By Zacharias Sifakis & Charalampos Bolis

Clinical Pilates is a specialized form of therapeutic exercise performed under the supervision of a physiotherapist.
It is based on the principles of classical Pilates, adapted to meet the needs of each individual patient, with the goal of rehabilitation, injury prevention, and improvement of overall body function.

This method focuses on activating the deep stabilizing muscles of the core, ensuring correct spinal alignment, and coordinating breathing with movement. Through slow and controlled exercises, patients learn to move with greater precision and safety, improving their posture and spinal stability.

Clinical Pilates is used both for patients undergoing physiotherapy and for individuals who wish to exercise safely and efficiently. It is particularly effective in cases of low back or neck pain, scoliosis, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, orthopaedic surgeries, and sports injuries, as well as in neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

It is also an excellent choice during the perinatal period, helping women strengthen the pelvic floor and prepare the body for childbirth and recovery.

The benefits of this method are multiple and well-documented. According to international research, Clinical Pilates contributes to reducing chronic pain (Huang & Park, 2023), improving spinal posture and mobility (Li et al., 2024), enhancing balance and proprioception (Pereira et al., 2022), and improving quality of life in people with chronic conditions (Barnet-Hepples et al., 2025). It also promotes psychological well-being, reducing stress and enhancing the sense of control and confidence (Domingues de Freitas et al., 2020).

Before starting the program, the physiotherapist performs a clinical assessment to understand the patient’s history and specific needs.
An individualized exercise plan is then designed and can be carried out individually or in small groups (up to four participants). Sessions use specialized Pilates equipment such as the Reformer, Tower, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and resistance bands, allowing safe and adaptable exercise for every fitness level.

At Chania Physiotherapy Clinic, Clinical Pilates is an integral part of our rehabilitation programs. Each session is designed with scientific precision, aiming to enhance movement, stability, and function in a safe and progressive way.
Our goal is to help every patient regain the strength, balance, and freedom of movement they deserve.

📚 Selected References

1. Huang J., Park H.Y. (2023). Effect of Pilates training on pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phys Act Nutr, 27(1):16–29.
2. Barnet-Hepples T. et al. (2025). Pilates lessens pain and improves quality of life in people with musculoskeletal conditions. Ann Phys Rehabil Med, 68(6):101973.
3. Li F. et al. (2024). Effects of Pilates exercises on spine deformities and posture: A systematic review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil, 16(1):55.
4. Pereira M.J. et al. (2022). Benefits of Pilates in the elderly population: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ, 12:236–268.
5. Domingues de Freitas C. et al. (2020). Effects of the Pilates Method on kinesiophobia associated with chronic low back pain. J Bodyw Mov Ther.

Authors:
Charalampos Bolis, MSc, BSc, MT — Physiotherapist specialized in Sports Physiotherapy, Pilates Instructor
Zacharias Sifakis, BSc, OMT, MHCPC, MAACP, MMACP, CGIMS — Specialist Physiotherapist in Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation

Chania Physiotherapy Clinic
Chania – Kalyves – Palaiochora
🌐 www.chpc.gr | 📞 +30 28210 58711

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and chronic joint conditions.
It causes degeneration of the cartilage — the “cushion” that protects the bones and allows smooth, pain-free movement.
It appears most often in the knees, hips, and hands, and affects more than 300 million people worldwide (Fransen et al., 2015).
Its prevalence increases with age, obesity, and low levels of physical activity (Conley et al., 2023).

🔹 What Causes Osteoarthritis?

OA develops when the natural balance between cartilage wear and repair is disrupted.
When the degeneration process outweighs the repair process, the cartilage thins, the bones rub against each other, and pain appears (Conley et al., 2023).

The main risk factors include:

• 🧓 Age
• 👩‍🦰 Gender (women are more often affected)
• ⚖️ Obesity
• 🧬 Heredity
• 🤕 Previous joint injury (van Doormaal et al., 2020)

🔹 What Are the Symptoms?

