Did you know that scoliosis affects around 3% of the population, yet most people don’t realise that exercise, not just bracing or surgery, can help manage it?
That’s where the Schroth Method comes in. Unlike conventional treatments that focus solely on external support, Schroth Therapy actively retrains the body by teaching the patient to stabilise in the corrected three-dimensional posture and improve spinal alignment through targeted movements.
What is Schroth Therapy?
Schroth Therapy is a specialised exercise-based approach designed specifically for individuals with scoliosis, aiming to improve posture, reduce pain, and slow or prevent curve progression. Unlike traditional physiotherapy, which often focuses on general strength and flexibility, Schroth Therapy takes a three-dimensional approach to scoliosis, addressing not just the visible spinal curvature but also the underlying rotational imbalances and postural habits.
How Does Schroth Therapy Work?
The Schroth Method is based on three key principles:
- Postural Alignment & Active Correction – Teaching patients how to consciously adjust their posture to bring the spine into a more neutral position.
- Muscle Rebalancing – Strengthening and stabilising the body in its corrected 3-dimensional posture
- Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB) – A specialised breathing technique that expands compressed areas of the ribcage, helping to improve lung capacity and spinal alignment.
Why This Matters?
Unlike passive treatments like bracing, Schroth Therapy empowers individuals to take control of their spinal health. By combining postural correction, muscle strengthening, and breathing techniques, patients experience:
#1 Improved posture and alignment
- Schroth Therapy helps train the body to hold a more neutral spine by addressing rotational and lateral spinal imbalances. Through active correction techniques, patients learn to elongate and de-rotate their spine to minimise the visible effects of scoliosis.
#2 Reduced pain and discomfort
- Muscle imbalances caused by scoliosis can lead to chronic pain due to overuse of certain muscles and underuse of others. Schroth Therapy rebalances these muscles, reducing strain on the spine and alleviating tension in the back, shoulders, and hips.
#3 Better body awareness and control
- Many scoliosis patients are unaware of their postural habits, which can make their condition worse over time.
#4 A Proactive Approach to Scoliosis Management
- Unlike passive treatments that only support the spine externally (like bracing), Schroth Therapy encourages patients to actively participate in their treatment. By consistently practicing exercises, individuals can slow curve progression, improve mobility, and maintain long-term spinal health.
Who Will Benefit Most from Schroth Therapy?
Schroth Therapy is ideal for individuals who want a non-surgical, active approach to manage scoliosis. It works best for:
- Mild to Moderate Scoliosis (10°–45° Cobb Angle): Schroth Therapy is most effective in cases where the curvature is not severe.
- Adolescents During Growth Spurts: Helps prevent curve progression before the spine fully matures.
- Adults with Scoliosis Pain: Schroth can relieve discomfort, improve posture, and maintain spinal function.
- Post-Surgical Patients: Can aid in recovery by improving strength, posture, and flexibility.
However, for individuals with severe scoliosis (above 45°–50° Cobb Angle) or rapidly worsening curves, surgery may be the best option to prevent further complications. While Schroth Therapy focuses on active correction and muscle rebalancing, surgery provides a permanent structural solution for severe cases.
So, how do these two treatment options compare? Let’s break it down in the next section:
Is Schroth Therapy Right for Me?
If your scoliosis is severe, worsening, or affecting organ function, surgery may be necessary.
Both can complement each other! Schroth Therapy can help with pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery.
What Happens During a Schroth Therapy Session?
What actually happens during a Schroth therapy session? If you’re curious (or a little nervous), here’s what to expect when you step into your first session.
Stage 1: Personalised Assessment
Each Schroth Therapy session begins with a thorough assessment, as no two spinal curves are alike. The physiotherapist conducts an in-depth evaluation that may include:
- Review of your posture, balance, and how your body moves
- Visual and physical examination of postural imbalances, spinal alignment, and muscular symmetry
This initial assessment allows the therapist to create a personalised treatment plan that addresses the unique structural and functional needs of your spine. Think of this as your personalised scoliosis blueprint. From here, everything is tailored just for you.
Stage 2: Postural Training and Body Awareness
One of the biggest goals in Schroth is retraining your posture. You’ll learn:
- How your scoliosis affects your body alignment
- How to recognise and correct bad habits like leaning, slouching, or uneven weight-bearing
Think of it as building a new body map, where you’re learning to move and hold yourself in a way that counteracts your curve.
Stage 3: Rotational Breathing Techniques
This isn’t your average deep breathing. Schroth uses something called rotational breathing, where you’re guided to breathe into the “collapsed” side of your ribcage.
Why? Because in scoliosis, one side of the ribcage often gets compressed. With the right breathing technique, you can:
- Expand the tight areas of your chest
- Improve your lung function
- Activate deeper spinal muscles
This form of breathing is both corrective and therapeutic. Over time, many patients experience improved thoracic mobility, better respiratory function, and reduced discomfort related to postural imbalances or restricted breathing.
Stage 4: Targeted Exercises and Curve-Specific Corrections
These exercises may be performed in various positions such as lying down, kneeling, or standing, and often involve the use of props such as mirrors, poles, foam blocks, or straps. During the session, your physiotherapist will guide you through movements designed to:
- Strengthen weakened muscles while stretching tight, overactive ones
- Improve overall spinal stability and alignment
What sets Schroth Therapy apart is the precision of these movements. Each one is carefully tailored to your unique spinal presentation.
Schroth Therapy Is More Than Just Exercises
Schroth Therapy session is a comprehensive, individualised experience that goes far beyond simple stretches or general physiotherapy. It is a structured, evidence-based approach that empowers individuals with scoliosis to take control of their condition through posture correction, breathing techniques, and movement-based therapy.
With time, commitment, and expert guidance, Schroth Therapy can lead to lasting improvements in posture, reduced discomfort, and overall quality of life.
Why Start Your Schroth Journey with Physio & Sole Clinic?
At Physio & Sole Clinic, we understand that no two spines are the same. That’s why our Schroth Therapy programs are fully personalised and guided by experienced physiotherapists who are trained in managing scoliosis with care, precision, and evidence-based techniques.
Whether you’re navigating a new diagnosis, trying to avoid surgery, or recovering after an operation, we’re here to support you at every stage. Our team takes the time to understand your curve, your lifestyle, and your goals so you can move better, feel stronger, and take charge of your spinal health.
With multiple locations across Singapore, flexible appointments, and clear treatment plans, you’re in expert hands.
What Our Patient Has to Say
“Physiotherapist Farha was excellent, with great knowledge of infant torticollis. She tracked the progress of our infant child over the course of several months and was very present throughout. My wife and I were definitely thankful for her guidance.
Of course, physiotherapy doesn’t end with the session itself, and Farha gave us helpful exercises to do with our baby. We could clearly see the progress. Thank you very much.
The clinic receptionists were also friendly and professional.” – Jonathan Chou
Ready to take the next step?Book your Schroth Therapy consultation today at Physio and Sole Clinic and take charge of your spinal health with a team that truly understands scoliosis care.
