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If you have scoliosis — a curvature of the spine — the Schroth method of physical therapy (PT) may be for you.
The purpose of this specific type of PT is to reduce pain and help improve mobility.
This non-invasive treatment consists of exercises that help strengthen and improve muscle imbalances due to scoliosis.
At the UPMC Rehabilitation Institute, we have physical therapists trained in the Schroth method.
Find a clinic that offers Schroth therapy for scoliosis near you.
Scoliosis is a condition where the spine takes on a 3D curve shaped as an "S" or "C."
Though the cause of scoliosis is unknown, it often starts in adolescence. But it can also occur later as a degenerative form in adults.
Scoliosis treatments vary based on each person's curve.
Younger people who are still growing may only need follow-up visits with their doctor, who will monitor the curve progression.
For those with a milder form of scoliosis, doctors often suggest PT.
Braces can also help treat scoliosis and often depends on the degree of the curvature.
More severe forms of scoliosis may need surgery.
Katharina Schroth developed this non-surgical scoliosis treatment in Germany in the 1930s. It's a form of PT for both children and adults diagnosed with scoliosis.
It consists of specific exercises that help stretch and strengthen the musculature along the spine.
A physical therapist tailors treatment based on:
The exercises in the Schroth method focus on three key elements.
They are:
The specific movements vary from person to person based on each curve.
You'll perform these exercises while in certain positions. Bean bags help place the spine in a better position while you complete strengthening exercises.
Other equipment you may use during Schroth PT to help strengthen weakened muscles include:
It depends on how severe your scoliosis is.
The Schroth method is a long-term commitment. For the best results, you should implement these techniques into your daily routine.
Most people come to our clinic a few times a week based on their limitations. Once you finish the in-person program, your therapist will give you exercises you can do on your own.
The Schroth method has helped people with scoliosis for nearly 100 years.
It's shown to help lessen pain and improve strength and mobility.
You may also notice:
No. Although Schroth or other exercises can't cure scoliosis, they can help:
The goals of Schroth exercises for scoliosis are to:
Many of our 60+ outpatient rehab locations have certified Schroth therapists.
Currently, we offer this scoliosis treatment at the following locations:
300 Chapel Harbor Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Phone: 412-781-0602
152 Zeman Drive, Suite 102
Ebensburg, PA 15931
Phone: 814-471-2277
3535 Pine Avenue
Erie, PA 16504
Phone: 814-480-6845
2601 West 26th Street
Erie, PA 16506
Phone: 814-452-4447
2020 Ardmore Blvd., Suite 130
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Phone: 412-271-5000
5142 Route 30
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724-830-8750
969 Greentree Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
Phone: 412-922-3344
6998 Crider Road, Suite 200
Mars, PA 16046
Phone: 724-778-3311
4610 William Penn Highway
Murrysville, PA 15668
Phone: 724-325-0030
100 Adios Drive, Suite 1160
Washington, PA 15301
Phone: 724-229-5260
623-A Clairton Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Phone: 412-894-1752
1300 Oxford Drive
Bethel Park, PA 15102
Phone: 412-851-8850
UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
3200 South Water Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
Phone: 412-432-3700
