FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS?
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal rotation and lateral curvature of the spine. Instead of the spine appearing straight when viewed from the front or back, it may have a C-shaped or S-shaped curve. This curvature can occur at any point along the spine, but it is most commonly seen in the thoracic (mid back) or lumbar (lower back) regions.
Scoliosis can develop at any age, but it most commonly appears during adolescence, particularly during the growth spurt just before puberty. Scoliosis often progresses during periods of growth, but may worsen if left untreated.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM A SCHROTH EVALUATION?
Typically, the first visit is a 90 minute evaluation where we examine and measure x-rays, evaluate spinal curvature, posture, muscle strength, range of motion, and any associated symptoms. We will review in detail any past medical history, family history and current symptoms or deficits. Not all patients with scoliosis experience pain, however you may find limitations in your daily life due to your scoliotic posture. Part of our evaluation is to determine the musculoskeletal causes of these deficits and formulate a plan of care to build functional, pain-free independence.
The most important part of our evaluation is to determine your goals for Schroth Physical Therapy. You may be looking for a more symmetrical posture, feel less bent over by the end of the day, improve your capacity for exercise or reduce painful symptoms occurring throughout the day. Using these goals, along with our assessment and measurements, we will create a short-term and long-term plan of care specific to your needs and your curvature classification.
We will also begin our exercise program during your initial evaluation so that you may start your home program immediately. We recommend video-recording your exercises in session to review while you are practicing at home. We do ask that you do not post these videos on social media. Your program is tailored to your specific curvature and may not be appropriate for all curve types.
When planning for your initial evaluation, we ask that you bring your most recent scoliosis study X-rays (imaging where the full spine is captured). Please feel free to also bring any additional imaging or medical history. Come comfortable! Exercise clothing is appropriate. Schroth exercises utilize visual cues using a mirror, for that reason we ask women to wear either a sports bra, bathing suit top or tight fitting tank top. Men can either remove their shirts or wear tight fitting athletic tops. Not to worry, we keep the office warm for this reason!
WHAT DOES A SCHROTH PLAN OF CARE LOOK LIKE?
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Initial Evaluation: A one-time 90 minute appointment to evaluate your curvature and determine plan of care.
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Individualized Exercise Follow Ups: A 60 minute appointment typically scheduled 1-2 times per week. The frequency of these appointments can be adjusted based on your schedule. We understand that some of our patients are out-of-town and offer longer appointment sessions to reduce travel time. The exercises performed during these sessions are designed to target the muscles that support the spine, improve posture, and help to correct the spinal curvature. Exercises may include
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Muscle Strengthening
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Stretching
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Breathing Exercises:
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Postural Corrections
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Manual Therapy
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Education and Training: Patients are educated about their condition, including the factors contributing to their spinal curvature and the principles behind Schroth Physical Therapy. They learn how to perform their exercises correctly and are provided with strategies to incorporate good posture and movement habits into their daily life.
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Monitoring and Progression: Progress is monitored regularly, and the exercise program is adjusted as needed to accommodate improvements or address any new issues that may arise. For adolescent patients, it is often recommended to have new scoliosis study X-rays every 6 months and we can adjust your program as necessary based on these results.
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Home Exercise Program: Patients are prescribed a home exercise program to complement their in-office sessions. Consistency with these exercises is crucial for achieving optimal results. Home exercise programs are typically 20-30 minutes and recommended five days per week.
It's important to note that the specific details of a Schroth Physical Therapy plan of care can vary depending on the individual patient's needs, the severity of their scoliosis, and other factors. Treatment duration can also vary, with some patients requiring ongoing maintenance exercises to manage their condition long-term. In office sessions become less frequent as patients become more independent with their. home program. Our goal is to make Schroth Physical Therapy fit into your life, and not the other way around!
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
At this time we do not accept insurance. However, you may be eligible to be reimbursed by your health insurance company directly for your Schroth therapy sessions. Our clinic prioritizes offering personalized, patient-centered care without the constraints imposed by insurance policies, allowing us to focus solely on clinical excellence and individualized treatment plans.