Scoliosis Books

In scoliosis the patient’s trunk is deformed in three dimensions. Both the therapist and the patient need to recognize and understand this fact. This is why, from the very outset, patients are introduced to the theoretical concepts underlying the Schroth approach. They stand between mirrors to study their deformity and they are told how this three-dimensional deformity can be reversed as they are encouraged to imagine creating the opposite shape to that which their body currently shows. This understanding of the Schroth approach can then also be incorporated into their daily physiotherapy routine.

Three Dimensional Treatment for Scoliosis

Content & Structure

The textbook has been written specifically with physiotherapists in mind and has been compiled by a practitioner for use in everyday practice.
It comprises six parts:
After the various medical forewords and prefaces and an account of Katharina Schroth's professional career, the book is then divided
into the following sections:

Part A describes the theoretical principles underpinning the Schroth treatment method, with explanatory illustrations. These theoretical principles are so straightforward that they can be followed by anyone.
The author demonstrates that in scoliosis the three trunk segments (pelvic girdle, ribcage and shoulder girdle) are displaced and torsioned against each other: it is then shown how this process can be reversed. A separate chapter highlights the shaping power of breathing. The use of rotational angular breathing developed by Katharina Schroth is also explained.

In Part B the theory is explained using practical examples and demonstrated in text and illustrations. The muscles altered by scoliosis are described in a fairly lengthy chapter and it is shown how they can be restored to normal through exercise. A separate chapter deals with the different forms of scoliosis and their special treatment.

Part C covers a wide range of exercises using wall bars, table and chair, floor, or resistive exercise bands made of rubber or Theraband. Mirrors have a crucial role to play here because without them and the control photos, it is difficult for the patient to follow the rationale behind the treatment instructions. Discussion is also provided for problem cases that may be encountered in any physiotherapy practice. Solutions are demonstrated. It is clearly shown why treatment for a particular "case" must be given in a certain way and in no other. The therapist will find the appropriate exercises for any eventuality.

Part D provides photographic documentation, often continuously over several years, radiological evaluation and statistical analysis of the changes in lung capacity and hence also in health.

Part E describes the day-to-day orthopaedic experience, i.e., what patients should do at home in terms of their scoliosis.

The Appendix reproduces comprehensive written exercise instructions prescribed by Katharina Schroth personally for a patient. There are also two extracts from textbooks by medical practitioners praising the value of the Schroth method.

Reviews

Extracts from reviews in specialist medical journals

L. Boden writes in the journal Erfahrungsheilkunde 4/1974: "If a book can be said to contain the life's work of two generations and to usher in a new era in spinal treatment, then it is this volume by Christa Lehnert-Schroth."

And this is just one of the comments by Dr. med. Rabl, writing in the journal Orthopädische Praxis 11/IX: "A very important book at a time when scoliosis treatment is dominated virtually exclusively by an interest in surgery and in passive apparatus-based shape correction and when physical therapy (although its value is acknowledged in theory) is not pursued with the requisite enthusiasm. A superficial reading of this book is not sufficient to achieve successful practical application. The method needs to be acquired by persistent hard work. It also requires effort at every level from the patient. Ideally, patients should be admitted as in-patients for at least one month so that they can learn all about how to continue with the exercises at home."

Dr. med. H. P. Bischoff (1991): "This book should be compulsory reading for physicians involved in the conservative management of scoliosis and in the pre-operative treatment of scoliosis because they need to reach an understanding with physiotherapists and patients about the treatment and because they should be in a position to support the treatment in a supervisory manner."

Dr. med. Carsten writes in Orthopädische Praxis 9/98: "The interesting and valuable feature of this volume is its extraordinarily comprehensive photographic documentation which very clearly illustrates the practical procedures. This book will therefore be virtually indispensable to any physiotherapist using this method in everyday practice. The real value for the interested orthopaedic specialist or general physician also lies in the abundant illustrative material."

According to the journal Athletik (no. 11/2000): "The 6th edition of the standard textbook on three-dimensional scoliosis treatment contains new up-to-date exercises. For decades now, three-dimensional scoliosis treatment has occupied an established place in the conservative management of even severe cases of scoliosis."

Therapie und Praxis (2/98) includes the following remarks: "The book is one of the classics of conservative therapy. It is a textbook and practice manual in one. Its simple and clearly understandable language will enable novices to familiarise themselves rapidly with the method. However, because of the close interweaving of theory and practice, it is also highly suitable for experienced physiotherapists and for orthopaedic specialists."

Advancements in Conservative Scoliosis Treatment

The Breathing Cure: A Pulmonary Exercise Guide

Here we reproduce the Foreword written by Dr. med. L. Grewers of Essen in 1930 for Katharina Schroth's 24-page booklet entitled "Die Atmungs-Kur, Leitfaden für Lungengymnastik" [The Breathing Cure: A Pulmonary Exercise Guide]:

"This little book is intended to be "simple and unpretentious": so writes Käthe Schroth in her "Preface" to the third edition - words of modesty for a treatment modality that, sooner or later, once it has become better known, will probably have a great deal to say for itself.

The "Breathing Cure" is not a résumé of meaningless words, but is rather the result of years of careful thought, supported by experience gained as the author worked on her own body. As Pastor Kneipp was once able to say about himself: Anyone who has personally been in need and misery knows best how to appreciate the needs of their fellow human beings. In the same way, Mrs. Schroth has personally experienced in her own body the "need and misery" of those whom she now seeks to help with her improved method.

I have repeatedly had the opportunity to convince myself personally of her magnificent successes, and even medical colleagues cannot help but express their appreciation to Mrs. Schroth - again something that is also only possible on the basis of observed successes. What is being applied here is not something artificial, but rather something that is in essence extremely simple and innocuous; in applying this method, those performing it need only an abundance of patience and selfless sacrifice. Encountered so often in popular medicine, the saying that "Truth is to be found in simplicity" also finds its fullest confirmation here.

As Mrs. Schroth herself has said, this booklet is not meant to be an exhaustive treatise. However, the explanations given will probably be sufficient to furnish ample evidence that this is a valuable healing method in the truest sense of the word. I personally can already give an opinion only on those things that I have seen, and, where appropriate, I will always make patients aware of this method because I know that they will be helped by it - and helped when all else has failed.

And so I believe I am not overstating my case when I claim that this healing system too is fully justified on medical grounds and that unprejudiced physicians will be able to set it alongside existing healing systems as being of equal value and rank with them.

In saying this, I permit myself to express the wish that Mrs. Schroth's booklet will find acceptance in many circles, and that it may be of benefit and blessing for the good of suffering humanity. Whoever acts according to the principles laid down here can only do good, because if we follow Nature as our guide, we will never go astray." And that was back in 1930!