The effectiveness of the Schroth method of physical therapy for treating an adult with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) in an outpatient clinic in the United States with third-party payer constraints: a case report

Abstract

Background: Very few studies examine the efficacy of outpatient Schroth therapy for the management of scoliosis, especially in countries such as the U.S. where a third-party payer constrains the therapy duration to an average of 1-3 sessions. Study patient description: double major scoliosis, thoracic Cobb angle 38degree and lumbar Cobb angle 24degree. Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR) was 13degree in the thoracic and 10degree in the lumbar, quality of life score was 2.28 (SRS 22 questionnaire), body image was 1 (Trunk Appearance Perception Scale (TAPS)), pain score was 7 using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), force vital capacity (FVC) was 2.8 liters, chest expansion was 3.8 cm in the subaxillary, 2.5 cm in the nipple line and 0.5cm around the waist. Trunk deviation from the central sacral line was 2 cm to the left. Purpose(s): The aim of this study was to examine the effects of Schroth therapy on a 26 year old female with AIS. Method(s): The physical therapy regimen included 1-hour Schroth exercise sessions twice per week for four weeks followed by one session each week for 20 additional weeks. In addition, a home exercise program, which consisted of 30-minute sessions five days per week, was recommended. All tests and measurements were recorded before and after treatment. Result(s): After a 6-month treatment period, the patient experienced significant and measurable improvement. The Cobb angle was reduced to 27.6degree in the thoracic and 19degree in the lumbar, the ATR had decreased to 8degree in the thoracic and 6degree in the lumbar, quality-of-life score and self-image showed improvement with a score of 4.02 on the SRS 22 and 3 on the TAPS. Pain score diminished to 2. Trunk deviation improved by 1 cm, FVC increased to 3.2 liters and chest expansion to 4.5 cm, 3.5 cm and 1.5 cm at the measured locations. In addition, the patient's strength improved and she felt more comfortable with her appearance and reported satisfaction with the results. Conclusions and discussion: These preliminary findings suggest that out-patient physical therapy utilizing the Schroth method may be a successful alternative to the traditional methods of treating scoliosis.