SCOLIOSIS 3DC-The Schroth Method

Dr. Moramarco instructs Schroth patient

“Dr. Moramarco is a warm, kind and thoughtful practitioner of a craft for which he has an obvious love.  His enthusiasm for both the Schroth Method and for the progress of his patients is infectious and motivating. He is extremely knowledgeable and deeply committed to the well-being of his patients.  He offers a new beginning to those of us who have lived most of our lives as scoliosis patients without hope.” JW – New York

Welcome to Scoliosis 3DC! If you do not find the answers you are looking for, or if you have specific questions regarding yours, or your child’s scoliosis, please call us at 781-938-8558 or email marc@drmoramarco.com. Thanks for visiting.

The Schroth Method-Scoliosis Management

At Scoliosis 3DC, we teach scoliosis management using the Schroth Method of Germany. The Schroth Method, developed in 1921 by Katharina Schroth, is a three-dimensional approach to help patients take control of scoliosis. Since then, Schroth scoliosis rehabilitation therapy protocols have evolved under the guidance of Katharina’s daughter, Christa-Lehnert Schroth PT, and her son, Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss, until recently, at the Asklepios Katharina Schroth Clinic in Bad Sobernheim, Germany. The Schroth Clinic is the only inpatient hospital in the world devoted exclusively to non-surgical scoliosis care.

Schroth Method in Boston

In 2007, Dr. Moramarco became the first American healthcare practitioner to attain certification at the Asklepios Katharina Schroth Clinic. He is dedicated to delivering the highest quality Schroth instruction in the US. He  began searching for an effective, non-surgical alternative treatment for his own child in 2001, after bracing proved unsuccessful. After researching numerous alternatives, it was the logic behind the three-dimensional approach of the Schroth Method that made the most sense. Dr. Moramarco, a chiropractor, wants to avoid confusion, so he is careful to point out that even though one component of the Schroth Method is gentle spinal mobilization, it does not utilize chiropractic manipulation.

At Scoliosis 3DC, focus is on the traditional Schroth curve-pattern specific rotational breathing. Also incorporated are the newer load-altering protocols developed by Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss. Dr. Weiss is former medical director of the clinic bearing his grandmother’s name. He is now in private practice in Germany. All protocols are outlined his book, “Best Practice in Conservative Scoliosis Care.”

Simply stated, the goals of the Schroth Method, through rotational breathing and scoliosis stabilization exercises, are to bring the musculature supporting the posture into balance. The patient learns to work toward improved spinal symmetry while performing the exercises. This is aided via instruction in physio-logic®, 3-D Made Easy™, and scoliosis-specific activities of daily living.

Schroth & “Best Practice” Objectives for Scoliosis:

• Stabilization of the corrected posture via improved body mechanics
• Halt curve progression of scoliosis - in adolescents, strive for some degree of reduction
• Improved pulmonary capacity via corrective breathing for scoliosis and active rib mobilization
• Decrease vertebral rotation
• Pain relief or reduction of pain for scoliosis patient
• Improve strength and flexibility
• Prevent or delay surgery
• Improved postural appearance
• Maintenance of corrections during daily activities
• To empower the scoliosis patient and provide the tools to manage one’s own unique curve(s)
• Post-surgical scoliosis treatment: to correct posture and maintain stability above and below the fused spinal segments

What does 3DC stand for?

3DC stands for three-dimensional correction for scoliosis. The principles used to manage scoliosis via the Schroth and ‘Best Practice’ methods are based on correction of the scoliotic spine in three-dimensions: the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes. When treating scoliosis via an exercise-based therapy approach, to be effective, the scoliotic spine must be addressed in this way. The three-dimensional approach also incorporates self-elongation and corrective breathing techniques, making the Schroth Method and German ‘Best Practice’ protocols an efficacious approach to scoliosis management.

The Schroth Method is always an alternative to observation, in some cases an alternative to bracing – or an adjunct, and for many: an alternative to scoliosis surgery.

Post-surgical scoliosis patients, one-year post surgery and beyond, have found the Schroth method to be an effective way to achieve added spinal stability.