Schroth Scoliosis Therapy Everything You Want To Know, Andrea Lebel interviewed by Dr. Derek Lee

[@DerekLee]

This interview is for educational purposes and covers information provided by Andrea Lebel, PT regarding her opinions on physiotherapy specific scoliosis exercises. Her answers and commentary represent her opinion and everyone should consult their physicians and treating team. This video is not an endorsement. See timestamps below to jump to specific topics. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 10:39 What should we do when a child is diagnosed with scoliosis? 12:09 Mechanics of scoliosis. 13:26 Should we increase flexibility? 15:29 Internet exercises commonly show the wrong scoliosis exercises. Beware! 17:09 Difference between regular physiotherapists and scoliosis trained physiotherapists. 18:09 How to correct position and posture? 20:59 Avoid extension exercise because it drives the curve. 21:52 Role of anterior vertebral overgrowth. 23:15 Extension exercises aggravate the scoliotic curve. 23:46 Loss of kyphosis is common in scoliosis. 25:49 Structural versus Non-Structural Scoliosis. 28:53 5 degrees rotation is considered scoliosis positive. 31:00 Importance of scoliosis screening. 32:01 Risk factors for curve progression. 36:42 Early scoliosis diagnosis is important in order to establish early treatment at a low Cobb angle. 37:37 3D scoliosis braces are recommended but the skill of the orthotist is paramount. 40:57 What are Physiotherapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises? 44:11 Schroth, SEAS and BSPTS are types of PSSE. 45:28 Origin of Schroth Method. 48:34 Schroth "orthopedic breathing." 53:58 Schroth method for spinal fusion patients. 55:12 Schroth method for Pre/Post and Apifix patients. 57:35 3D Postural Self-Correction. 1:04:45 Case Study: 1 year Schroth with Rigo-Cheneau Brace. 1:06:16 Case Study: 1 year Schroth post spinal fusion. 1:09:07 When to refer for Schroth exercises? 1:13:08 Vicious Cycle that drives curve progression. 1:14:06 Example of Schroth Exercise with a gymnast. 1:17:39 Goals of Schroth Method. 1:19:51 Case study: Full time bracing combined with Schroth 10 years. 1:21:48 Activities of daily living postural compensation. 1:22:55 Proper sleep posture. 1:23:49 Do regular exercises do harm or good? 1:25:07 Hyperkyphosis and Flatback. 1:25:35 Re-Modelling lumbar lordosis. 1:27:07 Important to maintain corrected posture during all activities. 1:31:11 Importance of scoliosis exercises post VBT. 1:33:59 Should gymnastics be avoided for scoliosis patients? 1:37:14 When can post VBT patients start Schroth? 1:38:34 Role of traction as a scoliosis therapy in children and adults. facebook.com/groups/11982... drdereklee.com/

[@feldenkraisdojo4457]

Wonderful information! I was a former professional dancer and "struggled" with my own scoliosis for YEARS with many well intentioned but poorly-informed PT exercises. I believe there is not one sole cause of scoliosis, but many, that are as individualized as the individual. We cannot neglect to consider the environment of the person who is developing the scoliosis, be it physical or psychological. Looking back, I believe that my own scoliosis began when I was made to wear headgear for the braces on my teeth. Every change in the body moves throughout the entire system. My teeth straightened out, and my spine adapted in a dysfunctional way. Maybe. At any rate, am hoping to find a Schroth Practitioner near me for further learning and exploration! Thank you so much for this video.

[@abhashazan390]

Are you from India ?You can find a scroth therapist in India and I am going to her for the same

[@feldenkraisdojo4457]

@@abhashazan390 No, I live in the U.S. Would love to hear how the method works for you -- I wish you the best!

[@Umiliani]

@@abhashazan390 may I ask for your personal experiece swith Schroth therapists in India and your success. I would appreciate it much. shukriya

[@yogeshchayal]

​@@abhashazan390Hey there. Can you please share the contact for therapy

[@yogeshchayal]

​@@UmilianiHey there. Can you please share the contact for therapy

[@localguide9412]

THIS IS GREAT! Thank you! I just went to see a chiropractor and he told me to do extensions on the ball... I wish specialists knew a bit more about what they were talking about. This is so frustrating.

