Benefits for treatment

→ Correction of the spinal deformity in three dimensions

→ Reduction or deceleration of the incidence of progression 

→ Improvement in the cardio-respiratory dysfunction 

→ Reduction of pain 

→ Improvement in mobility and postural stability

What you can expect from us:

Your first appointment with Andrew Merget is an initial scoliosis evaluation. Prior, we can also offer a complimentary 15 minutes introduction by phone, in person or through a virtual visit to determine if the Schroth Method is necessary for you, and allow you to ask additional questions. 

Take Control Physical Therapy acknowledges how important it is to find the right therapist to ensure you receive the highest quality treatment. Dr. Merget was certified by the German Klinic in 2013 and has been practicing as a certified Schroth scoliosis therapist for more than 8 years during which he has consistently treated 30-50 scoliosis patients annually. As one of the first 50 fifty therapists certified in the Schroth Method in the United States, Dr. Merget is one of the most experienced Scoliosis treatment specialists in Florida, and has worked with patients nationally since certification. His experience working in different regions, cultures, and with other certified Schroth therapists, means he understands that the most important part of treatment is the client, and he is dedicated to helping you find a team that you can trust to guide your care. 

We know this diagnosis can be scary, or feel like a whirlwind of different information and different treatment options from which to choose, so we’ve provided resources below to help you educate you.

Decisions about treatment is a very personal experience, so if more questions arise that are not covered in this section or you would like more information please reach out and contact us at: info@takecontrolphysicaltherapy.com.

WHAT IS THE SCHROTH METHOD?

The Schroth Method is a specialized type of conservative scoliosis treatment that could be indicated for patients of any age, in any stage of treatment. The goal of this method is to develop self-awareness of postural alignment in activities of daily living and through repetition of specific corrective exercises and breathing techniques. The instructions are unique to each individual’s specific curve pattern, curve severity, and level of function and fitness. The patient will become independent and able to continue to improve their quality of life after the sessions have ended. It typically takes 10-12 visits for all patients to gain independence in the program and this is due to the fact that the exercises given are not from a protocol, but based on a specific evaluation prior to the start of treatment to identify the type of curve pattern and features unique to each individual. As such the response to care also evolves based on feedback from each individual patient.

WHAT AGE RANGE DO YOU TREAT WITH THE SCHROTH METHOD?

Patients as young as 10, and any adult with curvature patterns over 30 degrees and/or are curves that are currently progressing, have pain, or have post-menopausal changes causing progression can benefit from this type of scoliosis treatment. This method is not only for standard scoliosis patterns, but also increased kyphosis (ex. Scheuermann's disease) that could cause pain or progression.

WILL THIS METHOD REVERSE SCOLIOSIS?

Changes in scoliosis like this are patient specific and depend on the age, severity, and follow-through of the patient. It is possible to correct the spinal deformity in 3D, reduce or decelerate the incidence of progression, improve the cardio-respiratory dysfunction, reduce pain, and improve mobility and postural stability but it is patient specific. 

CAN I PREVENT SCOLIOSIS SURGERY WITH THIS METHOD?

Many cases of scoliosis do not require surgery; however, in severe cases it may not be avoidable. However, more and more research is growing that exercises prescribed accurately from an assessment with the Schroth method can decrease the risk of progression of a curvature as well as risk for surgery. For patients that come to see us that have already had surgery, those patients can still benefit from these techniques by creating greater postural awareness and reducing progression ahead of surgery. We also treat postoperative patients on how to move with and promote their new body alignment in life.

WILL I NO LONGER NEED TO USE A SCOLIOSIS BRACE?

This scoliosis treatment can help avoid the use of a brace if implemented at a young age, prior to a 25 degree curvature. Once a brace is already being used, the Schroth Method and physical therapy are complementary. An in-person diagnosis will educate the patient on what is necessary in their specific case. Our team will work with you and your physician, or orthotist to determine the components of your case. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible health outcome through a tea approach. 

WHAT WILL MY FIRST APPOINTMENT BE LIKE?

The first visit will focus on education around the patient’s curve type and current posture/pattern that is affecting everyday life. Andrew will clear up any confusion from previous diagnoses and discuss the patient’s treatment goals. Then a treatment plan will be developed considering the patient’s goals. From there a plan is developed to balance the 3 areas of indications for treatment including if present the degree of: pain, progression, and postural imbalances. Minimal equipment is needed to begin learning , and recommendations to bring a tank top and/or sports bra for evaluation and treatment sessions is helpful for the patient to visualize corrections.  

WHAT DOES ON GOING TREATMENT LOOK LIKE?

This will vary for each individual depending on whether they have functional or structural scoliosis. The goal of treatment is independence in your program and no longer need continued visits. Clients will learn both a corrected posture in exercises and through supervised practice a new adopted “conscious or balanced” posture that controls their body through space and holding this new position will be ensured for independence. Clients then progressively work to develop this self-awareness in three dimensions, along with a new breathing pattern to create symmetry. With these exercises, we are correcting as much of the postural collapse as possible, in order to decrease the forces that may be contributing to the progression of the curve, pain, and limited lung function.

If the patient is experiencing an acute functional scoliosis, then pain may be corrected in fewer sessions.

Treatment will never continue for more sessions than it takes to achieve the patient’s goals.