The Schroth Method in Miami — scoliosis therapy in three dimensions

Your spine doesn't just bend sideways — it rotates. That's why sit-ups and generic stretches don't touch scoliosis. The Schroth Method treats the curve as what it is: a three-dimensional problem that needs a three-dimensional answer.

Developed in Germany a century ago and refined into today's leading scoliosis-specific exercise approach, Schroth uses corrective positions, targeted elongation and de-rotation, and a distinctive breathing technique to work your curve. Dr. Rebeca Correalima trained under the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) — specifically in the Rigo Concept, one of the recognized international Schroth lineages — and it's the foundation of everything we do at Upright.

How Schroth works

Every scoliosis has a pattern — which sections curve, which way, and how much rotation comes with it. Schroth starts by classifying yours. Then, session by session, you learn:

• Elongation — actively de-compressing the spine before correcting it
• Corrective positions — using props, poles, and the wall bars to place your spine in its best available alignment
• Rotational breathing — Schroth's signature: expanding the collapsed areas of the ribcage from the inside, using breath as a corrective force
• Stabilization — building strength in the corrected position, so it holds when you leave the studio
• Awareness — mirrors, photos, and touch cues until your "straight" feeling matches reality

The goal is a home program you own. In-clinic sessions teach and progress it; consistency at home is what moves the needle.

What Schroth aims to achieve

• Stop curve progression — and, where possible, avoid fusion surgery
• Improve posture and pelvic alignment
• Increase trunk strength and breathing capacity
• Reduce pain
• In many cases, a measurable reduction in Cobb angle

What the research says

Schroth is one of the best-studied scoliosis-specific exercise approaches. Studies our patients often ask about:

• Schroth paired with bracing produced better outcomes than bracing alone — read the study (PDF)
• Schroth improved quality of life, halted curve progression, and improved balance and shoulder alignment — read the study (PDF)
• Schroth reduced Cobb angle in adults — it's not only for growing spines — read the study (PDF)

Major centers, including Johns Hopkins, offer Schroth to their scoliosis patients.

Schroth + bracing

For kids in a brace (or headed for one), Schroth and bracing are partners, not rivals: the brace holds correction passively, Schroth builds it actively. We help families choose the right brace for the curve type, assess a current brace, and manage weaning into full-time wear. More on our scoliosis physical therapy page.

Common questions