Scoliosis

Advanced Care Physical Therapy is certified in the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) according to the Principles of Schroth. This active therapeutic approach is offered in our Williamsville clinic, under the direction of Julie Reinstein, Physical Therapist and Co-founder of Advanced Care Physical Therapy. Julie Reinstein holds C1 & C2 for Schroth as well as SEAS (Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis) through ISICO ( Italian Scientific Spine Institute). The principles of SEAS are based on a specific form of auto-correction (termed active self-correction), that is taught individually to each single patient, and then associated with stabilizing exercises which include neuromotor control, proprioceptive training and balance. The exercises are also incorporated into daily living activities. The SEAS approach is also characterized by a cognitive-behavioural approach towards the patient and their family to maximize compliance to treatment.

Scoliosis is a complex 3D deformity of the spine and trunk which appears in apparently healthy children and can progress during any rapid period of growth, or later in life. Scoliosis is typically measured on a 2D x-ray using a limited line drawing on two vertebrae (the Cobb Method). Most scoliosis surgery is performed for cosmetic purposes based upon these measurements. The BSPTS Principles according to Schroth focuses on principles of correction with the main goal of stabilizing the spine to reduce further progression, and are not meant to “straighten” the spine. The Schroth Method Scoliosis exercise program is designed to train the patient on how to effectively improve the 3-dimensional deformity of the body, to treat the patient as a whole, reduce cobb angle measurement on the X-ray, and educate the patient and family members while keeping the goal of reducing the progression in mind.

Exercise treatment is the key to a good rehabilitation approach to scoliosis. The aim with SEAS exercises is to avoid or at least postpone bracing, and to arrive at the end of growth with a presumably stable curvature. When a brace has already been prescribed, exercises are mandatory in order to avoid all side effects of bracing, to increase its function, and to allow the spine to be stable during the weaning period and when the brace is discontinued.