What is scoliosis?
 Scoliosis is a complex three dimensional deformation of the spine, which presents as abnormal twisting, lateral curvature and asymmetrical compression of the spine.  From the back, it looks like a sideways curve in a C or an S shape. What cannot be seen with a naked eye is how the vertebrae in the spine rotate as they form a curve. Spaces between the vertebrae may also become compressed in some areas and stretched in others. That is why physical therapy for scoliosis requires a 3-D approach to address all three imbalances.  Over time these imbalanced forces at the spine can accumulate and cause spinal instability, pain and disability. The  diagnosis of scoliosis is given when the lateral curvature (Cobb's angle) is greater or equal to 10 degrees. The degree of scoliosis can progress during any period of growth or later in life.
What is The Schroth Method?

The Schroth Method is a specialized physical therapy approach aimed at elongating, de-rotating and stabilizing your spine in a three-dimensional plane. Schroth must be performed by a certified physical therapist, as the exercises are customized for your unique spinal curvature. The method teaches you how to correct pelvic position and spinal rotation,  increase lung capacity, restore normal spinal position, and improve your posture during routine daily living, not just during therapy.


To read more about the Schroth Method:
​www.schrothmethod.com


​How can I benefit from Schroth treatments if I have scoliosis?


​Millions of people in the United States are affected by Scoliosis, Kyphosis, or other abnormal curvatures of the spine. Even in mild cases, these conditions can be both painful and debilitating. A good portion of the population has a mild case of scoliosis that can contribute to imbalanced forces on  joints throughout the body, which in the long term can lead to unnecessary break down of joints (arthritis). For severe cases, surgery is offered as the only option. While those with mild to moderate cases are told to “Wait and see.”
There is another option, and it can be highly effective for all cases. Schroth therapy offers non-surgical treatment for scoliosis and other cases of abnormal spinal curvature. Through Schroth, many patients have been able to stop progression of curvature or even reverse curvature without surgery. Those with mild scoliosis can benefit from Schroth therapy by using muscles to decrease spinal curves and prevent arthritis, while those with moderate scoliosis can decrease spinal curves and risk for arthritis through use of Schroth therapy and bracing. Even severe cases (who have had surgery but still have pain) can benefit from Schroth therapy to achieve optimal muscular balance throughout the spine; this muscular balance will distribute forces more evenly and diminish/resolve pain.

Where do I start?


Early detection is very important to prevent the progression of scoliosis. If you notice any of the signs of spinal imbalance (shoulders not aligned, asymmetrical shoulder blades, deviated hip or spine prominence while bending over) you should consult your doctor and have an x-ray exam to determine the value of the Cobb angle. Treatment is then based on the value of the Cobb angle.

Cobb angle 10-20 degrees: observation with follow-ups, Schroth exercises
Cobb angle 25-45 degrees: Schroth exercises and bracing
Cobb angle >50 degrees: Surgery

The Schroth Method treats the following:
adolescent, adult and elderly scoliosis
scoliosis, including idiopathic scoliosis and de novo (degenerative) 
kyphosis (including Scheuermann's disease) 
kypho-scoliosis
post-surgical rehabilitation


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How do I know if the Schroth Method is effective at treating scoliosis?

​Please refer to the following articles: 
​
Effects of the Schroth exercise on idiopathic scoliosis: a meta-analysis. European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine June 2018. 54(3):440-449.
schroth_research.pdf

Effectiveness of Schroth exercises during bracing in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis Spinal Disord Oct 16 2017. 12:32
scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13013-017-0139-6

The Efficacy of Three-dimensional Schroth Exercises in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial. Clinical Rehabilitation 2016. 30(2): 181-90.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Schroth Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis- Specific Exercises Added to the Standard of Care Lead to BetterCobb Angle Outcomes in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis- an Assessor and Statistician Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. PloS One. 2016 11(12): e0168746.
journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0168746

 Active self-correction and task-oriented exercises reduce spinal deformity and improve quality of life in subjects with mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Results of a randomised controlled trial. European Spine Journal. 2014.23(6):1204-1214
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24682356

