Here is a recent article regarding a practical clinical trial to ascertain if specific exercises reduce the need for bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis.
The researchers found that physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE) have been found effective in avoiding bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
The study was based on a group of one hundred and forty-five patients who performed the SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) PSSE program, based on active self-correction and stabilisation. They had 2 control groups, 53 patients who were not prescribed exercises (observation) or who did not regularly exercise, and 95 who performed usual physiotherapy.
The clinical trial found that SEAS reduced the bracing rate in AIS and was more effective than usual physiotherapy or control treatment.
How does this relate to the Schroth Method we practice here at Scoliosis Physiotherapy and what is the Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis?
There are 5 recognised PSSE training methods internationally. They all have shared principles (Postural correction in 3D, Active self correction and Intergration/Transference into ADLs) but go about it slightly differently. Schroth is one such method, SEAS another.
Rebecca Harding, founder of Scoliosis Physiotherapy has trained in both SEAS and Schroth methodologies.
The key takeaway from this article is that physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises are a valid treatment protocol for AIS.