[@DerekLee]

Yes extension exercises are pretty much the worst. Scoliosis care is very complex and often times, health care practitioners from different disciplines become a bit too niche and miss important concepts.

[@mairose7582]

You are do right it is quite frustrating.

[@voiceaerobics]

Excellent overview of Scoliosis and Schroth method. Presenter's knowledge base and experience treating the problem is evident.

[@JIMISTONED]

Thank you for promoting the conversation, especially with such great information :)

[@DerekLee]

Much appreciated!

[@anidavtyan1699]

Thank you very much for putting all this information in one video that I have been collecting them from different sources 👍🙏

[@CaviteHomeCarePhysicalTherapy]

I am a physical therapist locally practicising in the Philippines. Thank you for this. Cheers

[@garylagrazon8695]

Hi Sir, may I know where you based in the Phil. Thank you.

[@CaviteHomeCarePhysicalTherapy]

@@garylagrazon8695 Province of Cavite Near Manila.

[@MindDrip]

Thanks for the video. One tip: If you put the timestamps in your video description at the beginning of each line, rather than after, they will show up in the actual video player and will be much more useful and visually accessible!

[@DerekLee]

Super helpful! Thank you. :)

[@martizavala6713]

I listened all the way through and will have to listen to this again as I absorb the concepts. Thank you so very much for posting this and all the slides are so helpful to see the issues rather than just having them described. So grateful!

[@DerekLee]

So glad you found it informative! Checkout the other scoliosis physiotherapy interviews for different takes and approaches. 🙂

[@mrs.corysandahl703]

Thank your Dr. Lee for this informative video.

[@DerekLee]

I'm glad that you found it informative. Check out other Schroth videos on my channel. There are a few. :)

[@skincraftorganicsllc8537]

This is WONDERFUL - thank you for this information! I just started with a Schroth therapist yesterday!

[@DerekLee]

I'm glad you found the interview helpful!

[@maribt9987]

Hello Dr. Lee, yes I would love to hear a discussion on Schroth Scoliosis Therapy on adults that have had the harrington rod surgery for scoliosis. I am considering it myself to see what the benefits could be after having the surgery when I was a teenager. Thank you

[@DerekLee]

This interview addresses your request: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYPOmYFtjt-gpc0 Also, feel free to join my private facebook group which includes spine surgeons, orthotist and PTs. facebook.com/groups/1198200727630801/

[@KS-yv8ll]

Amazing presentation! Thx from a beginner AIS researcher

[@renataohanjanyan4046]

Many new information!! Thank u for the usefull video!!Huge thanks to Andrea!! Super explanation!!❤❤❤

[@adrianamorandini6498]

Mi piacerebbe in italiano grazie mille

[@yang92100]

This video is really helpful! I have practice schroth for years but my therapist didn't explain the details.

[@DerekLee]

Yes Andrea Lebel definitely put together an excellent presentation. Glad it was helpful to you!

[@sheryl3046]

My chiropractor has helped me after a minor car accident to be able to walk and do a lot of everyday things, and said my back now adjusts easily. But I still feel some discomfort and a feeling of being twisted. This week I will be starting Schroth physical therapy to strengthen and improve my flexibility. Are chiropractic and Schroth physical therapy incompatible or mutually exclusive?

[@DerekLee]

Good question. They should be very compatible and able to work together for your greater good. :)

[@physiotherapistpaulina9340]

can you please provide the title of the "yellow book"? lovely PT, and awesome presentation.

[@vm1984]

Three dimensional treatment for scoliosis by Christa Lehnery Schroth PT. This is what I think the lady is talking about.

