In the United States, standard physical therapy protocols for management of scoliosis have not been found to be effective in preventing curve progression in those with scoliosis. Despite the fact that physical therapists are licensed medical professionals specializing in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal problems, their training in school consists of lectures on types of scoliosis, non-specific exercise prescription, pain management, general bracing, surgical techniques and rehabilitation after surgery, unless they have gone beyond this training to take specific continuing education. Schroth based Physical Therapy, however, is the standard of care for management of scoliosis in Europe. There are no certifying bodies in the USA for training in the Schroth method so clinics who employ therapists with Schroth training are few and far between. At Avanti, we are very lucky to have two fully certified therapists who can perform evaluations and manage program progression.
