The Schroth method was designed and developed by Katharina Schroth, she herself had scoliosis.
It is a non-invasive treatment for scoliosis that uses specific exercises that are based on a patient's unique spinal curve pattern. The spine is addressed in all three anatomical planes - sagittal, frontal, and transverse. The purpose of the method is to create spinal balance and stability by improving body mechanics and spinal stabilization to prevent further curve progression. Several studies suggest a significant effect on reducing the Cobb angle and improving Quality of Life (QOL) in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
Among all scoliosis-specific exercise approaches, the Schroth method is the most studied and widely used.
hOW wE TREAT
Dr. Christina Cuka is our licensed Schroth method practitioner, and currently the only in person practitioner in Arizona!
​
Click to learn more about her.
Schroth exercises, although different from person to person, include three important components:
​
​
-
Muscular symmetry
-
Rotational angular breathing
-
Awareness of posture
The Schroth method consists of scoliosis-specific sensorimotor, postural, and breathing exercises. The patient's ability to reduce the spinal deformity through active postural alignment of the spine in three dimensions (known as auto-correction) is a fundamental component of the method. This auto-correction is achieved through self-elongation and postural corrections that are specific for each curve pattern and will eventually be integrated in daily activities. Several cohort studies to the Schroth method have shown positive outcomes on back muscle strength, breathing function, slowing curve progression, improving Cobb angle, and decreasing the prevalence of surgery.