“The Schroth technique is a scoliosis-specific back school. In the treatment program, all possibilities for postural correction, including respiration, are used in order to enable the patients to help themselves.”
– Christa Lehnert-Schroth (1992)
Scoliosis treatment should not be a one-size-fits-all approach. This is why education is the foundation of every Scoliosis 3DC program. We specifically teach each patient about their unique curve pattern and address scoliosis in three dimensions. In order to effect change, patients must understand the hows and whys of what they are learning. We pride ourselves on our commitment to teach and empower each patient and to improve their scoliosis in simple ways that they can continue to use throughout their life.
Our scoliosis treatment programs offer hope for those who want to be proactive in managing scoliosis.
Who is a candidate for our Schroth method treatment?
Adolescents, adults, and juveniles with idiopathic, congenital and/or neuromuscular scoliosis may all benefit from our Schroth method program. We also treat patients with kyphosis (with or without scoliosis), Scheuermann’s disease, and post-surgical scoliosis patients (1 year post-operation). As mentioned above, scoliosis is not one-size fits all, so Dr. Moramarco will recommend the best program for you or your child.
Who is a candidate for the Chêneau-Gensingen brace?
Growing children and adolescents with scoliosis are the ideal candidates for the Chêneau-Gensingen brace. The Gensingen brace is asymmetric and Schroth method compatible. It is custom-designed based on curve pattern and can address severe curves that otherwise may be recommended for surgery. Part-time bracing for adults may help with posture and pain (on a case-by-case basis). Learn why the Gensingen brace is the best brace for scoliosis.
This young female patient currently undergoing treatment at Scoliosis 3DC has reduced her curve from 46° to 30° in less than one year with the Gensingen brace® and Schroth Best Practice® Exercises. X-rays show before treatment (L), in-brace correction (C), and 6 months later – 24-hours out of brace (R).
What type of curves do we treat?
We treat patients with mild, moderate and severe scoliosis of varying curve patterns. Dr. Moramarco has treated patients with Cobb angle(s) starting at 10°and up to 120°. Ours is a proactive approach. While others are ‘watching and waiting,’ we recommend beginning Schroth therapy. It’s never too late to learn the Schroth method to improve quality of life and help with pain management.
How long does treatment take?
Our Schroth program consists of 17 hours of 1-on-1 treatment according to an individual’s Schroth classification and their unique spine. Dr. Moramarco may recommend a shorter program when curves are less severe and usually for post-surgical patients, Scheuermann’s kyphosis without scoliosis, and juveniles (under the age of 10).
An intensive 17 hour program can be completed in just 4-5 days for long-distance patients (3-5 hours of daily scoliosis exercise instruction). Our patients are from all over the United States and five continents.
For our local patients, treatment can be spread out over three weeks to one month. However, we always recommend a condensed program for optimal learning and efficiency.
At program completion, all patients receive a USB drive of their specific Schroth exercises as well as a binder with annotated written instruction and photos as a home aid.
We also offer the Chêneau-Gensingen scoliosis brace for use alone or in conjunction with our Schroth Best Practice® program. While we do not require that patients take advantage of both treatment options, we find that those who combine bracing and exercise ultimately have the best end results. When done concurrently, the brace measurement, design, and fitting can be completed within the same time frame as the Schroth intensive program. For those opting for bracing alone, the process takes 4-5 days when scheduled accordingly.
Potential Benefits of Schroth Programs*:
- Prevent curve progression.
- Potentially reduce Cobb angle (for adolescents).
- Decrease spinal rotation (Scoliometer).
- Reduce or eliminate pain.
- Gain spinal stabilization, strength and flexibility.
- Improve postural appearance and body mechanics.
- Improve pulmonary function and increase chest expansion.
- Avoid or delay scoliosis surgery.
- Potential for improved strength, pulmonary function and recovery when used before surgery.
- Prevent spinal collapse, progression and reduce pain after surgery.
- Gain knowledge of lifetime scoliosis management.
Potential Benefits of Chêneau-Gensingen Bracing*:
- Prevent curve progression.
- Potentially reduce Cobb angle (for adolescents).
- Decrease spinal rotation (Scoliometer).
- Provide spinal support and reduce pain (if present).
- Improve postural appearance.
- Avoid or delay scoliosis surgery.
*Results vary according to individual and are never guaranteed.
Scheduling Treatment
We understand adolescents (and their parents) are busy people. We do our best to work with you to schedule a convenient time to bring your child for scoliosis program participation.
Understandably, most parents want to take advantage of school breaks for appointments, however, please consider that scoliosis doesn’t wait. Any growth potential your child has means that they may be at risk of progression.
The best way to contact us for scheduling is by emailing info@scoliosis3dc.com. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 781-938-8558. Dr. Moramarco also offers a complimentary phone consultation for patients and parents who have clinical questions.
As a general rule, the sooner scoliosis treatment begins, the better the result.