The Schroth Method

 

The Schroth Method is a physical therapy approach to scoliosis treatment pioneered by Katharina Schroth (1894-1985), a German woman who had adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Although she had no formal medical training, she developed breathing techniques and exercises that helped to reduce her curvature and make her torso appear more symmetrical. She did this by spending countless hours in front of a mirror, trying different techniques, until she achieved the desired result. 

She went on to open a clinic in the 1920s for those with scoliosis, treating many patients with scoliosis in her lifetime. She believed in combating the psychosocial distress of scoliosis with not only exercise, but also with vitality, fresh air, and sunshine.

The Schroth Method has been carried on by Katharina’s descendants, many of whom have medical degrees and work full-time in the scoliosis field. Although the terminology has been updated, many of her original exercises remain the same.

Scoliosis is a complex 3-dimensional dysfunction and therefore requires a 3-dimensional solution. Schroth therapy involves complex yet specific exercises in all 3 planes of motion, in turn improving the 3D torso shape and global posture. Each patient’s curve is unique, and exercises are extremely customized and tailored to each patient.

The Schroth Method, a form of Physical Therapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE) has been thoroughly studied and is working with a high level of evidence. The Scoliosis Research Society, made up mostly of surgeons, has accepted PSSE as an effective method of scoliosis management.

 
Schroth Method spine curvature diagram

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Spine Curvature Types

  • Schroth Method 3C diagram

    3C

  • Schroth Method 4C diagram

    4C

  • Schroth Method N3 N4 diagram

    N3 N4

  • Schroth Method Lumbar TL diagram

    Single Lumbar or Thoracolumbar

Diagram Videos

  • Schroth method standing exercises for scoliosis treatment
  • Schroth method floor exercises for scoliosis treatment
  • Schroth method bar hanging exercises for scoliosis treatment

Before and After

  • Scoliosis patient before treatment

    Before

    Female, age 51
    R Thoracic Scoliosis
    Posture at Rest
    June 2021

  • Scoliosis patient after treatment

    After

    Posture at Rest
    December 2021

  • Scoliosis patient before treatment

    Before

    Male, age 17
    R Thoracic Scoliosis
    Posture at Rest
    November 2020

  • Scoliosis patient after treatment

    After

    Posture at Rest
    August 2021

  • Scoliosis patient before treatment

    Before

    Female, age 16
    Kyphoscoliosis
    Posture at Rest

  • Scoliosis patient after treatment

    After

    With Schroth Correction

  • Scoliosis patient before treatment

    Before

    Female, age 13
    R Thoracolumbar Scoliosis
    Posture at Rest
    September 2020

  • Scoliosis patient after treatment

    After

    Posture at Rest
    November 2020