What are the Schroth Method and SEAS?
The Schroth Method
The Schroth Method and BSPTS (aka Schroth Barcelona Institute) are 2 of the 7 schools identified by SOSORT for the conservative (i.e. non-surgical) treatment of scoliosis. They are related in their origins as both are based on the work of Katharina Schroth beginning in the 1920’s in Germany. The Schroth Method has been solidly researched and found effective when applied correctly. For more information, on the history and evolution of these methods please click the button below.
The Schroth method begins with careful identification of a client’s unique curve pattern. People are educated to have a clear understanding of the 3D view of their scoliosis. The techniques of Schroth use breath, very specialized exercises, and postural perception to move and stabilize the scoliotic curves towards midline. The exercises and postural corrections are instructed by a well-trained and experienced physical therapist. Initially many people find the physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSEs) challenging but with persistence, anyone can learn them. When preformed well and consistently, adults and adolescents significantly improve their chances of having better outcomes.
SEAS - Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis
The Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) is another highly research-supported method that began in Italy in the 1960s and was adapted from France’s Lyons approach. SEAS is also one of the seven schools for the conservative treatment of scoliosis recognized by SOSORT. For further background information on SEAS, please click the button below.
Initially, the curve pattern of the individual is identified and areas of physical deficit are noted. SEAS focuses primarily on the postural corrections and being able to hold those corrections while performing various functional activities. This increases strength and neuromotor control to give an increase in muscular tone about the curves and thus giving more control of the curves. The corrections are performed during daily activities and, more intensely, for 20 minutes per day. When these techniques are done well and consistently, people can decrease their risk of curve progression, improve trunk alignment, and decrease the discomfort that can accompany scoliosis.
Dr. Tamryn’s Thoughts
After being thoroughly trained in Schroth and SEAS as well as investigating the other conservative schools through literature, I see where the approaches are similar and different. Elongation, postural corrections, strengthening, neuromotor retraining, and proper function are recurring themes in the scoliosis schools though they vary in how they approach these. Overall, the idea is to identify where the spine is in 3D and have each person understand the lateral and rotational deviations going on. Then, people are taught how to strategically pull their spine out of that position and closer to straight. Once they know how to pull out of their curve pattern, various exercises are used to improve the strength and neuromuscular control. As time goes on, muscles gain strength and the brain begins to build new postural patterns. These both assist in keeping the spine in this more corrected position throughout the day. Research has repeated shown the positive effects of these techniques. In adolescents, it means pressure on different parts of the vertebrae actually change how the spine grows and how the scoliosis will or will not progress. For adults, there is a marked difference to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments when comparing simply “hanging out” on the curves and letting gravity have its way compared to actively pulling away from those endpoints. The soft tissues are much happier without all that strain AND the risk of curve progression is much reduced because the spine is staying away from those endpoints where the progression occurs. It’s all about the biomechanics!
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