The most common signs of OA include:
• Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling (edema)
• Joint deformity
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty performing simple daily activities, such as:
o walking,
o climbing or descending stairs,
o sitting down or standing up from a chair,
o standing for long periods or getting dressed (Raposo et al., 2021).

💪 Movement Is the Best Medicine

Although there is no drug that can “cure” OA, there are many effective ways to control the symptoms and maintain joint function.
Scientific evidence shows that the following approaches are the most beneficial:

1️⃣ Therapeutic Exercise

Exercise is the first and most important line of treatment for OA (Fransen et al., 2015; Raposo et al., 2021).
It may include:
• Aerobic activities (e.g. walking, cycling)
• Strength and resistance exercises
• Holistic methods such as Clinical Pilates and Tai Chi

A personalized exercise program, with gradual progression in intensity and duration, has been shown to improve strength, reduce pain, and increase mobility.
Even home-based or online programs have demonstrated excellent results (Mao et al., 2024; Si et al., 2023).
👉 Read more about the importance of exercise here

2️⃣ Manual Therapy

Manual Therapy techniques help reduce pain and improve range of motion, especially in patients with knee or hip OA (Tsokanos et al., 2021).
Combining Manual Therapy with therapeutic exercise provides better outcomes than either approach alone (Sampath et al., 2015).

3️⃣ Patient Education

Education is a key component of treatment.
When patients understand what OA is, how it affects daily life, and what they can do to manage it, they gain greater control and confidence (Conley et al., 2023).

4️⃣ Weight Management

Losing 5–7% of body weight can significantly reduce pain and improve function, especially in overweight individuals (van Doormaal et al., 2020).

5️⃣ Medication

In some cases, the physician may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for short-term use to help manage pain (Conley et al., 2023).

6️⃣ Surgical Treatment

Surgery (e.g. joint replacement) is considered only when conservative methods fail and the pain severely limits quality of life (Gademan et al., 2016).

🏥 How Physiotherapy Can Help

At Chania Physiotherapy Clinic, every patient is assessed individually, and a personalized rehabilitation program is designed, combining:
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Manual Therapy
• Education & Guidance

Our goal is to:
• reduce pain,
• improve mobility,
• strengthen muscles and stability,
• and help each person return to an active, pain-free daily life.

👉 Movement is medicine. With the right physiotherapeutic guidance, OA can be managed effectively — and quality of life can be significantly improved.

📚 References

1. Fransen M. et al. Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: a Cochrane systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2015.
2. Conley J. et al. Core Recommendations for Osteoarthritis Care: A Systematic Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines. Arthritis Care & Research, 2023.
3. Raposo M. et al. Effects of exercise on knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review. Musculoskeletal Care, 2021.
4. van Doormaal M. et al. A clinical practice guideline for physical therapy in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis. Musculoskeletal Care, 2020.
5. Mao J. et al. Efficacy of home-based exercise in the treatment of pain and disability at the hip and knee in patients with osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2024.
6. Si H. et al. Effectiveness of home-based exercise interventions on pain, physical function and quality of life in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2023.
7. Tsokanos A. et al. The Efficacy of Manual Therapy in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Medicina, 2021.
8. Gademan M. et al. Indication criteria for total hip or knee arthroplasty in osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2016.
9. Sampath K. et al. The effects of manual therapy or exercise therapy or both in people with hip osteoarthritis. Clinical Rehabilitation, 2015.

Authors:
Zacharias Sifakis, BSc, OMT, MHCPC, MAACP, MMACP, CGIMS — Specialist Physiotherapist in Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation Charalampos Bolis, MSc, BSc, MT — Physiotherapist specialized in Sports Physiotherapy, Pilates Instructor

Chania Physiotherapy Clinic
Chania – Kalyves – Palaiochora
🌐 www.chpc.gr | 📞 +30 28210 58711

Timelines of mobilization occurring immediately after surgery or early after the institution of mechanical ventilation in cases of respiratory failure may be beneficial in preventing weakness and allowing patients to return to functional independence at the time of discharge. Incorporation of this multimodal, evidence-based approach has been shown to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications and shorten hospital length of stay.

