Physical Therapy for Scoliosis Using the Schroth Method

Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) using the Schroth method is one type of physical therapy treatment available to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health patients with scoliosis and kyphosis.

This method uses strengthening, breathing, and mobilization exercises to help your child:

Strengthen their muscles
Improve mobility
Improve their posture
Improve the cosmetic appearance of their back
Reduce pain (although pain is uncommon in children with scoliosis)

If your child has scoliosis, physical therapy is most effective when your child is also wearing a spine brace.

Our physical therapists customize treatment programs based on your child’s unique needs. On average, patients are seen once per week for 12 weeks. Your child will also have a set of exercises to practice at home for 30-45 minutes a day, 5-6 times a week. The goal of these exercises is to gradually educate and empower your child to self-correct their posture and maintain proper spine alignment throughout their daily lives.

Research has shown that PSSEs using the Schroth method can improve strength, postural symmetry, and quality of life, while reducing the degree of the scoliosis curve, especially when maintained for longer than six months.