Abnormal curvature of the spine can take many forms, cause various issues with quality of life, and affect people of any age. Conditions such as kyphosis, scoliosis, and spine-related posture imbalance are not only uncomfortable, but can limit mobility and impact self-confidence as well. Thankfully, physical therapy has a modality to treat problems with spinal curvature in a lasting, noninvasive way: The Schroth method. Using Schroth therapy, patients can relieve pain, improve their posture, and move with greater ease via realignment of the vertebrae.
At JAG Physical Therapy, the most trusted regional name in PT throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, our skilled and compassionate therapists have a great deal of experience treating spinal disorders. We use evidence-based and effective specialized techniques such as Schroth therapy to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day condition in the long term, and each of our patients receives a personalized care plan based on their lifestyle and other needs. Book an appointment with us now to begin, or view more below on how Schroth therapy works and how it has helped countless patients with spine-related disorders.
What is Schroth Therapy?
The Schroth method was originally developed a century ago specifically to treat scoliosis, a common problem among children and adolescents in Europe at that time. Unlike more invasive solutions for spinal curvature disorders, Schroth therapy does not involve surgery. Instead, it is a program of exercise, breathing techniques, and postural correction. In Schroth therapy, the physical therapist first assesses the direction and severity of the abnormal curvature, then instructs the patient in customized exercises that extend the spine in the opposite direction, ultimately “reshaping” the back over time. Controlled breathing aids in achieving the proper rotation and reducing shortness of breath that can be caused by the pressure of severe spinal abnormalities, and education in posture helps to increase and maintain the corrections induced by exercise.
Which Conditions Can Schroth Therapy Help Treat?
The primary reason that a physical therapist will perform Schroth therapy on a patient is scoliosis, whether in adolescents or adults. The creator of the method, Katharina Schroth, had scoliosis, and many of the initial exercises she developed are ideal for correcting a sideways deviation of the spine. However, Schroth therapy can also be used for most other conditions that change the shape or alignment of the spinal column. These include kyphosis (a hunch, often seen as a symptom of osteoporosis), lordosis (a backward curve), and postural imbalances due to an injury, wear and tear, or muscle weakness.
This modality may also be used for degenerative changes in the vertebrae that can occur in older adults. Even for people who don’t have a diagnosed condition of the spine, Schroth therapy can improve posture and therefore lessen fatigue and relieve joint and muscle pain.
How Does Schroth Therapy Work to Realign the Spine?
A spinal curvature pathology may involve a “wrong” curve in just one direction or in more than one. But no matter what, the spine still exists in 3D space with the rest of the body. With that in mind, Schroth exercises lengthen and stabilize the spine in three dimensions, according to the anatomical needs of the patient. Alongside exercises involving movement and stretching, Schroth therapy also utilizes a technique called rotational breathing. This method of breathing expands the ribcage on one side, straightening the spine while reducing the degree of curvature-related collapse of the chest. The gains in symptom relief made by Schroth therapy are protected with postural training, allowing patients to avoid exacerbating their spinal health issues and achieve comfortable movement in their daily activities.
What Are the Benefits of Schroth Therapy for Spinal Health and Posture?
Many patients who have a spinal curvature disorder describe the benefits of the Schroth method as life-changing. The main goal of this modality – reduced progression and reversal of abnormal curvature, especially in cases of scoliosis – has a great effect in relieving symptoms. Thanks to improvement in the condition of the spine, patients can quickly see improved posture and alignment, and therefore relief of pain from imbalances and strains. For those who have breathing problems due to a spinal issue, Schroth therapy can bring about steadier and easier inhalation and a higher effective lung capacity. All in all, since Schroth therapy can ease all of these symptoms, it can also bring patients increased confidence and mobility in day-to-day life.
What Should I Expect During Schroth Therapy Physical Therapy?
When you begin a program of Schroth therapy, the first thing your therapist will do in the initial evaluation is assess your posture and determine how your spine curves. Based on this information, they will write a personalized exercise plan and begin guiding you through it in the clinic. Some Schroth exercises must be performed with the assistance of the therapist, such as various elevated bar-hanging techniques. Overall, however, in-office sessions with your Schroth therapist will focus on awareness of your posture and gradual correction of the abnormalities present in your spinal column. Outside of the PT office, you will be advised on other types of Schroth exercises you can do at home to reinforce your progress over time.
JAG Physical Therapy: Your Partner in Spinal Care
The JAG Physical Therapy team is dedicated to helping individuals with spine-related health issues reduce their pain and move, sit, and sleep better. Since we have more than 160 locations in NY, NJ, and PA, we are sure to be close to home for you, and our experienced therapists are highly trained in the most effective specialized modalities such as the Schroth method. All of our patients enjoy the benefits of individualized treatment plans based on their activity level and lifestyle, as well as advanced equipment and techniques. If you deal with pain, immobility, or breathing problems due to an abnormal spinal curvature, book your appointment now to consult a physical therapist about Schroth therapy.