Bed rest in the postoperative period could prove detrimental to patient recovery. Fast-track surgery methodology that incorporates intensive mobilization has been shown to improve clinical outcomes. Among the patient-centered and science-based post-surgery protocols, we also provide valuable pre-surgery sessions for maximum outcome. Preoperative physiotherapy in some cases can prime patients for enhanced recovery in the postoperative period.

Preoperative care physiotherapy sessions aim to decrease edema, strengthen soft tissues, and preserve the mobility of the joint. These clinical outcomes contribute to a better environment for the surgeon to penetrate and operate. Physiotherapy in the preoperative period can also improve physical deconditioning and may potentially affect subsequent post-surgical outcomes.

Updated sources:

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34593498/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33356804/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27555213/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35313897/

The force plate is a platform with pressure sensors operated by a computer software program. The sensors record data on the anatomical morphology of the feet and the distribution of pressure during standing posture and walking.

From the data collected and where the clinical examination imposes it, it is recommended to create custom orthotic insoles or orthopedic footwear, tailored to each individual’s daily needs and requirements.

The force plate is a dynamic platform that records & analyses the forces from the standing posture and the dynamic contact of the foot on walking, so that there can be a complete assessment of the movement patterns of the lower limb. The examination procedure is pain-free and non-invasive and is performed by a musculoskeletal specialist physiotherapist.

In the first part of the assessment, the platform records the distribution of forces, the mean value of the mechanical pressure of the lower limbs, and other parameters that affect the standing posture.

The second part involves the recording of all stages of gait, pressure forces distribution, contact times, and other walking-related parameters in general.

Force plate has a key role in the immediate diagnosis of pathologies on the foot and lower limb, the recognition of anatomical adaptations, and their potential contribution to the current state of the person.

A reliable assessment leads to proper treatment and management options for symptoms through the manufacture of personalized orthotic insoles/footwear, and the prescription of an individualized exercise program where appropriate.

Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapy (OMPT) is a specialized area of physiotherapy for the management of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, based on clinical reasoning and by using highly specific treatment approaches, including manual techniques (manipulations, mobilizations, etc) and therapeutic exercises.

OMPT also encompasses, and is driven by, the available scientific and clinical evidence and the biopsychosocial framework of each individual patient. OMPT certified therapists have undertaken extensive postgraduate courses of study, many of which are at a Master of Science level, and have attained a recognized standard of excellence in neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy.

Their knowledge and practical skills ensure that they are able to provide an excellent standard of care in the examination, treatment, and management of people with neuro-musculoskeletal problems.

Our therapists' educational background, & clinical standards certification, is accredited by the International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), & registered with the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP). In the UK the MACP is recognized as the specialist group of manipulative physical therapists by the IFOMPT.

Myofascial or myogenic pain means pain coming from the muscles (Myo- comes from the Greek mўs, meaning “muscle”) and the fascia (the thin tissue that is covering the muscles). Myofascial pain is probably one of the least understood and most frequently misdiagnosed types of pain. It is also one of the most common sources of pain and results in a huge number of GP consultations, days lost from work, and missed sports activities.

The symptoms of myofascial pain can vary depending on the location and the severity of the problem. People suffering from myofascial pain often report deep aching pain which can be either constant or intermittent. Usually, it is triggered by the use of the affected muscle or muscle group. This can be accompanied by a burning sensation or stabbing pain, weakness, tingling, increased or decreased sweating, stiffness, sleep difficulties, or dizziness.

Myofascial pain can also be irritated by sustained sitting or standing positions, repetitive activities such as typing or working a press, cold or damp weather, exposure to a cold draught, or psychological stress.