[@alices4337]

Thank you very much for the excellent information. Is there a place like this in Los Angeles County, California or close to it? Thank you 🙏

[@ila8679]

Dr Lee, I don't understand why in the classical Schroth muscle cilinder exercise, the patient Is being asked to shift the body toward the concavity of the major thoracic curve and then apply the corrections, but in the thumbnail of your video the woman Is leaning toward the convexity side of the curve, instead. Am I missing something?

[@DerekLee]

That thumb nail is not accurate. The x-ray is actually flipped. Having said that, the woman is leaning into the side of the convexity to straighten the curve.

[@cathymorris2614]

Can an adult have VBT? Is this procedure available in Canada? Thank you

[@DerekLee]

Unfortunately in Canada, VBT is only available for adolescents with growth remaining. Feel free to join my Facebook group for more info and access to surgeons and other experts. facebook.com/groups/1198200727630801

[@sandyrausch1999]

Is it possible for a 60 something year old with DJD and an S curve do Schroth? You are very very good! Thank you for caring. Too many slides means you love what you do. As soon as I lost hormones, my curve started changing…. Hoping I can try some 3D corrections…..so interesting.

[@DerekLee]

I don't think that's too old if you have the right therapist. Consider joining my private Facebook group who's members consist of expert surgeons, orthotists and physiotherapists. They can answer your questions. facebook.com/groups/1198200727630801/

[@denisedenise757]

Thank you for this valuable information. My 11yr old daughter was diagnosed with 30 degrees scoliosis early this year and is wearing a brace full time. How do I pick a well qualified schroth method specialist? Will all the specialists have the same treatment plan to help correct my daughter's curve?

[@DerekLee]

You can find Schroth physiotherapist at this link bspts.net/directory/. Different practitioners will likely have different treatment plans depending on their experience level, certification level and your daughter's circumstances such as spine flexibility, severity of curve, etc.

[@mairose7582]

I wish video had larger pictures so you can see

[@emmichapdelaine9210]

Are courses available or massage therapist? I have been practicing for 17 years, and this could help so many of my clients!

[@DerekLee]

I could be wrong but I believe Schroth courses are only for physiotherapists. Other similar programs like SEAS might be available to other healthcare providers. Might be worth the effort for you to reach out to these organizations.

[@emmichapdelaine9210]

@@DerekLee Thank-you so much for your time and resources!

[@ryanjefferychan]

regarding sleeping positions, it seems like the two slides are contradictory. the first slide implies it is incorrect to sleep on the left whereas the second implies it is better since the right side is the convex side. which one is it?

[@nsanenthembrane]

Hi I’d like to become more flexible learn back bends etc and I have an s curve. Will this really make my curve worse? How do I find out which flexible stretches are okay? Should I see a pt? This lecture gave a brief explanation on flexibility but as I want to train in flexibility I’d like to learn more

[@DerekLee]

You should really consult with a scoliosis trained PT. Then they can create a program for your specific situation. BTW, back bends are not appropriate for those with scoliosis.

[@mairose7582]

I don't want surgery so I do the stroth method

[@boost-9689]

Through a recent xray, I found I have mild scoliosis, right thoracic convexity. I don't know what is the degree. It was dismissed as a non issue. But I feel very twisted in the ribs as there is a lot of spine rotation which affects stability and position of my sacrum, pelvis and head/neck. Not sure if I always had this or if it's idiopathic, from injuries that made the rotation worse. No issues in childhood except I have torsion of either or both femur and tibia (knees face inwards, feet point forwards). It's only at 35/36 that I clearly felt twisted in my T spine but it's likely I had uneven hips far longer, because of the leg malalignments. I'm now in early 40s. Would Schroth method be appropriate? I stopped all pilates many years ago, as I became twisted and developed low back and shoulder pain and pelvic floor gripping from pilates core exercises (dead bug, planks/side planks etc.

[@DerekLee]

Consult with an experienced Schroth physiotherapist who will customize a program for your specific needs. It's not going to reduce your curve but it can give you some pain relief and maybe help with improving posture and symmetry.

[@boost-9689]

There are some Schroth physios at Level 1. Is that sufficient? Does it matter which Schroth cert they trained in, eg ISST, BCPST etc? Also, is it ok to try chiropractic? I have old injuries on top of the scoliosis and was looking into chiro to address that first.

