curvature
- Teach correct positioning, breathing, and alignment strategies
- Design a personalized exercise program based on your curve classification
During one-to-one sessions, therapists can identify and correct subtle errors, ensuring exercises are performed safely and effectively. This professional guidance improves outcomes, supports motivation, and enhances adherence to the daily exercise regimen often required in structured scoliosis treatment courses.
Starting Your Journey
At Scoliosis SOS, you can begin your scoliosis treatment journey using our Schroth based ScolioGold Method. It is a gold standard of treatment created by taking the best parts from a plethora of recognised scoliosis physiotherapeutic methods, and is individually tailored to you and your curve pattern. Find out more about how you can master this method, and reduce pain, move better and reduce curve progression at an initial consultation!
📞 02074884428
🌐 www.scoliosissos.com
📷 @scoliosissosclinic
📧 enquiries@scoliosissos.com📍 63 Mansell Street, London, E1 8AN (headquarters)