About Trigger points

There are over 600 skeletal muscles in the human body, and any one of these can develop, what is called according to the corresponding theory, a myofascial trigger point (TrP). Trigger points are “nervous hot spots” that cause muscles to become abnormally sensitive. This nervous excitability results in the development of tight bands of muscle or fascia that, when pressed, cause local pain, as well as referral pain to somewhere else in the body.

This referred pain is very important and if the physician is familiar with trigger points, he will very quickly be able to diagnose the problem, as each muscle group has its own pattern. If the physician knows these patterns, he will be able to discover very rapidly the nature of the problem and offer solutions.

There are some fundamental and important features of TrPs, these are:

• Trigger points are tender when pressed firmly.
• The muscle in which the TrP is active will be weaker compared to the normal one on the opposite side. 
• Trigger points in a muscle will make the muscle shorter than normal and will have contributed to a restricted range of movement.
• The muscle will have tight bands which can be felt in the body of the muscle. 
• When these tight bands are “plucked” or pressed firmly they usually cause a muscle twitch, and the person may make a “jump” response i.e. an involuntary cry of pain or reflex movement away from the pain.
• Trigger points have a typical pattern of pain referral.
• TrPs are very common indeed.

Trigger points are essentially areas of nervous excitability within the muscle and they may exist in two different states:

-Latent

A latent trigger point does not cause pain at rest but may restrict movement or cause muscle weakness. The patient presenting with muscle restrictions or weakness may become aware of pain originating from a latent trigger point only when pressure is applied directly over the point.

-Active

An active trigger point does cause pain at rest. It is tender to palpation with a referred pain pattern that is similar to the patient’s pain complaint. This referred pain is felt not at the site of the trigger-point origin, but remote from it. The pain is often described as spreading or radiating.

Causes of trigger points

The TrPs of myofascial pain may occur for many different reasons, however, the most common reasons are injury or trauma to the muscle, and acute or chronic overuse causing muscle damage or dysfunction. Overload occurs when a muscle is being used improperly, causing overstress on the muscle fibers. The muscle will often respond to the stress that is not prepared to deal with, by developing TrPs.

If this state is reoccurring, without any efficient recovery, compensation strategies in multiple areas of the body may be developed, making the problem more widespread and complicated. This clinical presentation is often referred to as myofascial pain syndrome.

Treatment of trigger points

The most important way of treating trigger points is stimulation!

Trigger points need to be stimulated through neurophysiological mechanisms to be cured. This stimulation may be in one of many different ways, however the most important is by stretching the affected muscle group.

The stretching of the muscle may be very painful indeed, and in fact, it is often too painful to be able to stretch the muscle to any meaningful degree. At this state, acupuncture may be vital in the rehabilitation of trigger point problems.

The needle causes immediate relaxation, of the affected muscle, due to the effect of the micro-trauma on the release of the neurophysiological effects suppressing the overstimulation of the muscle. This relaxation will then reduce, to a certain degree, the muscle spasm and consequently increase the flexibility of the affected muscle group.

Acupuncture for the treatment of myofascial pain has been used for at least 50 years in the Western Medical setting. In skilled hands, it is safe, effective and frequently provides long-lasting relief of pain. This has been predominantly applied by members of the Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists – a society of British Physiotherapists who have an interest in acupuncture. The society now includes around 6,000 members, most of whom practice Western Medical Acupuncture.

Acupuncture has several local effects and general effects, many of which have been studied in great detail.

“Acupuncture is not the treatment, it is only part of the treatment”.

Specific stretching exercises are required for long-term rehabilitation of myofascial pain, however, the treatment course can be accelerated by the incorporation of acupuncture in the rehabilitation plan. There are also many other ways of treating trigger points, other methods of trigger point stimulation include;

• Deep tissue massage using firm hand pressure
• Injection with a local anesthetic (such as lignocaine also known as lidocaine) 
• Stretch and spray, a technique where the muscle is stretched to its full extent and then sprayed with a coolant 
• Simple stretching of the affected muscle group 
• Application of hot and cold packs to the muscles (ideally at the same time as the muscle is being stretched) 
• Laser

This is not a complete list as there are a number of other techniques that can be applied.

