Scoliosis Treatments
Schroth exercises are designed to achieve correction and mobilisation of scoliotic curves.
Scoliosis Exercises become part of daily life. This can be achieved by corrections being integrated into a patient's postural habit.
The aim is for the corrected alignment focused on in the exercises to be applied in day-to-day life and to eventually become a new conscious posture.
Exercises involve the activation of weakened muscle groups by using directed breathing followed by focused stabilisation effort in a range of different positions including lying, sitting and standing.
Schroth method combines well with bracing, and there is evidence to show that outcomes are better with combined therapy.
Bracing is a passive correction, Schroth is an active correction. The purpose of both is to unload compressed parts of the spine to allow more symmetrical growth.
Bracing
Bracing provides external support for the spine to try and prevent worsening of a scoliosis. The brace works by exerting pressure on areas of the spine and rib cage to reduce rotational and sideways deformity, thus regaining postural symmetry and limiting curve progression.
There are three types of brace - full torso, TSLO braces and flexible braces, used depending on the type of scoliosis present. There is research to show that best results can be obtained with Rigo-Cheneau or Gensingen braces.
Surgery
Surgical treatment can be used for patients whose curves are greater than 45º and continue to deteriorate despite conservative treatments i.e.bracing, bracing plus exercises, or curves greater than 50 º when growth has stopped.
Scoliosis surgery uses implants of various sorts to straighten the curve and hold the correction in place. The x-ray shows the result of surgery to correct a long curve. The exact procedure used will vary according to the age of the patient , the size and location of their curve and where they are in their growth trajectory. Certain techniques, such as vertebral body tethering are only applicable at particular stages of growth.