The effect of Schroth exercises added to the standard of care on the quality  of life and muscle endurance in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis. 2015; 10(24)
scoliosisjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13013-015-0048-5

Testimonials
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jason stone
 18 weeks ago
I feel so lucky to have found Jenni. I was diagnosed with scoliosis 40 years ago. I had never heard of the Schroth Method and now I tell everyone I know about it. I never thought I could improve my postural alignment or rotate my rib cage to improve my breathing. Jenni has shown me that all of that is possible. Jenni is gentle, kind and encouraging. After studying my curve, Jenni created an exercise program specific to my needs. While the exercises seemed daunting at first, I am now able to perform them at home on my own. I return to see Jenni on a regular basis so that she can check on my progress, ensure I am doing the exercises correctly and she can add new variations to the routine. This is not a quick process and it requires time and dedication. But, it is worth it.
 
 
Erica Woodburn
 23 weeks ago
Jenni has helped me understand -- and start to treat -- my scoliosis more than anyone in the medical field has been able to do. Not a small feat considering I'm 35 and have been dealing with it for over 20 years! I have a severe (55 degree curve) and never had spinal fusion surgery. Over the course of about 2 months, I have learned exercises and stretches to help correct and strengthen my torso and hips. I'm starting to see and feel changes, and most importantly, I have a better education of how my spinal imbalance will impact my body as I age, and things I can do daily to slow or even prevent its progression. I paid out of pocket to see Jenni because I have an HMO that insurance didn't cover her, but the PTs and spinal doctors I've seen in the past have zero knowledge of the intricacies of scoliosis compared to Jenni. It's worth it.
 
 
Claudia Mudita Rose Weitkemper
 24 weeks ago
The work with Jenny was a life saver. She helped me with such clarity and wonderful intuition to find just the right exercises, that I am able to manage scoliosis.She sends a recap of the exercises after the session and also takes pictures and videos for your review at home. Her knowledge is drawn from different methods. Shroth, PT and more. I highly recommend her work. Thanks Jenny Blessings Claudia
 
Studio Tibbs
 31 weeks ago
Jenni has been so professional and we are thrilled with the results we are seeing in our 16 year old son. after 6 mo. hes actually reversed some of his scoliosis.
 
 
Sally Sakuma
Jul 2, 2021
I feel so incredibly fortunate to have found Jenni and Scoliosis Solutions. I am approaching 52 with moderate thoracolumbar scoliosis. Fortunately I have been able to avoid any surgical Intervention by staying active. I never thought it would be possible to attain spine alignment without an orthopaedic surgeon. I had heard about the Schroth Method and was extremely motivated to ger therapy for my scoliosis. After searching online, I was immediately drawn to Jenni and Scoliosis Solutions. After only three sessions, I feel I have learned so much about my particular curve. I am already benefiting from Jenni’s Schroth techniques tailored specifically for my spine. I love Jenni’s kind and gentle spirit, as well as her amazing teaching skills. I can’t recommend Jenni highly enough. I only wish I had found her sooner! Thank you Jenni! 🙏
 
 
Martha Ramirez
Jun 18, 2021
I highly recommend Jenni. I was diagnosed with Scoliosis two years ago - recently I had a flare up and came to Jenni seeking a specialist's opinion. I had been walking around in pain for 2 weeks and Kaiser could not give me an answer or a plan to follow. I came to Jenni for 1 session; I followed her medical advise and within a week 90% of pain was gone. Jenni was nothing short of amazing. Highly recommend!!!
 
Wieneke G
Jun 1, 2021
Jennifer has been treating our teenage daughter for scoliosis correction for four months. She did Schroth Therapy with her. The first two months with weekly appointments, then one check-up appointment two months later. Our daughter's back already looks noticeably better, and she has become very strong in her arms because of all the muscle training in her arms and shoulders. Jennifer is very knowledgeable and a delight to work with. She is very kind. She was able to train our daughter in an exercise routine that our daughter could then continue to do by herself at home on a daily basis. She would let us take photos and videos of the exercises so our daughter had those as a reminder when doing the exercises by herself at home. Jennifer is very knowledgeable and well connected in her field. She also keeps up with her own training and with the latest developments in the field. We highly recommend her!
 