Treatment of MTrP leads to:

• Improvement of symptoms behavior
• Decreased tenderness
• Increased range of motion
• Improvement of quality of life

Further clinical research is being conducted in the field of pain, both in terms of investigating the mechanisms by which pain is experienced, and in examining different treatment options. This makes the area of pain research an exciting scientific topic with the potential to understand and, ease many people’s suffering.

Read more about current scientific evidence on myofascial pain…

Physical manipulation which is interconnected with every massage type improves blood circulation and the movement of lymph. Therapeutic massage relaxes muscle tissue and reduces painful contractions and spasms. In addition, applying pressure tends to decrease the hyperactivation (tightness) of the muscles and stiffness perception. In this way, flexibility and the range of motion are improved and peripheral nerve compression is reduced.

Sports massage aims to enhance performance or/and assist the overworked muscles to recover faster. Our therapists take into account many variables such as the athlete's training stage, history, possible injuries e.t.c., which lead them to the best selection of the technique.

Relaxing massage is used in order to promote general relaxation and address anxiety. Massage is considered to release endorphins, the natural chemical in the body that makes us feel happy and energized, promoting feelings of well-being.

In conclusion, massage can be a powerful tool to manage daily requirements and activities. So no matter if you book a session for a specific health condition or just for your well-being, massage can be beneficial for you without-beyond any doubt.

About isokinetic dynamometers

In recent years, the measurement of muscle force under conditions of constant velocity (isokinetically) has become popular. Part of this popularity may be attributed to the ability of isokinetic dynamometers to provide information about dynamic muscular contractions; information that previously was not easily obtainable. The use of cable tensiometers and other forms of static dynamometers have provided little information about the dynamic qualities of muscular contraction and other types of apparatus designed to measure dynamic forces have been used only sparingly.

Force, work, and power in dynamic exercise, where velocity is not controlled, are not easily measured or calculated since the changing mechanical advantage of the limb-lever system alters the force applied to the muscles through the range of motion. What is usually measured, is the resistance weight and the completed number of repetitions.

The development of isokinetic rehabilitative devices in the late 1960s provided tools to study the mechanical properties of muscle under conditions of constant velocity in vivo. Since modern isokinetic dynamometers supply data about muscle load and limb velocity throughout a joint range, and due to the mass production and marketing of these apparatus, the use of isokinetic exercise in rehabilitation, conditioning, and research has become widespread. Isokinetic exercise, however, has unique characteristics and any generalizations regarding its role as a therapeutic modality or training aid must be made in light of the specific nature of this mode of exercise.

Nature of isokinetic exercise

In 1967, Hislop and Perrine identified the unique factor in the concept of isokinetic exercise as the control of the speed of muscular performance. They indicated that to achieve such performance it is necessary to provide an external means of holding the speed of body movements to constant rates regardless of the magnitude of forces generated by particular muscles. The isokinetic exercise has been described as a form of resisting exercise, made possible by an electro-mechanical device that keeps limb motion at a constant, predetermined velocity.

Because of a variable speed-controlling mechanism in the isokinetic device, the set velocity of an exercising limb cannot be increased. Instead, as more force is exerted against the lever arm of the apparatus the energy of the moving limb is absorbed by the apparatus and converted to the increased resistance encountered by the limb. Movement, therefore, occurs at a constant predetermined speed.

The most common types of isokinetic dynamometers contain either an electronic servo-motor or hydraulic valve as a speed-control mechanism which, theoretically, could prevent the acceleration of the limb irrespective of increases in applied force once the preset speed has been attained. These devices are essentially passive, in nature, since they resist rather than generate forces. Also, they do not store potential energy, such as that which occurs in weightlifting where the weight lifted must be lowered with control.

