Scoliosis

based on the Schroth and SEAS method

At Columbia Doctors, I work with an interdisciplinary team consisting of orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, pain management MDs, nurse practitioners, an orthotist that specializes in bracing systems, and myself, the scoliosis physical therapist. I incorporate scoliosis specific exercises based from the Schroth method from the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, the SEAS method with conventional physical therapy to devise an individualized treatment plan for each of my patients that match their lifestyles to help them achieve their personal goals.

Below are two case studies, highlighting my work with an adolescent with AIS (adolescent idiopathic scoliosis) and an older adult who has had scoliosis since childhood.

Young Adolescent with Scoliosis

13 year old with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during his stage of rapid growth. At Columbia we monitor growth in adolescent using hand x-rays to find their Sander’s score. This allows us to better target our intervention. Since he is in rapid period of growth we combined a new better fitting Rigo Cheneau brace with several intensive PT sessions to more effectively address his scoliosis.

I work closely with the rest of the interdisciplinary team. In this picture, Im working with Ortholutions orthotist, John Tunney, to ensure that the patient’s brace and his scoliosis specific exercises match his curve pattern.

Conservative spine and scoliosis management for the adult population

My approach is different than the adolescent population:

Work more on self elongation

Teach safe neutral spine postures

Teach safe ergonomic strategies that protect the back and keep the core strong

The following case study is of one of my patients. In 7 sessions, I was able to teach her effective postural exercises to elongate her spine and even helped her regain some of her lost height.