SCOLIOSIS 3DC-The Schroth Method

Dr. Moramarco instructs Schroth patient

Scoliosis Management the 3D Way

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The Schroth Method

At Scoliosis 3DC, we teach scoliosis management using the Schroth Method of Germany and protocols developed by Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss and outlined in his book, “Best Practice” in Conservative Scoliosis Care. The Schroth Method is a scoliosis-specific back school first developed in 1921, by Katharina Schroth. Schroth scoliosis rehabilitaton therapy protocols have been refined over the years by Christa-Lehnert Schroth and Dr. 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 scoliosis. Simply stated, the goals of the Schroth Method and ‘Best Practice’ scoliosis corrective exercise and breathing protocols are to bring the musculature supporting the posture into balance with the goal of working toward improved spinal symmetry. This is achieved through instruction in physio-logic®, scoliosis-specific activities of daily living and the Schroth Method scoliosis specific exercises including rotational breathing and scoliosis stabilization exercises.

Schroth & “Best Practice” Objectives for Scoliosis:

• Stabilization of the corrected posture via improved body mechanics
• Halt scoliotic curve progression
  • in adolescents, strive for some degree of reduction
• Improved pulmonary capacity via corrective breathing for scoliosis and active rib mobilization
• Pain relief or reduction
• Improve strength and flexibility
• Prevent or delay surgery
• Improved postural appearance
• Maintenance of corrections during daily activities
• To empower the patient and provide the tools to manage one’s own unique curve(s)
• Post-surgical: 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 incorporates self-elongation and corrective breathing techniques and is what makes the German ‘Best Practice’ and Schroth Method protocols an efficacious, approach to scoliosis management. The Schroth method is always an alternative to observation, in many cases a better choice than bracing or an adjunct, and for those who choose – an alternative to scoliosis surgery. Numerous scoliosis patients have found the Schroth method to be an effective follow through for post-surgical spinal stability as well.