Structures of applying isokinetic exercise

With the modern isokinetic systems, we can apply isokinetic to all major joints of the body, in every anatomic movement, and at different levels.

Each model of isokinetic dynamometer has its basic techniques, to perform all the above mentioned, however, their fundamental application is based on two main points. These are:

1. The proper positioning of the examined/practised limb
2. The appropriate/stabilisation

The use of the specified parts of the equipment provides a controlling /exercising possibility for the following movements:

• SHOULDER: abduction/adduction, extension/flexion, internal/external rotation, horizontal abduction/adduction, diagonal movements.
• ELBOW: extension/flexion.
• FOREARM and WRIST: pronation/supination, extension/flexion, ulnar/radial deviation.
• HIP: extension/flexion, abduction/adduction, internal/external rotation.
• KNEE: extension/flexion, internal/external tibia rotation.
• ANKLE: dorsal/plantar flexion, pronation/supination.

The order in which antagonistic movements are mentioned is not random, since all isokinetic systems are formed in this way so that comparison and valuation of the data could be feasible among them if needed, (for example, for the knee we will never see the comparison flexion/extension, but extension/flexion etc).

Guiding points of isokinetic applications

Prior to any isokinetic application (assessment or exercise), we must evaluate the muscle, heart, and breathing capability, as well as the pathological condition of the person we are about to examine or exercise with an isokinetic dynamometer. Evaluation is essential in order to define a proper selection of the speed, the intensity, and the execution tempo.

For the safety of the individual, as well as for the data accuracy we get from an isokinetic assessment, there are some protocols and guidelines that need to be followed, thus include:

• Objective & subjective examination of the patient/athlete before the control/exercise, for any limitations, to be identified.
• Appropriate warm-up of the muscle groups for both evaluated limbs (if it’s an assessment process test) or for the muscle groups of the practicing limb.
• Some types of injuries and surgical operations demand a limited range of movement during the exercise so as to avoid new injuries. The physiotherapist is responsible to recognise those hazards and define the right way of practicing, by using special parts of equipment and adjust the dynamometer to move its lever arm to a fixed (safe) range of movement.
• At least three sub-maximums and one maximum repetition at every control speed or practice, so that the orientation of the axis can be controlled, smooth limb movement, the patient’s tolerance and familiarisation with each speed.
• The examined/practiced limb movement requires careful observation during the application and intervention, by modifying the program if needed.
• After the intense muscular exercise, the joint might be stimulated. In this case after exercise, stretching should be done and/or applying ice, bandaging and limb raising.

In addition to the above comments, we must keep in mind that isokinetic exercise without pain, produces increased muscular work, even when performed without enormous effort from the patient/athlete. Isokinetics, especially on high speeds of control/exercise, requires a tempo of the higher productive act/energy that muscles can produce. Cardiovascular ability is also required when large muscular groups are exercised.

What is therapeutic exercise?

Exercise plays an integral role in the recovery of function and the reduction of musculoskeletal injury risk, according to the literature. Modern medical research demonstrates strong evidence to support the use of therapeutic exercise, combined with patient education, as the most effective medicine in general, for the prevention, and treatment of a wide variety of injuries and pathologies!

“Therapeutic Exercise” is a fundamental part of physiotherapy that focuses on the aspects, both general or specific, of an individual’s physical status.

Think of physical state as a balanced diet that requires many different ingredients in order to be healthy some of them are:

• load management
• cardiovascular ability
• breathing control & respiratory capability
• stamina
• power/muscle endurance
• muscle tone
• muscular strength and flexibility
• kinaesthesia/proprioception/balance
• posture & core stability
• neuromuscular co-ordination & kinetic control
• biomechanics analysis & enhancement
• quality & function of movement patterns
• joint mobility
• nerve mobility
• nerve innervation ability
• brain plasticity (neuroplasticity) & function
• fear avoidance inhibition
• injury prevention

Therapeutic exercise is feasible as well for other aspects like resilience, the locus of control, etc that may be involved in the patient’s daily life limitations and can be affected with specific exercise tasks.

