The Effectiveness of the Schroth Method on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients

The Effectiveness of the Schroth Method on Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients



Don't get it twisted! During adolescence, there is a high probability of an adolescent aged 10-18 years old getting a diagnosis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, especially females. There are many treatments for this musculoskeletal condition, one of them being the Schroth method. The Schroth method can elongate, derotate, and stabilize the spine from this manipulation, but how well?

What does the research say?

A 2021 study found AIS patients who used the Schroth method as treatment had significant improvements in overall quality of life scores that addressed pain and self-image. This is very important for an AIS patient since this condition should not be debilitating. A study from 2022 found AIS patients who implement hippotherapy alongside the Schroth method for treatment are likely to have lower values in the scoliotic angle, kyphotic angle, and vertical spinal rotation. The overall findings do support that that Schroth method alone isn't as using this treatment in combination with other treatments since not one size fits all. A 2017 study found AIS patients that used bracing alongside the Schroth method for treatment had improved Cobb angles, trunk rotation, and quality of life scores. This is another common method that is used for AIS patients, especially in physical therapy clinics. A study from 2024 found that laser acupuncture alongside the Schroth method used for treatment yielded improved results in the Cobb angles, angle of trunk rotation, spinal range of motion, and gait for AIS patients. Since this is more of a recent study, this opens the door to more research in the future for AIS treatment which is encouraging. Overall, there is a good amount of research for treatment for AIS (especially for the Schroth method) but there is always more to be found in this realm.

How can patients use this research?

  • The more you practice, the quicker you will get results. Schroth exercises should be done according to the physical therapists’ orders (the length of time depends on the severity), but on average should be done 5-7 times a week for 20-30 minutes.
  • A scoliotic spine is already rotated and misaligned. Thus, it is best to avoid any physical activity that isn’t recommended by the physical therapist, and promotes excessive spinal rotation or bending. The treatment will be negatively affected from these movements, and will only prolong the rehabilitation process.
  • It is best to use a combined treatment approach so the adolescent can have a quicker rehabilitation time and get back to fully engaging in regular activities. Alongside the Schroth method, the following therapies can be used: laser acupuncture, bracing, core, hippotherapy, and pelvic rotation therapies.




Ariann LeCours is a senior at Westfield State University that will be graduating in May of 2025 with a Sports Medicine and Human Performance Major with a Sports Medicine concentration, along with minors in Biology and Preventative Care & Physical Activity. She is a cross country and track & field athlete at Westfield State University. Following graduation, Ariann plans to attend a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. She can be reached at ariannlecours@gmail.com.

References:

Abdel-aziem, A. A., Abdelraouf, O. R., Ghally, S. A., Dahlawi, H. A., & Radwan, R. E. (2022). A 10-Week Program of Combined Hippotherapy and Scroth’s Exercises Improves Balance and Postural Asymmetries in Adolescence Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomized Controlled Study. Children, 9(1), 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010023

Gao, A., Jun-Yu, L., Rui, S., Tong-Xuan, W., Yong-Qiang, W., Xiao-Guang, L., & Yu, M. (2021). Schroth exercises improve health-related quality of life and radiographic parameters in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. Chinese Medical Journal, 134(21), 2589-2596. https://doi.org/10.1097/CM9.0000000000001799 

Kenny Yat, H. K., Cheng, A. C., Koh, H. Y., Chiu, A. Y. Y., & Chee Cheung, K. M. (2017). Effectiveness of Schroth exercises during bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: results from a preliminary study-SOSORT Award 2017 Winner. Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders, 12https://doi.org/10.1186/s13013-017-0139-6

Wang, Z., Lu, L., & Wang, L. (2024). Observation on the therapeutic effect of laser acupuncture combined with Schroth therapy on adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Quarterly, 40(6), 1174. https://westfieldstate.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/observation-on-therapeutic-effect-laser/docview/3100899379/se-2

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