Advance Physical Therapy

Advance Physical Therapy

Certified Postural Restoration Center · C2 Advanced Schroth Certified Scoliosis Therapists (BSPTS)

Certified Postural Restoration Center · C2 Advanced Schroth Certified Scoliosis Therapists (BSPTS)

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Initial Thoughts following certification in the Schroth Method of Scoliosis Rehab

May 24, 2013 by Susan Henning

            Jean and I have just returned from an intensive course on the physical therapy, 3-dimensional treatment of scoliosis in adolescents. This course, designed by the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, evolved from the Schroth method developed by Katarina Schroth, beginning in the 1930’s Germany. Techniques have been further refined by Christa Lehnert-Schroth, P.T., the daughter of Katarina and by Christa’s son, Hans Rudolf Weiss, MD and Dr. Manuel Rigo of the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School. These techniques are highly respected as effective, conservative scoliosis treatment throughout Europe. It is wonderful that this body of work is finally becoming established in the U.S.

 common right thoracic curvature seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

common right thoracic curvature seen in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

            I was first attracted to the Schroth method by its remarkable congruity with the biomechanical, 3-dimensional, asymmetrical and respiratory principles of Postural Restoration, as developed by Ron Hruska, P.T., of the Postural Restoration Institute in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Since 2002, I have applied Postural Restoration principles and techniques in my physical therapy practice with generally extraordinary results, i.e.: rapid decrease in pain, and empowerment of the patient to learn techniques to achieve and to self-maintain less stressful movement patterns in life.

            My introduction to the Schroth approach, thanks to Beth Janssen, P.T., Patti Orthwein, P.T., of Scoliosis Rehab, Inc. in Wisconsin, has enhanced and refined my understanding of how to most effectively work with the rapid onset of adolescent scoliosis.

            Scoliosis is medically diagnosed by x-ray. It is considered structural when changes in vertebral bodies of the spine can be identified and these changes contribute to lateral or side curvature usually with a rotational component. These spinal changes often occur during pre-adolescent and adolescent  growth spurts, although lateral curvature can appear at any age. There are effective ways to identify children at risk before x-ray diagnosis is indicated. Some schools offer scoliosis screenings. Early detection can be extremely helpful in minimizing progression.

            Our course delved into the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of juvenile scoliosis. Postural Restoration empowers the individual to become more self aware and to introduce more balanced movement patterns.  The Schroth techniques also employ a high level of proprioception (self awareness) and tailor therapeutic activities to the person’s specific curve pattern. Passive and active techniques to achieve a more balanced position enable conscious respiratory techniques to help realign the body. These are challenging exercises, requiring much discipline and regular practice. However, it was incredible heartening to witness, significant positive changes in the children and adults we worked with during our training.

            So it is with great hope and confidence in these approaches, which recognize asymmetry, 3-dimensions of movement and the potential of self awareness, disciplined activity and breathing, that we, at Advance Physical Therapy, look forward to meeting the challenge of scoliosis and coming to the best possible outcomes.

Filed Under: people, Postural Restoration, Schroth Based Therapy, Scoliosis, scoliosis intensive program Tagged With: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, Rehabilitation, Schroth Method, scoliosis, Scoliosis Care, Scoliosis Physical Therapy

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About Susan Henning

Susan graduated from NYU in 1986 with a BA in Physical Therapy. She worked in major medical centers first in New York City, later in San Francisco, CA. Her early interest was in neurological rehabilitation. Due to a longstanding interest in dance and movement she began studies in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy in the early 90’s. She pursued training in manual physical therapy approaches including Paris, Maitland, Mulligan and Jackson. Susan is among only a handful of physical therapists in the US with advanced certifications in both the Schroth Method and Postural Restoration for non-surgical treatment of scoliosis.

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Advance Physical Therapy is a physical therapist owned practice offering quality rehabilitation to clients in Chapel Hill, Durham, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Cary and surrounding areas of the Triangle in North Carolina.

Our therapists are highly experienced in traditional physical therapy techniques and have specialized expertise in a variety of areas including Postural Restoration, Manual Therapy, Counterstrain, Schroth based Scoliosis Rehabilitation, Pediatrics, Sports Medicine, Orthotics and Personal Training.

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