Schroth 3-Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy

Woman lying on her stomach on a massage or examination table, resting her head on a pillow, wearing a blue long-sleeve top and matching leggings, with a curtain background.

What Is Schroth 3-Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy?

The Schroth Method is a conservative treatment for scoliosis that focuses on reshaping posture and spinal alignment through three-dimensional corrective exercises. It uses breathing techniques, muscle activation, and body awareness to reduce spinal asymmetry and support long-term spinal health.

Who can benefit:

  • Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis

  • Adults with scoliosis-related back pain

  • Postural imbalances from spinal curvature

  • Individuals looking to avoid or delay surgery

  • Patients recovering from scoliosis surgery who need post-op rehab

Common goals of Schroth therapy:

  • Reduce progression of spinal curvature

  • Improve spinal and pelvic alignment

  • Enhance core strength and muscle balance

  • Increase lung capacity and breathing efficiency

  • Minimize discomfort and postural fatigue

  • Improve body awareness and confidence

A person lying on a blue examination table with their hands on their stomach, and a therapist holding their leg near the knee, performing a physical therapy assessment or treatment.

How We Treat It

At CHA Physical Therapy in Midtown Manhattan, Schroth therapy begins with a thorough posture and spinal curve assessment. From there, we design a customized exercise program based on your curve type, body mechanics, and goals.

Your sessions may include:

  • Rotational angular breathing techniques to expand collapsed areas of the ribcage

  • Curve-specific posture corrections in standing, sitting, and lying positions

  • Muscle elongation and de-rotation strategies

  • Neuromuscular re-education for improved posture awareness

  • Functional integration of corrective positions into daily life

  • Education on ergonomics, movement patterns, and self-monitoring

With consistent practice and 1-on-1 guidance, Schroth therapy helps you take control of your scoliosis and improve long-term spine health.

Frequently Asked Questions on Schroth 3-Dimensional Scoliosis Therapy:

  • The Schroth Method is a non-surgical, exercise-based approach for managing scoliosis. Developed by Katharina Schroth in Germany in 1921, it uses three-dimensional corrective exercises, specific breathing techniques, and muscle activation to reshape posture and reduce spinal asymmetry.

  • This therapy is beneficial for a wide range of individuals with scoliosis. Good candidates include:

    • Adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.

    • Adults with scoliosis-related back pain.

    • Individuals with postural imbalances from spinal curvature.

    • People looking to avoid or delay surgery.

    • Patients needing post-op rehab after scoliosis surgery.

  • The primary goal is to help you take control of your scoliosis and improve long-term spine health. Scoliosis is defined as a spinal curvature with a Cobb angle greater than 10 degrees. Key objectives of the therapy include:

    • Reduce progression of the spinal curvature.

    • Improve spinal and pelvic alignment.

    • Enhance core strength and muscle balance.

    • Increase lung capacity and breathing efficiency.

    • Minimize discomfort and postural fatigue.

  • At CHA Physical Therapy, treatment begins with a thorough posture and spinal curve assessment. From there, we design a customized exercise program that may include rotational angular breathing to expand collapsed areas of the ribcage, curve-specific posture corrections, and strategies to elongate and de-rotate muscles.

Request an Appointment

Discover the benefits of physical therapy at CHA Physical Therapy. Your health is our priority, and we support your recovery and quality of life. We’re on this journey with you to renewed strength and wellness together.

Please fill out this form to get started and our team will connect with you shortly to confirm your booking.

Please note that insurance acceptance and new patient availability vary by provider and plan.

Should you require immediate care, please call us directly to inquire about same-day availability.