[@DerekLee]

As a general rule, I prefer to go with more experienced health practitioners. A level 2 Schroth practitioner means more experience. Same goes for a chiropractor with scoliosis experience.

[@lucillekean7035]

I am 91+ years of age. Apparently I have a 50 degree curvature and I have 3 curves. What do you expect my treatments might be?. LK from Canada. Thank you 😊

[@DerekLee]

A good Schroth physiotherapist can assess if you are stable and coordinated enough to do these exercises. Then you take it from there. 🙂

[@hisiove]

Hello. Thank you for your video! I live in Frisco, near Dallas Texas. Can you recommend the Schroth theraphy expert around us?

[@DerekLee]

Consider posting your question in my private FB where expert scoliosis PTs are members. facebook.com/groups/1198200727630801/?ref=share

[@menejer.]

I am 24 years old and have 4 degree scoliosis, can I fix it now?

[@gaminglife6847]

Is there place like this in Florida Port St. Lucie or close to it? Thank you 🙏

[@DerekLee]

Try this directory: www.schroth-barcelonainstitute.com/scoliosis-certified-physical-therapists-usa.html

[@sergiovazquez3240]

Greetings. Could you share the links for the articles that are shown in the dissertation?

[@DerekLee]

Unfortunately you'd have to ask Andrea Lebel for that info since it was her presentation.

[@DoraEmon-jz9pe]

Is there a place like this in Brooklyn NY? Can you please recommend for me? Urgent, my children don't want to do the surgery , thank you

[@DerekLee]

www.schroth-barcelonainstitute.com/new-york.html

[@DoraEmon-jz9pe]

Thank you Dr. Derek Lee, but I want you can recommend which therapist for me, cause there are many idk how to choose, and can you please recommend which doctor VBT surgery is best doctor in NYC? We new move in NYC so please help, thank you

[@DerekLee]

For Schroth, maybe go with a C2 certified physio since they have higher level training. Surgeons: Baron Lonner, Juan Carlos Rodriguez Olaverri, Daryl Antonacci in no particular order.

[@DoraEmon-jz9pe]

Thank you Dr.Derek Lee, but I call those doctor all day still can't reach anyone, no one pick up the phone, I want to cry, they all hospital phone no. No office phone no., can you please recommend the other best doctor for me, and the schroth I call all day only voice mail, can you please help me how to reach them fast, sorry I have so many questions, but I need you help, thank you

[@radrezo9726]

So you saying extension ex progress the scoliosis or doing it has no effect and the muscle imbalance between the two side when doing extensions increase the hump or has no effect so extenstion is forbidden or what? Btw Thanks for these glorious information

[@DerekLee]

Scoliosis progression is due to the front of the spine growing faster than the back of the spine. Primarily the disc wedge and to a lesser extent the vertebrae. This basically puts the thoracic spine into extension. Scoliosis results from the body trying to manage this extension. So, extension exercises can make it worse. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYaUf3l-gdd3e9k

[@lucillekean7035]

What is your treatment for a 91+years of age individual? I’m not sure what degree my curvature is. LK from Canada😊😊

[@DerekLee]

Start by getting a current x-ray and then find a scoliosis trained PT in your area so they can design a program based on your unique needs. 🙂

[@rhondaurb]

Is this information for children only or also for adults with Scoliosis?

[@DerekLee]

Are you an adult who is fused or unfused?

[@rhondaurb]

I think fused means I’ve had surgery? So I’m unfused

[@DerekLee]

Try this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2SUoJppgpd-o9k

[@rhondaurb]

@@DerekLeethank you!

[@larkspur77]

Thank you for the fascinating presentation. At 1:42:25 Andrea Lebel says for adults go "Tess Sol" it's the same thing. What is that? That is how it is written on the transcript. I googled that and came up with nothing. Thanks.