Erin Farber
Nov 9, 2020
Jenni is a patient, warm, and caring provider. She worked with my 13 year-old daughter who was recently diagnosed with scoliosis. I recommend the 8 week package to anyone who is considering trying the Schroth method. The daily exercises and posture corrections have held my daughter steady and her curve has not progressed. Thank you, Jenni for helping my daughter, for teaching us how to prevent pain, and for providing life-long techniques to help the scoliosis.
 
 
Arthur
Aug 11, 2020
Jenni was super amazing! We made a great routine for my back and it feel so much better already. Def recommended!
 
 
Dalila Cunha
May 3, 2020
I have been challenged with low-back pain for many years and have tried numerous different techniques from various bodywork, chiropractic, PT, shamanism, and other healing modalities. Although I feel I got some relief from these, and I continue to receive bodywork regularly, (which I love), there was never a solution to the end of my back pain. It always returned or never went away. I was always left feeling hopeless and frustrated about my situation. It wasn't until I met Jenni, who understood and clearly pointed out what the issues of my spine were, gave me exercises that will shift and correct my entire spine (from neck to sacrum), that I felt hopeful again. Oh, and the cupping, life altering. Thank you Jenni.
 
Randi Eisner Saffian
Mar 2, 2020
I am so happy to have found Jenni at Scoliosis Solutions. During my first appointment, Jenni looked at my spine and was able to develop a plan tailored to my own unique needs. She has taught me exercises that allow me to make spinal corrections that have improved my posture. I feel so much more aware of the way I stand and sit and am able to correct poor posture on my own. I’ve also learned ways to stretch my back. I feel like I am walking and sitting so much taller than before I started physical therapy. Jenni is a lovely person to work with!
 
 
Kevin Choquette
Mar 2, 2020
Deep expertise on postural alignment relating to scoliosis. Jenni is the resource you seek. No miracles, just makes-sense solutions that can be brought into your real life to get positive results without devices strapped to you. But... YOU have to do the work. Go figure. On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely am I to recommend her to a friend? 10.


I have progressing severe scoliosis…currently 50 deg Cobb angle. For decades I have seen “general” PTs …none of which made a difference. Due to increased pain  threat of “scoliosis Sx” I began seeing Jenni and practicing Schroth PTx
in  May ‘21. As of July ‘21 am now pain free with decreased rotation..huge in my world. Jenni is the only PT that has made a difference.
She is also wonderful to work with..patient and kind. Would highly recommend Jenni and Schroth  PTx to anyone trying to manage their scoliosis. Could make a difference for you too! Lucia, San Rafael

 My scoliosis has caused me to spend a good portion of my life visiting physical therapists and chiropractors for temporary pain relief.  The visits increased as I aged since the symptoms continued to progress. This was until I found Jenni. She has literally changed my life! She has taught me how to use my muscles in a way that no one has before...and I feel blessed because this has diminished my pain by 90%. She has given me my life back and I am so grateful.  Julie, Fairfax


 I had such severe scoliosis that I had to have surgery as a child. Despite having a rod in my spine, I still suffered with back pain. Jenni was able to teach me how to train certain muscles in a unique manner which resolved my pain. I only needed to see Jenni 3 times and I am pain free if I continue to use my exercises as prescribed.  Maria, San Rafael

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This is a 5 star review of Jenni's work: in no time, through a really very skilled and incredibly insightful diagnosis of my problems - one that up until that moment had escaped all other professionals I have frequented over the years.
My poor legs, getting more and more debilitated through arthritis and other discomforts, are once more starting to feel strong! My mind and body are feeling more empowered through work I have never before been able to do, until Jenni gave me the exercises that my body could actually get behind.. for the first time ever.  Kim, Fairfax