June 2018 Newsletter

June 2018 Newsletter

Hello to summer! To kickoff this new season, we will be doing a special newsletter series covering FAQs of specialized therapy services offered here at DSPT

SCHROTH/SCOLIOSIS PT FAQs

1. What is scoliosis?
   Scoliosis is a condition that affects many children and adolescents. Simply defined, scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that measures greater than 10 degrees. Instead of a straight line down the middle of the back, a spine with scoliosis curves; sometimes looking like a letter "C" or "S." Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine have  rotated slightly, making the person's waist or shoulders appear uneven.
2. What ill effects can result from scoliosis?
   Back pain may be present. This usually tends to be mild and does not limit activities in most patients. However, a few patients have more back pain than the average. Patients with severe back pain should be carefully evaluated for other causes of back pain than scoliosis. Elderly patients with scoliosis may have greater back pain due to arthritis or disc disease in the spine. Severe scoliosis may be associated with diminished lung function due to distortion and stiffness of the rib cage.
3. How does the SCHROTH method help in treating Scoliosis?
   The Schroth method is a conservative physical therapy practice for individuals with scoliosis and kyphosis. It can be used to treat patients with scoliosis and kyphosis of all ages and in all stages of treatment: before surgery, after surgery, and especially if surgery is not indicated. Through specific exercises and corrective breathing techniques, the method aims to elongate the trunk and correct the imbalances of the body. By developing the inner muscles of the rib cage, the method changes the shape of the upper trunk to correct any spinal abnormalities. The result is a decrease in pain, slowing or halting of the curvature progression, and improved cardio-pulmonary function, mobility, and postural stability.
4. What is a Schroth PT session like?
   The exercises are determined by the curve patterns and severity, as well as the patient's age and level of function and fitness. They are designed to create awareness of posture and alignment through proper positioning and repetition.

   The Schroth therapist guides the patient with tactile stimulus so that the patient gets a sense of where they need to breathe into their collapsed areas, and where they need to elongate and tense their muscles to create muscle activation in the direction of the corrections.

   By visualizing and feeling the parts of their body respond to their breathing, the patient learns a new way to breathe and align their body. Working with mirrors, the patient receives new visual information and is asked to remember how the alignment and corrections feel. Following detailed vocal guides from the therapist, the patient is then able to maintain the correct posture and practice it in various positions and in their daily activities.

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