Scoliosis Rehab Blog

SCOLIOSIS REHAB GAINS INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION

We (www.scoliosisrehab.com) hosted an international training course January 23-28, 2012 at our Stevens Point, WI clinic. The advanced classes covered the Schroth-based method of conservative management of scoliosis. Ten physical therapists from seven states and Australia attended the intensive six-day course covering advanced methods of the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School (BSPTS) based on the original works of Katharina Schroth.

The course was led by Manuel Rigo, MD, PhD, medical director of the E. Salva Institute and instructor for Rehabilitation of Spinal Deformities in Barcelona, Spain, and SRI therapists and instructors Beth Janssen, PT and Patti Orthwein, PT. Both Beth and Patti hold BSPTS Advanced certification as well as international instructor titles for the BSPTS. The therapists who successfully completed the class earned fifty (50) continuing education units accredited by the Wisconsin Physical Therapy Association and received lifetime certification in the BSPTS Schroth-based method. Ten patients with scoliosis from across the country were also on site for the class. This enabled a comprehensive clinical evaluation of the therapists’ knowledge and methods. We are so grateful to those patients and their families who allowed their children to participate in training future therapists. The students received 26 hours of community service for their efforts.

Goals of the Schroth-based BSPTS treatment method include potential avoidance of invasive treatment and management of pain through individualized exercises designed to stabilize the scoliosis curvature.

Please see our website under “For Professionals” for a listing of US certified PTs. Physical therapists are either certified at a Basic level (based upon graduating from an intensive 10 day course) or at an Advanced level (based upon having utilized the method clinically for more than one but less than three years and successfuly graduating from the 6 day Advanced course).

Spring Into Action at SOSORT

From May 18-21, Beth Janssen, PT was able to travel to Barcelona, Spain and participate in the 8^th International Conference on Conservative Management of Spinal Deformities, which was sponsored by SOSORT (The International Society on Spinal Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment).   Barcelona is a dynamic and typical Mediterranean city with a special tradition in the field of conservative management of scoliosis.  Barcelona was the city where Beth brought her son in 2003 when she first learned about the Schroth Method.  It was here that Beth studied with and became certified in the Schroth Method by Manuel Rigo, MD at his clinic which was founded more than 40 years ago by Elena Salva, the first PT in Spain to be trained by Katharina Schroth.

The purpose of the SOSORT annual conference is to provide a forum to present and discuss developments in the field of conservative management of spinal deformities, with attendees coming from all over the world. At the conference, current clinical and research activities are presented. There were scientific, educational and consensus sessions providing information on the most recent advances in the field, all oriented to the providers and patients and their families.  Beth traveled with and attended the SOSORT meeting with a “Curvy Girl” support group mother, Terry Mulvaney, from Long Island, New York. “It was great to be with another mother of a child with scoliosis as we attended the meetings.”

SOSORT promotes a multidisciplinary approach and is supported by physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, spinal surgeons, physiotherapists, psychologists, CPOs and patients.  By attending the educational, scientific and consensus meetings, attendees are able to obtain information about new developments and innovations.

After SOSORT, Beth traveled to Long Island, New York where she attended the Curvy Girl scoliosis support group meeting.  “It was inspiring to see how these teen and adolescents along with their families encourage each other on this sometimes difficult journey.”

Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association – Annual Convention – 2011

Over five hundred osteopathic physicians convened the first week of April at the beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona Hilton Resort for their 89^th annual Arizona convention.  Attendees took advantage of exhibitors’ booths set up outside the lecture halls to broaden their learning experience.  One of the most popular exhibits was manned by Elizabeth Garrett, DPT and Nancy McVeigh, PTA of Scoliosis Rehab of Arizona.

Pediatricians were excited to learn about our program for adolescent scoliosis/kyphosis.  Family Practice and Internal Medicine physicians recognized that Scoliosis Rehab can assist their adult patients.  The physiatrists and sport medicine specialists delighted in the idea of our combined efforts in treating this special group.  The osteopathic physicians spent considerable time perusing the illustrations and explanations of the Schroth method and asking pertinent questions.

Estelle R. Farrell, D.O., FAOCPMR, DAOBPMR, an Osteopathic Physiatrist, won our drawing for a therapeutic massage and basket filled with complimentary goodies, which we delivered to her at her at her Scottsdale office on Monday, April 11^th.

 REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY 

The clinicians from Scoliosis Rehab Inc. in Paradise Valley, Arizona were recently invited to meet with school nurses and physical therapists from the Paradise Valley School District.  A presentation on treating scoliosis and kyphosis patients with the Schroth method was met with genuine interest and enthusiasm. 

