The ScolioGold Method

Originally Scoliosis SOS only used the (Katharina) Schroth method of treatment. However, over the past few years it has come to our attention that there are many disadvantages to solely using one method (Schroth on its own) for the treatment of patients non-surgically, as there are elements of scoliosis correction that Schroth is unable to address.

Therefore, contrary to popular belief the Schroth method remains a central part of our treatment programmes, but is complimented and assisted by the incorporation of other scientifically proven, well established non-surgical spinal techniques from around the world, to ensure that all aspects of each patient’s condition can be fully treated. The result is the ScolioGold method.

By using our own unique combination of methods, we are able to offer patients an unrivalled level of treatment success that is not available elsewhere. The ScolioGold method is continually monitored and developed to reflect the advances in the non-surgical field and therefore continues to deliver Gold-standard results.

The principal components of ScolioGold are listed below, with a brief background note about each separate method.

Katharina Schroth (Est. 1921, Germany) was a physiotherapist who suffered from scoliosis and devised her own treatment method using stretches and mirrors. Following her own success she opened a clinic to treat others. Her daughter, Christa Lehnert-Schroth and grandson, Dr Hans Rudolf Weiss continued Katharina’s work up until 1995, when the clinic was sold to a large corporate organisation.

Rigo-Schroth (Est. 1980’s, Spain) is a modified version of the original Schroth method, created by Dr Manuel Rigo. While the exercises are still similar, the main difference is the course structure and increased therapist attention for patients.

Functional Independent Treatment for Scoliosis (FITS) (Est. 1990’s, Poland) takes into account the dysfunctions accompanying scoliosis. Treatment consists of an individually adjusted programme of exercises depending on curvature angle and following clinical examination of the patient. The FITS concept consists of two stages, firstly to eliminate the myofascial restrictions which limit a three-plane corrective movement and secondly to build a series of new corrective posture patterns in everyday activities.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) (Est. 1940/50’s, USA) is a physical therapy procedure designed to increase range of motion, flexibility and coordination. Herman Kabat, a neurophysiologist, began to look for natural patterns of movement for rehabilitating the muscles of patients. He believed combinations of movement would be better than the traditional moving of one joint at a time. An institute was later started in Washington, DC to apply his discovery and teach the technique to other therapists.

Myofascial Release (Est. c. 1940’s, USA) is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat an impaired musculoskeletal system, accompanying pain and restriction of motion. This is accomplished by relaxing contracted muscles, increasing circulation, increasing venous and lymphatic drainage and stimulating the stretch reflex of muscles and overlying fascia. It developed from the findings of a number of medical practitioners including Dr Ida Rolf, Elizabeth Dicke and Andrew Taylor Still (father of osteopathic medicine).

Osteopathy (Est. 1874, USA) is an approach to healthcare that emphasizes the role of the musculoskeletal system in health and disease. The practice of osteopathy began with the work of Andrew Taylor Still. It has been considered a form of complementary medicine, emphasising a holistic approach and the skilled use of a range of manual and physical interventions in the prevention and treatment of disease. In practice, this most commonly relates to musculoskeletal problems such as back and neck pain. Osteopathic principles teach that treatment of the musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles and joints) facilitates the recuperative powers of the body.

Trigger Point Therapy (Est. 1930’s, USA) was the result of the work of American Physician Janet Travell. Trigger points have been a subject of study by a small number of doctors for several decades although this has not become part of mainstream medicine. The existence of tender areas in muscles has been recognised in medicine for many years; indeed studies have shown that around 75% of pain clinic patients have a trigger point as the sole source of their pain. However the trigger point concept remains unknown to most doctors and is not generally taught in medical school curricula.

Orthopaedic Medicine (Est. 1929, UK) is the examination, diagnosis and treatment of non-surgical lesions of the musculoskeletal system. Dr James Cyriax observed a number of patients where the diagnosis was vague and the treatment non-specific. There appeared to be no satisfactory method for testing the function of soft tissues to achieve a clinical diagnosis. He developed a system of assessment aiming to accurately diagnose lesions of the musculoskeletal system and a non-surgical method of treatment for soft tissue lesions.

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