Physical Therapy for Scoliosis Using Schroth Concepts

Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) using Schroth concepts alongside traditional physical therapy treatments is a unique program available to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health patients with scoliosis and kyphosis. 

This program 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.

Locations

Stanford Medicine Children's Health Specialty Services – Menlo Park
321 Middlefield Road, Suite 130
Menlo Park, CA 94025

Children's Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Center – Pleasant Hill
3480 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 125
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Stanford Children’s Health Orthopedics – Pleasanton
5000 Pleasanton Ave., 2nd floor, Suite 200
Pleasanton, CA 94566