The Schroth method is a noninvasive, physiotherapeutic treatment, which has been used successfully in Europe since the 1920s. Originally developed in Germany by scoliosis sufferer Katharina Schroth, this method is now taught to scoliosis patients in clinics specifically devoted to Schroth therapy in Germany, Spain, England, and North America. The method is based upon the concept of scoliosis as resulting from a complex of muscular asymmetries (especially strength imbalances in the back) that can be at least partially corrected by targeted exercises. The Schroth method has proven effective at reversing abnormal scoliotic curvatures by an average of 10% in 4 to 6 weeks in-patient programs, and by 30% or more in an out-patient program over a period of a year. One study of nearly 200 adolescent Schroth patients found no curve progression three years following the in-patient program. Several studies have documented the Schroth method’s efficacy in substantially reducing or eliminating pain, which tends to be a problem, in particular, for adults.
Small curvatures between 15 and 20 degrees during growth may be treated with the physio-logic-program, curvatures between 20 and 30 degrees during growth spurt with “3D-made-easy”. This program has been tested in the environment of in-patient treatment as well. In curvatures exceeding 30 degrees, a combination of the methods described together with the Schroth program may be helpful, and a specialized centre with trained and certified staff should be taken into account. Out-patient rehabilitation treatments today may reach the same outcome as in-patient programs. Out-patient programs may be successful when pattern-specific programs are provided. A certain intensity is necessary to allow the very best compliance with conservative treatment, and to acquire strategies for coping with scoliosis and with the conservative treatment.
The indications for treatment depend on degree of curvature, maturity of the patient, and the individual curve pattern. While evidence supporting such conservative, non-invasive treatments is weak, today conservative management of scoliosis can be regarded as being evidence-based; no substantial evidence has been found to support surgical intervention.