The Schroth Method is a highly effective and evidence-based physiotherapy approach for managing scoliosis. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with scoliosis, understanding the treatment options is the first step toward better health and quality of life.
The Schroth Method is a non-surgical, three-dimensional exercise approach to treating scoliosis that was developed in Germany by Katharina Schroth in 1921. The Schroth Method uses customised exercises, breathing techniques, and postural awareness to de-rotate, elongate, and stabilize the spine which increases symmetry and improves overall posture.
Unlike general exercises, the approach is tailored to each patient’s unique curve and is effective in treating scoliosis, as well as other spinal conditions in people of all ages and stages.
Corrective Breathing: Patients learn specialised breathing techniques such as breathing into the concave part of their curve to expand the ribcage and help derotate the spine.
Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB): This signature breathing technique expands the collapsed areas of the torso, helping to de-rotate the spine.
Muscular Symmetrical Correction: Exercises are designed to strengthen the weak, elongated muscles on the concave side of the curve and stretch the tight, shortened muscles on the convex side.
Postural Awareness: Patients learn to recognize and correct their posture in daily activities, making the benefits of the therapy long-lasting
De-rotate, Elongate, and Stabilize
The primary goal is to move the curved spine toward a more neutral, central position.
To restore muscular symmetry and strengthen the core muscles to alleviate pain associated with the scoliosis.
To slow or stop the worsening of the scoliosis curve.
To enhance the patient’s awareness and ability to maintain better posture throughout the day.
Many people ask how the Schroth Method differs from general exercise or traditional physical therapy. The key difference lies in its highly specific, individualised approach. Scoliosis is a three-dimensional condition, involving a lateral curve, rotation, and a change in the natural front-to-back curves of the spine.
Schroth exercises are not one-size-fits-all. A certified Schroth physiotherapist conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the specific curve type and patterns of asymmetry. The treatment plan is then customized to target the unique needs of your spine. This tailored approach is what makes it so effective at achieving lasting postural changes.
The Schroth Method is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including:
For young patients, the Schroth method can be used to prevent curve progression, especially during growth spurts.
Adults can benefit from Schroth method to reduce pain, improve posture, and prevent further progression. It can also help manage the degenerative changes that often accompany adult scoliosis.
Schroth can be used to improve posture and function after scoliosis surgery.
The Scroth method is also effective in treating kyphosis and can be a part of a comprehensive management plan for Scheuermann’s disease.
Your journey with the Schroth Method begins with a comprehensive initial assessment. We will analyze your spinal curvature, postural habits, and overall body mechanics.
Subsequent sessions are one-on-one and focused on teaching you a customized set of exercises. You will learn how to:
Our goal is not just to provide exercises, but to empower you with the knowledge and tools to manage your condition independently. The skills you learn are designed to be practiced at home, allowing you to take an active role in your own health.
Our multi-disciplinary team is here to support you every step of the way to keep your progress safe, effective, and ongoing.
Our therapists have undergone specialised training and continue to build on their knowledge to stay up to date with the latest research in order to serve you better
Our highly trained Schroth therapists identify your specific curve type and patterns of asymmetry and customise a treatment plan specifically for your spinal curve, posture, and functional goals.
We understand this can be a scary time. The first step is to book a consultation with one of our scoliosis experts so we can assess the unique curve and body movements. From there we can tailor a plan suitable for you or your childs needs. We are here to work with your child and their medical team to provide the best possible non-surgical care.
You may bring along any paper work, x-rays or previous medical reports for our perusal.
While we cannot guarantee surgery will be avoided, the primary goal of Schroth therapy in adolescents is to prevent curve progression to a point where surgery is not necessary. For many patients, especially those with mild to moderate curves, consistent Schroth therapy can be a key factor in avoiding or delaying surgery.
Please remember every case is different and you should also seek advice from your orthopaedic team.
Schroth therapy is highly complementary to bracing. The brace works externally to hold the spine in a straighter position, while Schroth therapy works internally to teach the muscles to support that corrected position. We teach exercises that can be performed both in and out of the brace to maximise its effectiveness and strengthen the muscles that are weakened by prolonged brace-wearing.
The success of the Schroth Method relies on consistency. While initial supervised sessions are crucial, the most important work happens at home. We will create a personalised home exercise program that your child will need to adhere to. While this may seem like a big commitment, we work with patients to make the program manageable and easy to integrate into their routine.
Insurance coverage for the Schroth Method can vary significantly depending on your insurance plan. As it is a form of Physiotherapy and is performed by a registered Physiotherapist it is often covered, but some policies may have limitations. We encourage you to contact your insurance provider and inquire to confirm your benefits. We can also provide detailed invoices to help with reimbursement.
All physiotherapists at Core Fitness are fully registered with the Allied Health Professional Council (AHPC) of Singapore.
Please reach out to us if you have further questions regarding this.
Absolutely! We encourage adolescents to remain active. The Schroth Method is designed to improve function and performance in daily life and sports. We teach postural awareness and corrective strategies that can be integrated into athletic activities, helping to prevent pain and improve overall body mechanics. We will work with your child to ensure their activities are scoliosis-friendly.
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