Schroth Method for Scoliosis Treatment

The Schroth Method is a type of physical therapy based on the concept that scoliosis can be improved by changing the forces that act on the spine. This is done using exercises to strengthen muscles, support posture and tone certain areas. With the Schroth Method, your child is encouraged to become active in their own therapy. Exercises are taught and practiced many times in a variety of positions to challenge the body’s strengths and weakness.

The Schroth Method has been used in Europe for many decades. There is growing research and some evidence that Schroth can be effective, but scientific studies that prove it will reduce the scoliotic curve are not yet completed. Scoliosis specific exercises have been shown to have a positive impact on reducing curve progression, improving posture, improving lung and organ function, pain management, and quality of life. The Schroth Method is among the most studied and widely used methods of physical therapy scoliosis-specific exercise.

The main goal of the therapy is to prevent the curvature from progressing. Other goals include:

• Better posture and body mechanics (the way the body moves)
• Less pain (if present)
• More strength and flexibility
• Better breathing capacity
• Better endurance and tolerance to activities
• Improving the appearance of your child’s back and body
• Prevention or delay of surgery
• Improved bracing results

The goal of bracing is to reduce the chance of a curve getting large enough in magnitude to require surgery. The chances of a curve progressing to the point of needing surgery is cut in half if a brace is used in an actively growing child with scoliosis between 20 and 40 degrees. The patients with the greatest potential for success with Schroth are similar to the patients with the greatest potential for success with bracing, so often the back brace is combined with Schroth therapy rather than either therapy used alone.

We take a team approach to helping treat your child’s scoliosis. An orthopedic physician, a certified Schroth therapist, and the orthotic (bracing) experts will work together to coordinate all aspects of your child’s care.

Schroth therapy is not recommended for all children with scoliosis. We treat children with spinal curves of over 20 degrees,* children 11 or older with a significant risk of curve progression, and children whose spine and bones are not finished growing. Your Orthopedic doctor can answer questions about whether this program is right for your child.

Your child will have a full orthopedic evaluation, usually including X-rays, to see whether Schroth therapy would be a good fit. If your child is a candidate for this treatment, they will also have a complete 80-minute postural and breathing evaluation with a physical therapist. The therapist will work with your child and you to create the best plan of care that meet your child’s needs, goals and expectations. Fitting and wearing of a brace also may be part of the treatment plan.

• Your child is taught scoliosis-specific exercises and scheduled for physical therapy appointments once per week for 8 to 12 sessions. This may vary based on your child’s needs.
• Once your child learns their exercises, they will do them at home for 20 to 30 minutes per day.
• They will also have periodic follow-up appointments with their therapist, doctor and orthotist.
• If your child’s curve continues to progress, the physical therapy program may be discontinued.

Billing and payment for scoliosis treatment is like other physical therapy services. You have the option of billing insurance or paying privately. You must have a referral from one of our Seattle Children’s orthopedic providers to register in the Schroth Physical Therapy Program.

Sports Physical Therapy: Contact us at 206-987-6400

Seattle Children’s Hospital Main Campus: 4800 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Bellevue Clinic and Surgery Center: 1500 116th Ave. NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
South Clinic in Federal Way: 34920 Enchanted Pkwy. S, Federal Way, WA 98003
North Clinic in Everett: 1815 13th St., Everett, WA 98201
Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic at Othello: 3939 S Othello St., Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98118

* “Cobb angle” is the standard radiographic (X-ray) measure of spine curve magnitude.