Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Offers a Personalized, Non-Surgical Scoliosis Solution

No two scoliosis diagnoses are alike. That’s why patients need access to a wide range of specialized care options. Shriners Children’s Spokane offers multiple treatment approaches – from bracing and surgery to personalized exercise programs – to find the best fit for each patient.

Scoliosis-specific exercises (SSE), also known as the "Schroth Method," offer an effective, conservative option for treating scoliosis. This approach uses physical therapy to elongate, de-rotate and stabilize the spine in a three-dimensional plane.

Exercises elongate the trunk to correct imbalances of the spine and slow the progression of the curve. The primary goal of SSE is to reduce the curve and minimize the progression of a patient’s spinal curvature to potentially avoid surgery. They also positively affect posture, strength, range of motion, breathing and a patient’s overall quality of life.

Since every patient’s curve is unique, scoliosis exercises are tailored for each patient to match their type of scoliosis and their desired outcomes.

“Anyone with idiopathic scoliosis can benefit from SSE, but age is important. These exercises are detailed and require a lot of focus and control,” said physical therapist Lauren Drury, C2 Advanced Certified in SSE. “We adjust the program as needed for each patient and specific situation. It is ideal if patients are skeletally immature and bracing to make the most impact. However, skeletally mature patients can still see considerable progress too.”

Patients usually undergo 10 to 12 sessions, meeting with Lauren or Teagan Carter – Spokane’s two physical therapists trained in SSE – twice a week until they have mastered the program's specific principles. Once patients see the difference the exercises make, “they can recognize a change and are motivated to continue on their own,” said Lauren.

Lauren enjoys getting to know her patients and supporting them through a time that is stressful and new. As she has worked with many patients through these exercises, Lauren has noticed that patients see significant improvement in their posture, increased strength and a boost in their confidence.

Shriners Children’s Spokane’s scoliosis specialists are ready to provide an individualized treatment plan for every patient at every level of progression.