The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

[gladgirl]

I always knew something was off, but it wasn't till I started experiencing joint pain...went to see an RA specialist and she asked me to bend over....I had 4 kids and not one doctor ever mentioned this...The RA specialist basically gave me a couple of stretch type exercises and sent me on my way. Thankfully, no RA was diagnosed. Once I changed my diet the joint pain was very much reduced, almost non-existent. But my lower back still gives me some troubles, due to the scoliosis.

[gladgirl]

[QUOTE=Pat58;2280755]Yes - I am perplexed about that. The last time I saw a doctor for scoliosis, I had an MRI and he basically said "keep your weight down and do yoga and keep exercising. There's nothing more I can do for you." There are also several Yoga for Scoliosis DVDs on the market. I have an investment in many yoga DVDs and have spent probably thousands on studio classes and workshops in my lifetime.

Pat, have you/are you finding relief doing yoga? Is your scoliosis upper/mid/lower back? Mine is lower and some twisting moves feel good at the time, but later in the day feel bad....IYKWIM. I'm not sure it that is helpful, or hurtful...you know when you first start working out and you hurt all over...must work through it.

[Pat58]

Gladgirl, Svaroopa yoga makes my back feel good and rotated stomach, a deep lying twist, is one of the poses that makes me feel the best. I contacted the 3DC chiropractor, and his staff wrote back that they do not go through insurance for the treatments, so I have to cool my jets on this for awhile. I am going to discuss it with my trusted naturopath on my next visit.

After reading about the poses that Schroth frowns upon, I realized that back bends aggravate my lower back curve. I always do child's pose after a back bend (and I never could get deeply into a back bend in the first place). I was using child's pose as a counter pose because back bends make me sore - now I understand why.

In general, Svaroopa yoga gives me relief - so, it looks like for now, I'll be sticking with the Svaroopa yoga studio that I'm so fortunate to live within driving distance of.

[videofit]

A chiropractor told me I could reverse (don't know by how much) my mild thoracic curve by working the deep scapular muscles. He said to google exercises but I can't make head nor tail of them. My back went out when I was out of town so I won't be seeing him again. He did say that there were two types of curves -- one could be corrected and another could not. I have the kind that can be corrected. I don't want to buy that expensive book for only one or two exercises, though. If anyone has something similar please post links. Not sure how I'd find a local chiro here who specializes in those sorts of exercises though

[Pat58]

I've since discussed this with several traditional doctors and alternative medicine practitioners. The general consensus is that scoliosis can only be corrected via surgical means in your youth. For adults, exercise, etc. can bring temporary relief.

My massage therapist's wife has it even worse than me - she's going to be having major surgery in a few months because the worsening of her curvature is impeding her ability to breathe. After the surgery she'll need to get on Social Security disability.

[videofit]

I just found this website if anyone is interested in finding a chiropractor who uses the Schroth Method. I'm going to call since I found someone fairly close to me. At the very least I'd like to prevent further deterioration by strengthening the right muscles. Hope they take my insurance.

[blablubb]

Originally Posted by Pat58

It is now considered standard treatment in Germany and is even supported by their federal medical coverage. In fact, it is quite widely recognized throughout Europe.

As a GERMAN physiotherapist I have to say: Bollocks! It's simply one method, not "standard" at all. Physiotherapy is always covered by health insurance in Germany - everybody is in a health insurance (so no big deal here).

We pts can practice as we like, we don't have to take expensive courses to use Schroth's method (although we can, for sure).

Be very careful, this is not the first time I've read US advertising a product by claiming something about Europe or Germanay, which is not entirely true.

[buffmama]

Have heard of the Schroth Method but don't know much about it. I have been doing Elise Browning Miller's yoga for scoliosis with a local practitioner for 3-4 months and have had a reduction in my curvature and I do feel better. I'm sticking with it but like any true vidiot looking to add other yoga in.

[Pat58]

Originally Posted by blablubb

As a GERMAN physiotherapist I have to say: Bollocks! It's simply one method, not "standard" at all. Physiotherapy is always covered by health insurance in Germany - everybody is in a health insurance (so no big deal here).

We pts can practice as we like, we don't have to take expensive courses to use Schroth's method (although we can, for sure).

Be very careful, this is not the first time I've read US advertising a product by claiming something about Europe or Germanay, which is not entirely true.

Thank you for letting us know!

Buffmama - that sounds ideal. I don't have any yoga teachers by me who teach classes like that.

[videofit]

I spoke to Brett Diaz DC today. I am very excited about this therapy after speaking with him and watching the testimonials on youtube. You can subscribe to his channel. The videos automatically go into the next video and there are 74. The first one describes why Schroth is different than physical therapy. Here is the starting link.

One happy patient made her own video showing her progress with photos and xrays. She is in much worse shape than I am and she straightened up after 20 months.

He sent me an email with details of costs and codes to give to my insurance company to see how much they will cover. I pay him and then get reimbursed -- probably for a pittance. It isn't cheap!

There is also a soft brace which is expensive and I am hoping to not need it and just do the exercises. He does training weekends once a month -- $2000/10 hrs with two to five other patients. You work hard because you are using your muscles in a different way. On the main website it said something about $250 per hour if you don't do the weekend, so I would be willing to only do one or two hours every month, adding in new exercises, even if it winds up costing more. That might be the only way I could afford it. Or you can split the days -- do Saturday's exercises and then come back another month for the Sunday exercises. You have to do them for 45 min to an hour a day. I am hoping i can easily incorporate them into my normal exercise.

He had mentioned a middle aged patient my age who improved so it's not just for kids. Interestingly, he said she had had breathing, balance and digestive problems. I gasped, "So do I!" I just saw my gastroenterologist a few days ago, have an appointment to see a cardiologist next week. In the past couple of years I've noticed my balance has worsened especially on my right side. It all makes sense!

So it's just a matter of seeing how much my insurance will cover. Fingers crossed I won't need too many exercises because my curve isn't that bad. I hope I can see him next week for the initial consult. Stay tuned!