Case Studies
Discover how we help patients improve their lives. Our case studies show each person's journey, from diagnosis to a personalized treatment plan, highlighting the techniques we use and the results they achieve.
Patient Profile
A 35-year-old female with a history of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) (23-degree lumbar curve) presented with increasing lower back and hip pain over two years. She was previously braced as a teenager but had no other treatments.
Assessment & Diagnosis
The patient reported constant, dull pain that was 5/10 at rest and 8/10 with activity, limiting her daily life and recreation. Her physical assessment showed a 13-degree Angle of Trunk Rotation (ATR), a left pelvic imbalance, and significant thoracic spine hypomobility. She was diagnosed with moderate right lumbar scoliosis and thoracic hypomobility.
Treatment & Outcome
The treatment plan included E-stim, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, and manual therapy, with a focus on Schroth positions. The patient was seen twice a week and attended 6 of the 8 scheduled visits.
By the second visit, her thoracic spine mobility improved.
By the fourth visit, she reported improved posture from the Schroth exercises.
By the fifth visit, her overall pain decreased.
By the sixth visit, she could perform previously painful activities without discomfort.
She achieved her short-term goal of independently performing Schroth exercises and was able to do activities without back pain. The patient then self-discharged.
Key Takeaways
Schroth treatment is an effective, non-surgical method for managing scoliosis-related pain in adults.
Consistent adherence to a prescribed exercise plan can lead to significant improvements in posture and a reduction in pain.
Patient Profile
Assessment & Diagnosis
She presented with a right pelvic imbalance and mild trunk rotations. The diagnosis was confirmed as right thoracic and left lumbar scoliosis, Grade 1 L5-S1 spondylolisthesis, and osteoporosis.
Treatment & Outcome
The patient attended 8 sessions over 6 weeks, focusing on Schroth-based exercises, strengthening routines, and integrating postural corrections into her daily life and dance practice.
Pain: She was able to return to dance with minimal or no back pain.
Curvature: After 5 months of consistent home exercises, a follow-up X-ray showed significant improvements: the thoracic curve was reduced from 28° to 21° and the lumbar curve from 42° to 37°.
Goal: She achieved her short-term goal of independently performing Schroth exercises.
Key Takeaways
Schroth exercises can effectively reduce pain and may improve Cobb angles in adults, even with degenerative changes and osteoporosis.
Consistent patient adherence and integrating postural corrections into daily life are crucial for long-term success.
This case demonstrates the benefits of conservative management for older adults with spinal deformities.