Scoliosis

Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine greater than 10 degrees. It is a three-dimensional torsional deformity of the spine and trunk and affects an estimated 2-3% of the population (roughly 7 million people in the US have scoliosis – you are not alone!)  Idiopathic scoliosis (of unknown origin) accounts for the majority of scoliosis cases in otherwise healthy children. We know that it is more common in girls than boys and this ratio seems to increase with the severity of curvature. Other forms of scoliosis also include congenital, neuromuscular and degenerative or adult onset.   While Schroth is most effective as a treatment for idiopathic scoliosis, the concepts can be applied and modified for different groups when working with a well- trained therapist.  Care is taken to clearly identify treatment goals and expectations at the time of assessment.​

Kyphosis

While it is normal to have kyphosis in the thoracic region of the spine, Scheunemann's Kyphosis is characterized by an exaggerated, stiff outward curve of the thoracic spine and is more common in male patients. Radiological signs include thoracic kyphosis greater than 50 degrees, irregular endplates of the vertebra and ventral wedging of at least 5 degrees in 3 adjacent vertebrae. Thoracolumbar kyphosis, although less common, is typically a more painful condition. Patients often present with pain and an outward curvature at the point where the thoracic and lumbar spines meet. Please contact us  to schedule a free discovery visit if you would like to be screened for this condition and receive more information.
​

Scoliosis: Signs and Symptoms             

Postural asymmetry can be challenging to detect at times; however, there are some key things to look for:
  • Uneven shoulders / shoulder blades
  • Uneven waist or hips
  • Asymmetry in a forward bend position
  • Presence of protruding ribs
  • Leaning to one side
  • Abnormal alignment in the side view​
​Please feel free to schedule a free phone consultation or discovery visit to find out more information and to see if Schroth is right for you

What to Look For​

How Schroth is different than traditional Physical Therapy

​The Schroth Method differs from traditional physical therapy in that all exercises address the 3-D nature of scoliosis, are curve specific and are done in a neutral spinal alignment. This method is recommended by the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Treatment (SOSORT) and is becoming the standard of conservative physical therapy care for adolescents with scoliosis and kyphosis in the United States.

Goals for treatment

Independent 3 Dimensional postural correction
Carryover of postural correction into ADLS and movement patterns
Decreased risk of curve progression
Increased balance and strength
Improved trunk alignment
Enhanced lung function
Pain relief
Stabilization of non fused or tethered segments after surgery

Candidates for treatment

Juveniles: Due to the level of attention and concentration required for full Schroth training, modified programs are available for younger children and those with special needs. It is also felt this helps prevent the patient from becoming burned out on a program they may need to increase the intensity of during the adolescent growth spurt. Advanced Scoliosis Care offers free monthly screenings at the clinic as well as brace recommendations for all patients·  
    
​Adolescents with curves 15-55 degrees (patients with larger curves are seen with direct communication and coordination of care with the Orthopedist) Patients with curves under 15 degrees are monitored closely (parents are trained in how to monitor signs of progression), screened monthly at the clinic and are offered postural training and active correction as needed. Patients with curves greater than 15 degrees are encouraged to participate in a full treatment program to minimize the risk of curve progression. This treatment includes home practice that the patient is encouraged to perform 30 min per day 5 days per week.

Adults: Adult spinal deformity can present in several different ways. Some adults have had scoliosis since adolescence and for some, this is a new diagnosis and more degenerative in nature. There are multiple factors that can impact the adult treatment process such as joint range of motion, pain, arthritis, curve rigidity, vertebral instability, degenerative disease and overall fitness level. Therapeutic progression is often a slower process to avoid overloading the body resulting in additional pain and dysfunction. Care is taken to establish clear goals for treatment. Together, you and your therapist will develop the right treatment plan for you that you can manage at home.

Prehab for surgical candidates: Patients can be seen prior to scheduled surgery to minimize curve progression during the waiting period, to improve strength, muscle balance, effectiveness of breathing patterns and to decrease pain.


Post surgical rehab: While many patients do not require therapy after surgery, patients can be seen after spinal fusion and vertebral body tethering. The goals of treatment include reducing pain, stabilization of non fused segments, addressing curves above or below the tether to improve postural balance and to provide core strengthening. 


​






​