About Schroth Therapists
Scoliosis Scheuermann's disease Hyperkyphosis Postural Education / Exercise therapy Certified Schroth Therapist
Schroth Therapists Description
Deborah Turnbull BSc. CSP and HCPC registered physiotherapist
8 Years NHS Physiotherapy experience in all core areas
9 Years of experience providing private Schroth Therapy
Schroth Certified Therapist
Certificates in both original German Schroth and modern Best Practice Schroth methods
Combining established conservative European specialist treatment methods to train client’s in their individual back deformities, to halt and decelerate progressive curves, reduce muscle imbalances, avoid surgery and empower the person.
The treatments utilise the specific muscle groups affected to normalise the posture through static, dynamic and stabilising control, making gravity a friend.
A full specialist physiotherapy assessment is provided, individual exercise programs, advice and training on adaptation of regular activity postures and advice and provision of high standard German designed braces.
Schroth treatment is based upon some simple principles originally created by Katharina Schroth of Germany in 1921.
Her daughter Christa settled in Bad Sobernheim in Germany continued on her work and a clinic ‘Katharina Schroth Klinik’ was opened in 1983. A physiotherapist, Katharina was awarded the federal cross of merit for the success of her concept. It became and still is the most recognised conservative exercised-based approach.
There are several sub sections within the original Schroth treatment; postural adaptation in regular activities Schroth specific exercises including rotational breathing and physiologic exercises.
More recently, the Schroth method has been updated to ‘Best practice Schroth’ or ‘Power Schroth’ by Katherina’s grandson Dr Hans Rudolf Weiss.
He has left the German Schroth clinic behind and driven a more efficient approach, picking out the most effective Schroth exercises and sub sections of the approach and applying only these to his new treatment program.
Taking certain aspects and re-enforcing the need to address the sagittal plane – the side view and the repetitive application to activities – standing, sitting and walking he has provided not only a more realistic approach to modern times but a more proficient patient.
Four weeks of intensive treatment is just not possible for most young patients and is not generally necessary.
If you can train them on how to be over-corrected – not straight, then when gravity s working on them, the condition is prevented from worsening. Loading the bone in the opposite position and improving the overall muscle imbalance will improve a deformity.
This new Weiss approach, does not abandon the original, but recognises that in some circumstances the original was not addressing all the problems that were necessary and that the patient group and presentation has changed since the 1920’s. Understanding when which is the more appropriate type of treatment comes with experience using the different models. Bracing in the pre-pubescent patients is strongly recommended and provided within this new approach.
Treatment depends upon age, severity of curve /s and ability to comply with exercises or maintain postures – every case is different but with experience there is usually a way to apply some of this program to all who are willing.
Aims of treatment:
To normalise the postural alignment in static and dynamic positions improving control and stability
To decelerate progression of the curves and if the skeletal growth is still possible then reducing the size of curves is possible if used alongside the bracing recommended.
To avoid bracing and surgery if possible depending upon preferences.
To enable the patient to independently continue home-exercise programs and new postural habits and overall to empower them against the disease.
Deborah offers 1: 1 intensive sessions with a single patient and single therapist.
The exercise therapy only packages suit adult patient with more complex medical and postural needs.
But for younger similar patients coupling patients can be more ideal
(please discuss the Exercise therapy plus bracing package when making a booking).
The initial session includes an initial assessment, postural training and exercise therapy.
At the end of the first 4 hour session you will be trained in your overcorrected posture and have 4-5 exercises to practice at home.
Within the Exercise therapy plus bracing package a brace assessment is also included.
Mobilisation and ‘hands-on’ treatment will be offered if appropriate as an additional benefit.
Bracing is offered if appropriate as not all patients would necessarily benefit.
Bracing is now provided using UK based orthotists with Dr Weiss’s ‘Best-Practice’ design system.
Each individual brace is designed by Dr Weiss in person.
Your therapist needs to be trained and certified in the method, otherwise you cannot ensure quality and safety using the exercises.