[@janemorrow6672]

I think she says ‘scoliosis and spine online learning’

[@mallikasomershein1108]

Yea, sounds like she said "SSOL" and is referring to the website she mentioned, same as above comment

[@mairose7582]

Where do I sign up.

[@DerekLee]

Just reach out to her.

[@margueritemonka6440]

What are the options for 40 year old people with idiotpathic scoliosis. We can’t really wear a brace. We can do Schroth but it’s very rare to find. I understand that for younger people you wanna decrees the Cobb angle when they’re young. But what if you’re already 40 and had it since you were 14? Back then in the country I grew up there was no physical therapy. I have a 42 degree thoracic curve and a 15 degree lumbar curve

[@DerekLee]

Great question. Treatment options for 40 year olds with AIS are often limited by the amount of spine flexibility as well as disc and joint degeneration. Some surgeons are willing to tether (Anterior Scoliosis Correction) if adult spines are flexible and not too degenerative. Scoliosis specific exercises can be helpful in maintaining flexibility. Thoracic fusions generally have good long term outcomes.

[@silglo]

Is there a place like this in Wichita, Kansas? Thank you 🙏

[@DerekLee]

Check out the directory www.schroth-barcelonainstitute.com/

[@silglo]

@@DerekLee Thank you! Unfortunately the directory lists only 2 in Kansas City, not in Wichita where I live.

[@DerekLee]

@@silglo I would reach out to them anyway. Some can do virtual sessions.

[@suzannemistretta9275]

Wow. is there a place like this in NY?

[@DerekLee]

www.schroth-barcelonainstitute.com/new-york.html :)

[@vickymaster]

Can strutruial scoliosis b reduced ?

[@DerekLee]

Can a structural scoliosis be reduced with Schroth? Only bracing has been shown to possibly reduce curves. For mature spines, it's unlikely. But, Schroth can help with posture and flexibility.

[@vickymaster]

@@DerekLee my curve is apprx 25 degree as pe cobb and i am 30 years so i can reduce it , or it can increase?

[@DerekLee]

@@vickymaster you have to have your case assessed by a health practitioner in your area. Again, Schroth can help with flexibility, posture and pain/stiffness but it's unlikely to reduce the curve. It can also keep your spine strong to help reduce degeneration.

[@googleplay8604]

I am 31 years old , and i have kyphosis , can i reduce the curve and make my back straight again by excercies ?

[@DerekLee]

Correction of the kyphosis depends on how flexible the spine is. The greater the stiffness, the less likely that the kyphosis will improve with exercise. Watch my interview with Hagit on her exercise treatment for kyphosis. kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2SUoJppgpd-o9k

[@googleplay8604]

@@DerekLee thank you

[@fcxxxxxxxxxxxxddee]

Do scoliosis too depends on flexibility for correction?​@@DerekLee

[@DerekLee]

@@fcxxxxxxxxxxxxddee can you clarify your question? :)

[@fcxxxxxxxxxxxxddee]

@@DerekLee like you said kyphosis depends on how flexible spine is..do you think same logic work in scoliosis too ? I have initial moderate scoliosis im 22

[@kaykayho4747]

Hi Dr Lee, my daughter she diagnosed with 34/33 scoliosis last year. She is 16. Do you have any certified Schroth therapist you can recommend in Mississauga Ontario or anywhere within GTA please?

[@DerekLee]

Yes. Message me since you joined my Facebook group.

[@stefaniemojsovski1154]

I am also looking for one in the GTA please!

[@madeline3915]

Hi I had spinal fusion surgery 5 years ago I never have gone to physical therapy and desperately want to now but I don’t think I can afford it. I have done research oh the schroth breathing method. I am physically fit I run weekly and also go to barre and Pilates class. Recently I have felt more unaligned than ever and it is putting me into a depression no matter what I do or eat I still have this emotional pain towards scoliosis. If there is a group of people who are like me I would really want to join. If you have any suggestions I would appreciate it!

