We are excited to introduce our newest program for kids and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and kyphosis. Meredith Mueller at Axis Sports Medicine in Avon is the only practitioner offering Schroth therapy in our mountain communities. With Schroth therapy, Meredith uses exercise to empower and meet the needs of kids and families managing scoliosis, rather than the typical “wait and see” approach.
What does Schroth therapy treat?
Schroth Physiotherapy Specific Exercise (PSSE) addresses the postural component of a scoliosis. In scoliosis, the bones of the spine have structural asymmetry. The muscles of the body then respond to the asymmetry; some become short and others become long. When the short muscles are taught to lengthen through positioning and breath the structural component of the scoliosis is often positively influenced, and curve progression is slowed and even sometimes improved.
How does Schroth therapy work?
Schroth PSSE uses four principles to help kids positively influence their curve:
- Posture
- Expansion
- Stability
- Integration
Various positions (sitting, standing, side-lying, semi-hanging, etc.) are used where the patient makes specific “corrections” to achieve optimal postural alignment. In these positions, utilizing these corrections, the patient is taught to use their breath to expand areas of the spine that need expansion. The breath is subtle enough that the optimal posture can be maintained and further improved. In addition to breathing, the addition of tensioning different muscles can further create expansion and stability to support optimal posture.
When should you be treated?
We encourage anyone with scoliosis to consider an appointment. An initial evaluation will be performed, and a plan will be created based upon the findings of the evaluation and the goals of the patient.
What should you expect?
During the first visit we aim to gather information to help develop a treatment plan. This will involve: taking a comprehensive history, understanding individual goals, taking pictures of posture at various angles, performing a musculoskeletal examination, providing education on scoliosis and on the patient’s individual curve pattern and evaluating x-rays when provided.
The follow-up sessions will include the following: ongoing education, exercise execution, home exercise instruction, manual therapy, follow-up pictures and review of goals.
What are common goals of treatment?
The most common goals of treatment include, understand scoliosis, understand the patient’s particular curve pattern, improve aesthetics, decrease pain, improve breathing, coordinate care with various practitioners (primary care, orthopedic specialist, orthotist), and slow progression.
If you would like to make an appointment for treatment of AIS or kyphosis please call 970-790-9600.
For more information visit: www.schroth-barcelonainstitute.com
Or email: meredith.mueller@axissportsmedicine.com
