I have spent the last year intensively studying, practicing and developing treatment for scoliosis using Postural Restoration and Schroth based Methodologies.
Scoliosis is diagnosed when a 10 degree curvature of the spine is present. Since few U.S. pediatricians or spine surgeons are aware of the rehabilitation potential for scoliosis commonly utilized in Europe, families are recommended to “wait and see”. When a curve reaches 25 degrees in a young person, it is likely to progress. Sometimes bracing is recommended. When curvature reaches 40 to 50 degrees, surgery is recommended.
Here are some facts from the year 2000 in Germany to consider:
1. Orthopaedic surgeons in Germany recommend the conservative Schroth Method of treatment for scoliosis as the 1st treatment of choice.
2. 90% of the young people treated with 3 the dimensional, asymmetrical therapeutic exercises at the Schroth Clinic in Germany did not need surgical intervention.
3. In all of Germany, only 774 surgeries were performed on young people under the age of 20. (Statistics for surgery for scoliosis in the US were not available since scoliosis surgeries were included in the general category of back surgeries.)
4. Insurance companies in Germany will cover up to 5 weeks of intensive in-patient physical therapy using the Schroth Methodology.
Be part of the cutting edge here in the U.S (even if it is old news in Europe). If your child has scoliosis/curvature of the spine be and advocate for your child. Find a physical therapist who works with Postural Restoration and or Schroth based treatment. Early treatment of smaller curves has the best chance of curve reversal. Almost any curve can be halted or balanced with a focused, 3 dimensional asymmetrical rehabilitation program.