[@DerekLee]

Try this FB group which is large and very active. facebook.com/groups/251098911667895/?ref=share

[@DerekLee]

Also:. facebook.com/groups/765072896842063/?ref=share

[@lindadodd3829]

Me. I get depressed with the PAIN and how clothes fit. One hip goes out. Other side straight, no waistline. Huge lump on left side of mid back which makes me look like a half hunchback. But man would I wouldn't give TO GET RID OF THIS CHRONIC PAIN!!!

[@larkspur77]

@@lindadodd3829 I understand Linda. I am an adult and the pain is unmanageable. But the indifference I am met with in the medical world is depressing. But Dr Lee is working to uncover how to help scoliosis at all ages. He has a website where he lists all his interviews on youtube. Or I am sure he has a youtube channel with all his interview videos. You can google Dr Derek Lee, Canadas chiropractor. In the section scoliosis he talks of why he delved so deeply into scoliosis - to help his young son. If that isn't touching enough he has set about to help everyone. There are five surgeons Dr Lee interviews who specifically operate on adults. Not all adults I'm sure there are criteria, but it's a great guide. You can trust Dr Lee is going to highly esteemed experts. There are more surgeons that work on adults than his videos but one has to be careful not to end up worse off if you have a surgical procedure. I don't know where you live or if you are after surgical or non surgical solutions. I am after surgical as think I am too far gone for just exercise. But if all surgeons say no to me due to age and spine degeneration, I will be looking at anything to reduce pain. Exercise, spinal cord stimulators. Anything! Good luck to you. No one had responded to you so I wanted to. It's a lonely world for those of us with adult scoliosis. We are told our suffering is...i haven't heard anything that makes sense or that consoles except for knowing Dr. Lee is working on it!

[@melissasaggus9683]

@@larkspur77 I’m in the same boat!!! This sucks!

[@Psgamer-vu2hp]

Does it work at 21 years old

[@DerekLee]

It depends on your goals. It won't reduce a curve but it can help with flexibility and pain control for mature spines.

[@vahsibatljohnny6682]

I live in Turkey. I went to a doctor. He told me I am diagnosed with 5 and 13 ( S type) degrees scoliosis. I know the shape of my scoliosis. Can I fix it by myself at home ?

[@DerekLee]

Consider consulting with a team that can properly assess and recommend a program. Dr. Alanay in Turkey is a world leading scoliosis surgeon. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2TTZJh9n7F9rtk

[@artninjapr8310]

I have 40 degree right side thoracic curve what exercises should I do to reduce the curve

[@DerekLee]

These videos are for educational purposes and are not treatment recommendations. Please consult with your doctor and health care team for appropriate treatment options. I hope you understand.

[@kanayo8816]

@@DerekLee what should I do if I feel like my scoliosis is getting worst even tho the doctor claims it isn’t? I was wearing the brace, but barely but then after a while they said I wouldn’t have to wear it because I was done growing. I was first at like 35 or so (12 years old) and now I’m at 41 and I’m 18 now . Is it too late to reverse my curvature. I personally believe with the proper care and exercise catered to my curve and rib cage shift , I should be able to reverse it!!! But idk, if you could help, that would mean a lot❤️

[@DerekLee]

@@kanayo8816 every scoliosis case is unique but so are the skills and experience levels of different surgeons. Consider getting a second opinion. If you can share your general location I can probably send you spine surgeon interviews that I've done and you can follow up from there.

[@kanayo8816]

@@DerekLee jackson, Mississippi

[@DerekLee]

@@kanayo8816 Missouri kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZoiQhX2MedCUl9k

[@sellmeyoursoul6601]

This is amazing, turns out they were teaching us BS at medical uni.

[@KS-yv8ll]

whats did they teach you?

[@rapi3283]

আমার 60 এখন কি করতে পারি মেম

[@DerekLee]

আপনি এখনও 60 এ অনুরূপ ব্যায়াম করতে পারেন

[@melissasaggus9683]

HELP!!!!

[@DerekLee]

Sure. Join my Facebook group where my members include expert Schroth physiotherapists, surgeons and orthotists. facebook.com/groups/1198200727630801