The following is an Abstract for a case study contributing to research at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center of Naperville pertaining to patients with scoliosis treated by the Schroth Method and Dr. Bill Block.
The Effectiveness of Schroth Method Treatments for the Improvement of Scoliosis Curves in a Skeletally Mature Female: A Case Report
William Block, DPT & Nicole Lesak, 2015
Abstract
Background: Research suggests that physical exercise improves scoliosis patients’ respiratory function, strength and postural balance; however, further research is needed to prove its effect for treating the skeletal deformity. The Schroth method is a form of effective treatment used at FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center of Naperville. Patients are making successful gains in decreasing curvatures, as seen on future x-rays via Cobb angle measurements, including skeletally mature patients.
Subject: The subject of this case study is a 15 year-old female with idiopathic scoliosis. She was diagnosed in July 2013, and sought treatment with FYZICAL starting October 2013. Cobb angle measurements were 24 degrees right thoracic and 31 degrees left lumbar. Goals of therapy were to prevent progression of her curve, with the possibility of reducing severity of curvature. The patient is involved in water skiing, dancing, and running. She has not received any prior treatment to her condition.
Methods: This is a Retrospective case report, single subject. On 10/01/13 the patient was evaluated and treated for one hour, followed by 3 days of intensive 2-hour sessions of Schroth based exercises taking place on 10/1, 10/2, and 10/3. The patient received pictures with commentary about the goals of the postures in each exercise to utilize at home. She then followed the home exercise program for one month, 15 min/day.
The patient came to the clinic on 11/7/13 after one month of HEP for a two-hour session. Corrections were provided in order to better the postural accuracy of the exercises. HEP was updated by adding exercises and increased duration of postures. Daily regimen progressed to 20 min/day.
The patient came after another month of HEP for a two-hour session on 12/5/13. Patient continues independent HEP due to increased technique efficiency. The HEP was updated by adding more core work and total body exercises. Patient expected to perform 20 min/day.
The patient came in on 1/30/14 after another month of HEP for a two-hour session. As shown in follow up x-Ray, the patient’s curve had improved. Cobb Angle measurements improved for thoracic curvature 18 degrees and lumbar curvature 11 degrees. Dr. William Block noted patient had improved postural symmetry, rib expansion measurements, body awareness, and strength. It was in the best interest of the patient to continue HEP. HEP was updated and finalized for patient to continue 10-15 min/day to maintain postural corrections, and reduce progression of curve.
After 6 months, patient updated Dr. Block on periodic x-rays with her physician. Follow up X-Ray done on 9/29/14 suggested her thoracic curve was 16 degrees and lumbar 11 degrees.
Results: The patient participated in the Schroth based physical therapy exercise program from 10/1/13 until 7/24/14. She had a total of 6 visits during this span of time each 2 hours in duration. Subject and subject’s family reported compliance with instructed HEP. Since conservative treatments for scoliosis began, the subject’s right thoracic Cobb angle improved from 24 to 18 degrees and left lumbar curve improved 31 to 11 degrees. The Cobb measurements observed in this case report suggest conservative treatment such as Schroth based method of physical therapy is successful in reducing curvature severity. The subject then reported to the clinic an updated Cobb measurement of 16 degrees thoracic and 11 degrees lumbar on 9/29/14 as she continues to practice at home with no more intended visits to the clinic.
Conclusion: Utilizing Schroth method based exercises in sessions and at home resulted in reduction of curvatures. The Schroth based physical therapy suggests efficacy in reducing Cobb angle measurements in skeletally mature idiopathic scoliosis patients.
Please visit the FYZICAL Clinic’s website to see other case studies