Scoliosis PT Therapeutic Approach
This Physiotherapeutic functional approach follows the development of the specific treatment by Katharina Schroth and continuation of the teachings by Ms. Christa Lehnert-Schroth PT, Dr. Manuel Rigo director of the Instituto Elena Salvá in Spain and Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss, MD director of his own clinic.
After the physician's diagnosis and review of X-Rays, the patient receives a detailed evaluation that may reveal asymmetries in the body. The greater the rib prominence the greater the torsion of the vertebrae. The protruded rib cage develops because of imbalance of muscles and forces which affect the static equilibrium.
After analysis, an individualized program is developed keeping in mind the specific curves. By the use of internal awareness, external aids and special Rotational Angular Breathing - RAB - the patient begins to counter-correct as needed. The movements associated with breathing are of major importance in the treatment of scoliosis. Treatment is adapted to the individual situation. (Weiss l999)
It is very important to learn when and how to rest, unloading the spine. Also to learn NOT to fall in previous physical and mental behaviors.
Each exercise is corrected with the feeling of a new movement pattern, which aims to achieve further reduction of the curves as permitted. This is a facilitation process, starting by mental re-education and conscientious repetition of derotation exercises, which are eventually recognized in the patient's subconscious mind and then carried out automatically.
The patient is encouraged to continue exercising at home systematically when success is apparent. The person with scoliosis needs to do several "checks ups" daily to maintain the gains and to exercise on a daily basis.
Patient learns a new feeling by acquiring the Schroth Physiological Knowledge
By maintaining the new postural corrections during your activities of daily living (ADL ) sitting, standing, lying down or walking the patient will be able to increase his or her correction awareness.
A series of photographs are taken as a tool for later comparison
Education in the neuromuscular-skeletal systems
Breathing patterns studied and compared to past respiratory functions
Evaluation of the spinal length in relation to vital capacity
Correction of deviations in the lateral or sagittal plane
Correction of deviations in the frontal plane
Stabilization after postural corrections
Therapeutic pro-active individually functional movement corrections
Specific isometric, breathing, active, resistive exercises based on the individual curve with internal and external assistance
Manual therapy as neuro-propioceptive tool
Review of previous exercises programs
Specific positions for sleeping, sitting, standing, locomotion
Re-education of static-dynamic equilibrium and gait training
Ergonomics, bio-mechanics
Activities of daily living ( ADL ) with emphasis in correcting your postural alignment and your environment
Referrals to an Orthotist trained in bracing Schroth patients