Assessment, Classification, Correction Principles, and Foundational Treatment Strategies

Level 1 PSSE provides physiotherapists with the core knowledge and practical skills required to assess, classify, and manage patients with idiopathic scoliosis and structural sagittal plane disorders using the Rigo Concept BSPTS methodology.

Building upon the foundational knowledge acquired during the Base Level course, Level 1 introduces participants to the clinical reasoning framework of the Rigo Concept, including clinical and radiological assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning, classification, correction principles, and the application of scoliosis-specific exercises.

The course places particular emphasis on developing a comprehensive understanding of the three-dimensional nature of scoliosis and the Principles of Correction that underpin Rigo Concept treatment. Participants learn how to analyze individual curve patterns, apply the Rigo Concept Classification system, select appropriate correction strategies, and establish individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s clinical and radiological presentation.

A central focus of Level 1 is the application of corrective exercises using unloading starting positions, with progressive transfer of corrective awareness into upright posture and activities of daily living. Participants deepen their understanding of the holistic philosophy of the Rigo Concept BSPTS, reflecting Dr Manuel Rigo’s consistent message of “Looking after the person, not just the curve,” and recognising the importance of addressing the individual’s overall well-being alongside their physical presentation.

The course also includes education relating to the historical development of the Rigo Concept from its Schroth origins, contemporary evidence supporting Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE), bracing principles, home exercise prescription, and core stabilization strategies.

Course Structure

Level 1 is delivered as a six-day face-to-face course comprising 48 educational hours (8 hours per day). The program combines lectures, practical workshops, patient demonstrations, and supervised skill development, with practical training representing the majority of the course content.

To ensure a high level of interaction, supervision, and individual feedback, enrolment is limited to a maximum of 10 participants per course.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of Level 1, participants will be able to:

• Perform a comprehensive clinical and radiological assessment of patients with scoliosis and related spinal disorders.
• Classify patients according to the Rigo Concept Classification system.
• Establish an appropriate diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic plan.
• Apply the General and Specific Principles of the Rigo Concept BSPTS.
• Select and implement correction strategies appropriate to individual curve patterns.
• Develop individualized treatment programs based on clinical and radiological findings.
• Select appropriate unloading starting positions according to patient presentation and curve classification.
• Understand the role of volume control and hydro-pneumatic internal support mechanisms within corrective treatment.
• Construct effective three-dimensional corrective pathways based on the Principles of Correction.
• Facilitate patient self-correction towards the most functional, stable, and balanced three-dimensional alignment possible.
• Upon completion of Level 1, Rebecca provides on-going free monthly zoom mentoring sessions for her course participants. In these 1-hour sessions, she assists with patient case questions, exercise reviews, and any other related aspects.

Level 1 courses are booked through this website, please complete the registration form.  A pre-requisite for Level 1 attendance is completion of the online Base Course BSPTS courses | Rigo Concept BSPTS