Scoliosis is a progressive bone disease that causes curves in the spine. Unfortunately, there’s no simple cure for scoliosis, affecting almost three percent of the population.
Surgery is the only thing that permanently helps with scoliosis, but even then, it isn’t always practical. Corrective surgery may help to straighten the spinal curvature, although there’s no assurance it won’t return.
Scoliosis does not have to be unpleasant to live with. Some activities and methods can aid people who suffer from it – one of which is the Schroth method.
In this article, we’ll look at how you can use the Schroth technique to treat Scoliosis.
Scoliosis – What Is It, and What Are the Symptoms?
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that can occur in any part of the spine. It most commonly appears during adolescence but can also be caused by congenital disabilities or injuries later in life.
While most scoliosis cases are mild, some children experience worsening curves as they age. In severe instances, scoliosis can be crippling.
The most severe spinal curves can reduce the amount of space in the chest cavity, making it challenging for the lungs to function correctly.
What are the symptoms of Scoliosis?
- Uneven Shoulders
- One shoulder blade sticks out more than the other
- Uneven waistline
- The head is not centered over the pelvis
- One hip higher than the other
- Back pain (mild to severe)
- Difficulty breathing
What Is the Schroth Method and How Does It Work?
The Schroth method is a three-dimensional, corrective approach to treating scoliosis. It was developed in the 1920s by Katharina Schroth, a German physical therapist who had scoliosis herself.
The Schroth method is based on the idea that curves in the spine can be corrected with specific exercises and postural modifications.
The Schroth method has been shown to be an effective treatment for scoliosis.
One study found that patients who underwent Schroth therapy had significantly less back pain than those who did not receive any treatment.
So How Does the Schroth Method Work?
The Schroth method uses a three-dimensional approach to correct spinal curvature. That means that exercises and postural modifications target the specific curve pattern in each individual.
Schroth therapy aims to retrain the muscles and bones around the spine so that the spine can be brought back into alignment.
Schroth therapy consists of both active and passive exercises. Active exercises are done by the patient, while passive exercises are done with the help of a therapist or another person.
Passive exercises may include massage, traction, or electrical stimulation.
The Schroth method is usually done in a series of sessions, each lasting 30-60 minutes.
Schroth therapy is typically done on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home after each session.
Exercises of the Schroth Method
This method helps the scoliosis patient by providing three different exercises, which are sensory-motor, kinesthetic, and cognitive.
1. Muscular Exercises
Scoliosis takes a tremendous amount of strain on the musculature. The “c” or “s” shaped curvature in the back might indicate that either side’s muscles have atrophied or been overworked.
Having disproportional muscularity can be more harmful than beneficial.
The Schroth approach seeks to eliminate the asymmetry between the two sides of the back, focusing primarily on the atrophied side.
If a patient is younger, working on both muscular and functional aspects on both sides might help stop or reverse scoliosis development.
2. Breathing Exercises
Severe scoliosis might not only cause back pain but also restricted breathing. The curvature of the spine from scoliosis can compress lung tissue and make breathing difficult, especially when combined with asthma or other pulmonary diseases.
The Schroth method doesn’t simply try to fix poor posture through spinal adjustments.
It also includes targeted exercises to help the patient learn how to breathe in a way that will work with, rather than against, their lung restrictions.
This 3D approach sets the Schroth method apart from other treatments and has proven effective for many patients.
3. Posture exercises
Scoliosis can have a poor influence on posture and could worsen due to poor posture. Improving one’s posture to fit the specific situation is an effective strategy to combat this vicious circle.
The Schroth technique uses posture exercises to help patients manage their scoliosis by correcting their posture.
Posture training may help treat scoliosis since every patient’s curve varies, requiring a different approach. It’s crucial not to take positions that exacerbate scoliosis, and changing your regular posture might aid in its cure.
Although exercises using the Schroth technique may be obtained online, you should not attempt them alone.
Every scoliosis condition is different, and adopting the incorrect method for your issue might worsen things.
If you want to employ the Schroth approach to help you deal with scoliosis, you should consult with the finest specialists in the field.
What Are the Benefits of the Schroth Method?
There are many benefits to Schroth therapy.
Studies have shown that the Schroth method can slow the progression of spinal curvature and improve the quality of life for people with scoliosis.
However, some of the most common benefits of the Schroth Method are as follows:
- Reduced pain – This method is an excellent way to reduce pain for scoliosis patients.
- Reduced curvature – This method is designed to stop the progression of curvature in young people’s bones before they reach full maturity.
- Improved breathing – According to research, breathing exercises improve lung function.
- Improved posture – Good posture leads to less pain throughout the day and a nicer appearance.
- Better balance – The method not only strengthens the muscles but also works on improving balance.
- Improved flexibility – Scoliosis patients often have trouble with flexibility, but this method can help improve it.
Say Goodbye to Back Pain
The Schroth technique is one of the most effective ways to treat scoliosis and is a beautiful alternative to traditional treatments or invasive surgery.
This non-surgical and non-invasive approach has helped many people live with their condition and significantly improve their quality of life.
Book an appointment with our specialists today to learn how you can manage your pain and lead an active life.
