At this year’s meeting of SOSORT, the International Society of Scoliosis Orthopaedic Rehabilitation and Treatment, in May, in Wiesbaden, Germany, I had the great honor of meeting Christa Lehnert-Schroth, PT, author of “Three Dimensional Treatment for Scoliosis’, director of the Katharina-Schroth Clinic until 1995 and daughter of Katharina Schroth, the founder of the Schroth Method of rehabilitation for Scoliosis.
Katharina Schroth pioneered 3-dimensional, asymmetrical treatment of curvature of the spine. She herself had scoliosis and she was intent on self-correction. Her extraordinary insight and creativity coupled with her determined pursuit of better understanding of biomechanics, resulted in a method that surpassed all other forms of treatment in its effectiveness to improve quality of life, respiratory function and appearance.
As a young girl Christa Lehnert-Schroth began working in her mother’s clinic after school. She studied Physical Therapy and eventually took over the Katharina Schroth Clinic and brought it to international acclaim. Her book has been translated into all major language and is now available in the US, published by Martinsdale Press. In it, she gives detailed explanations and instructions for the application of the Schroth Methodology.
Mrs. Lehnert-Schroth is now a lively 90 year old, still passionate about the treatment of scoliosis and still actively writing and communicating with therapists and patients from all over the world.
My German speaking husband, our son and I had the special privilege of visiting personally with her. Over the course of 3 ½ fascinating hours we had a wonderful time and also explored many aspects of the Schroth Method.
Mrs. Lehnert-Schroth expressed concern regarding some approaches recently introduced to the US which she felt were contrary to Schroth principles. She feels strongly that Yoga For Scoliosis is inappropriate and can be harmful for uninformed practitioners. She also expressed dismay about a chiropractic approach which names itself ‘Nu-Schroth”. She did not feel their practices were aligned with the Schroth Method. She actually wrote to the originator, a chiropractor in the US, requesting he not use the name Schroth. However, she never received any reply. Despite these concerns, she is positive and hopeful for the future of the Schroth Method in America.
For us, it was inspiring to be in the presence of a woman who has worked intelligently, compassionately and tirelessly to bring clarity and effectiveness to the treatment of curvature of the spine. She has been instrumental in opening the eyes and minds of the international medical community to possibilities of non-surgical treatment through recognition and utilization of the principles of 3-dimensional, asymmetrical human biomechanics.
Her website has an English option and is a must if you are interested in scoliosis treatment: www.schroth-skoliosebehandlung.de
