Scoliosis Blog Dr. Marc Moramarco

Why the Schroth Method and ‘Best Practice’ for Scoliosis?

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:15:33 -0400

I recently had an email inquiry from a parent referred by Dr. Weiss in Germany. The parent was trying to decide what to do for his child with scoliosis. His question was regarding the efficiency of the Schroth method. He wondered why Dr. Weiss now incorporates physio-logic® and 3-D Made Easy [Best Practice], in addition to Schroth, into his treatment plans for scoliosis patients.

It occurred to me that many who have taken the time to investigate the Schroth method and Dr. Weiss’ work may have similar questions.

My answer was that the current Schroth exercise program for scoliosis is very efficient, but in any area, whether it be health, business, engineering, etc., isn’t there - or shouldn’t there be - a constant search for improvement?

In my opinion, and believe me I have researched the options thoroughly, the vast majority of scoliosis patients should incorporate the Schroth method into their life. In fact, I do not view it as an ‘alternative’ treatment for scoliosis, but more of a necessary management program.

Many wonder why the Schroth method is it not used more extensively here. Many reasons. First, it is new to this country. Secondly, the Schroth method is relatively young. It was established in the 1920’s in Germany, but refined and developed over the course of decades by Katharina Schroth, then Christa Lehnert-Schroth, and now Dr. Weiss. The Asklepios hospital group took over the esteemed Katharina Schroth Clinic in the mid-nineties and their work with scoliosis patients continues - because their scoliosis patients experience results. In the US, longstanding dogma has maintained that exercise is not effective for scoliosis. The result of that belief is that there has been minimal research, and the research into scoliosis curve specific exercise like Schroth is non-existent here. Additionally, it must be noted that the Schroth Method, physio-logic® and 3-D Made Easy are not exercises, per se, as we know exercise. (Schroth exercises are much more than what some on the internet are trying to pass of as ‘exercise for scoliosis’). Schroth ‘exercises’ differ in that the scoliosis specific program is a three-dimensional exercise approach that is curve specific for each individual. The Schroth ‘exercises’ are a series of corrections that are intensive and aimed at achieving increased mobilization and postural symmetry. Also, the Schroth program requires work, about 30 minutes - 5-6 days per week. I have discovered in recent years that most physicians dealing with scoliosis are either unaware of the Schroth program, or do not possess the breadth of knowledge about the techniques to make an accurate assessment. Recently, while discussing my work with a prominent scoliosis surgeon, he explained that doctors simply do not have the confidence that patients will be motivated to perform scoliosis exercises regularly. To that concern I say, yes, of course there are some patients who will not follow-up and perform the exercises regularly. However, in my experience, once a patient choses to learn the Schroth Method and experiences its benefits, the vast majority are motivated to practice - and do. My belief is that patients deserve the opportunity to be made aware of all of their options, so that they can make decisions and choices for themselves. Next, many American doctors and patients are looking for a quick fix. Scoliosis surgery is ‘sort of’ the quick fix -when compared to bracing or exercising 30 minutes per day. Not everyone opts for it though, or is willing to submit to radical scoliosis surgery - an everlasting event, sometimes with unanticipated consequences. In my opinion, operating on patients with Cobb angles in the 40’s seems premature when there is a conservative method that may help relieve some symptoms. For patients who simply want options for scoliosis, the Schroth method is here now.

With all that said, when it comes to scoliosis, unfortunately, there are no guarantees - not with Schroth, not with bracing, not with surgery.

So, what should a parent do? I researched exhaustively, weighed the alternatives, considered my own child, her goals, her temperament, then made the best decision I could - one that we both could live with.

National Scoliosis Foundation Reception

Thu, 2 Jul 2009 14:06:45 -0400

Last Friday, my wife and I had the pleasure of attending a reception at the State House in Boston in honor of Scoliosis Awareness Month by the National Scoliosis Foundation. We had the opportunity to meet physicians, orthotists, therapists, patients, and parents who have an interest in scoliosis. These events are always important and allow professionals and practitioners to share ideas and communicate regarding their work with scoliosis patients. I came away with a heightened awareness that the work we are doing at Scoliosis 3DC is filling a large void for scoliosis patients who want to choose a non-surgical approach for the management of scoliosis. However, there is a lot of work to be done since the alternative, conservative approach is an uphill battle against mainstream medicine and the prevalence to recommend surgery at Cobb Angles in the 40’s is, in my opinion, way too soon. After leaving the reception, I was reflecting about my own patients who I think so highly of. After attending this event, I must commend each and every one of them for being trailblazers and for having the strength to buck the system and forge their own unique path in the fight against their scoliotic curves. To me, the event also underscored the importance of helping improve and increase awareness for the conservative treatment of scoliosis. So, I am recommitted to doing just that, on a daily basis, with help from my rapidly increasing pool of really special patients and parents who have come to Boston to learn the Schroth method and ‘Best Practice’ from three countries and fourteen or fifteen states.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month

Tue, 9 Jun 2009 14:49:20 -0400

Pictured: My friend Joe O’Brien doing his good work on behalf of scoliosis patients around the globe!

The National Scoliosis Foundation has declared June Scoliosis Awareness Month. Please visit the link below for up to date information about scoliosis and to lend your support.

http://sites.google.com/site/wwwscoliosisorgawareness/Home

SOSORT: Lyon Conference Poster Schroth

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:14:09 -0400

The poster displayed will be presented at the upcoming SOSORT meeting in Lyon, France on May 21-23. Unfortunately, due to family commitments I was unable to attend this year, but sent it to exhibit the improvement in pulmonary function obtained by a 53 year-old patient who recently completed the outpatient Schroth program in my office. Please note that the poster is quite large so it will take a little extra time to download.

Dr. Marc