Elizabeth Garrett, DPT, was asked to provide the school nurses with screening tools they could use during each student’s annual assessment. Discussion of the scoliometer and useful visual cues led to an informative dialogue.  Elizabeth has been practicing physical therapy for over 30 years and, in 2009, was trained and certified in the non-surgical Schroth-based method for the treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis.

The audience was fascinated with Burwell’s theory for scoliosis development and S. Otman’s (2005) study on the positive outcome of patients practicing the Schroth method for their scoliosis. Elizabeth shared several remarkable case studies from Scoliosis Rehab patients including the exercises they learn.  The group was impressed with the very thorough patient evaluation, including study of the x-rays, classification of the curve pattern, individual exercise design, and comprehensive education.

The nurses and physical therapists actively participated in the follow-up Q&A session.  They were most appreciative to learn there is now a clinic in the Phoenix area that specializes in the conservative treatment of scoliosis/kyphosis and welcomes patients of all ages.

BSPTS PHYSICAL THERAPIST CERTIFICATION COURSE

Over the last two years, Beth and Patti  have trained licensed physical therapists from Australia, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin.  These individuals joined a select group of physical therapists certified in non-surgical, three-dimensional treatment for scoliosis and other spinal abnormalities upon successful completion of their training at the Scoliosis Rehab clinic.

We are so honored to be a training site in the U.S. responsible for helping to educate American healthcare providers about conservative treatment for scoliosis and kyphosis.  We know that patients benefit when specially trained physicians, physical therapists, and orthotists work as a multidisciplinary team.

The certification course focuses on theory and techniques for practitioners, beginning with a review of the German Schroth technique and further developed in Barcelona under Dr. Manuel Rigo.  The European techniques are the foundation of non-surgical, conservative care and were developed over 80 years ago. 

BSPTS training and certification courses will be offered in 2011.  Space will be limited.  Contact Scoliosis Rehab if interested in more information.  (www.scoliosisrehab.com / 877-734-2220)

OUR TRIP TO BARCELONA

Patti Orthwein, P.T., and Beth Janssen, P.T., were invited to participate with the International Body of Instructors for the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School (BSPTS).  They traveled to Spain in January to meet with Dr. Manuel Rigo, M.D. and other experienced Schroth therapists from around the world to determine the curriculum for the certification course.  The course, offered to physical therapists, teaches non-surgical 3-D treatment for scoliosis and abnormal kyphosis, and is based on the original works of Katarina Schroth and Christa Lehnert-Schroth, with developments over 45 years in Barcelona.

Patti Orthwein                             Beth Janssen          

Even the stormy weather couldn’t keep us from this rewarding experience.  If you are interested in our certification course, please visit the News and Events page by visiting our website at www.scoliosisrehab.com or clicking on the Main Website link above.

What We Do

I.    Non-Invasive Scoliosis/Juvenile or Scheuermann’s Kyphosis Intervention

The expertly trained staff at Scoliosis Rehab strives to empower patients with a clear understanding of the dynamics of their scoliosis or juvenile or Scheuermann’s kyphosis and the relevance of their individualized action plan.

Information is assessed during a thorough evaluation, review of x-rays and pertinent medical history.  Individual patient concerns and needs are an integral part of the complete treatment.

Some of the goals of our non-invasive intervention:

1. Stabilize curve
2. Improve posture and trunk shape
3. Improve muscle strength and balance of soft tissue
4. Decrease skeletal compression on the heart and lungs
5. Learn to keep the spine in neutral and, thereby, protect the spine as you perform your activities of daily living
6. Decrease pain
7. Promote a positive body image

These goals are accomplished through clear instruction on principles of correction.  These principles of correction are specific to each patient and their type of curve pattern.

 Your time with us at Scoliosis Rehab will give you the foundation and knowledge you need to achieve these goals on a daily basis.

II.   Certification of Physical Therapists

In November of 2009, Scoliosis Rehab began teaching this Schroth-based method to physical therapists under the direction of Dr. Manuel Rigo, M.D.  The training is ten days of intensive study, including lecture and lab.   In the lecture, physical therapists learn evaluation and specific 3-D treatment techniques.

Where We Began

Two mothers, grateful for the impact that Manuel Rigo, MD from the E. Salva Institute in Barcelona, Spain had on their children and families, wanted to share the non-surgical Schroth-based scoliosis treatment with adults and adolescents in the United States.  It is amazing that the Schroth-based treatment has been around for 90-plus years helping people with scoliosis and kyphosis treatment. 

Scoliosis Rehab is now in its 6^th year with clinics in Paradise Valley, Arizona and Stevens Point, Wisconsin. Our staff looks forward to teaching individualized home exercise programs based on each patient’s curve pattern.  It is a joy to have the opportunity to work with people who are dedicated to learning and taking care of their bodies so that they can have the healthiest backs possible.

Thank you for taking the time to read our new blog.  Check back often as we post updates and helpful tools to help you improve your posture.