Therapeutic Exercise is commonly used, in conjunction with other physiotherapy approaches or alone, as a mean of treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and neuropathic disorders. It is also a major contributing factor to the long-term management of the patients.

Although exercise can be extremely beneficial for patients with certain injuries, it needs to be specified to the individual’s needs and cannot be used as a generic tool for everyone.

How is it done and what is needed?

Following a comprehensive clinical assessment, where any weaknesses, or possible malfunctions, are recorded through various clinical trials and strength assessments, appropriate specified exercises are been prescribed to solve the daily issues.

The appropriate therapeutic exercise plan consists of carefully selected exercises (general or specific) which are been adapted accordingly, to fully meet the needs and capabilities of each individual depending on the goal of the rehabilitation.

This ensures optimal gains, whilst the supervision by a specialized clinical physiotherapist during the performance, as well as the methodical monitoring of symptoms behavior, minimizes the likelihood of any symptoms aggravation.

How long will it take?

The overall duration of each rehabilitation can be differentiated by the following parameters:

• The starting point of each person. It is the level of overall and/or specific physical condition in which the individual is at the beginning of the program.
• The weekly availability and consistency during the execution of the program, whether it is an exercise under supervision or homework.
• Finally, regardless of the starting point, the parameter that determines the overall duration of the rehabilitation is the final goal of each individual and how many stages must be accomplished to get there.

Set your own goal and following a thorough evaluation, one of our specialized partners will guide you in your functional independence with an appropriately designed and customized rehabilitation program.

The Schroth Method is a physiotherapy approach to scoliosis treatment, which is based on exercises tailored to each patient’s spine curvature.

What is the Schroth Method?

The Schroth Method is a nonsurgical approach to scoliosis treatment. It uses customized exercises for each person with scoliosis in order to return the curved spine to a more natural position. The goal of Schroth exercises is to de-rotate, elongate and stabilize the spine in a three-dimensional plane.

This is achieved through physical therapy that focuses on:

• Restoring muscular symmetry and alignment of posture
• Breathing into the concave side of the body
• Teaching you to be aware of your posture and keep this posture in daily life.

What are Schroth exercises for scoliosis?

Scoliosis is a complex condition. From the back, it looks like a sideways curve in a C or an S shape. But what most people don’t see with a naked eye is how the vertebrae in the spine rotate as they form a curve. Spaces between the vertebrae may also become compressed in some areas and stretched in others. That’s why physical therapy for scoliosis requires a 3-D approach to address the curve from all angles. The spine rotation in scoliosis is different in each person. Schroth exercises are tailored to each person's unique curvature of the spine. The exercises can be performed while standing, sitting or lying down.

(Picture from https://scoliosisphysiotherapy.com.au/schroth-application/ )

What results can be expected after completing a Schroth program?

Most patients see visible improvement in the degree of their spine curvature after completing a Schroth program. Besides the correction of the curve, outcomes of a Schroth program may include:

• Improved posture
• Improved core stability and strength
• Easier breathing
• Less pain
• Improved overall movement pattern and function
• Improved self-management and understanding of the spine
• Better pelvis alignment

The main goal of Schroth's exercises is to prevent scoliosis from advancing. Depending on your age, bone maturity and the degree of curvature, bracing may also be a part of the treatment. Schroth-specific breathing complements the bracing as children are taught to breathe within their custom brace. Managing scoliosis with the Schroth Method and bracing may be an option for patients who want to avoid surgery. However, a long-term commitment to the Schroth guidelines is necessary to make this treatment successful.

If you are looking for further information on treatment for your scoliosis, do not hesitate to contact us and discuss further your case.