Comprehensive Physiotherapy Management Using Schroth Exercise in Adult Structural Scoliosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Scoliosis is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by a lateral curvature greater than 10° accompanied by vertebral rotation, which may result in functional limitations, pain, and reduced quality of life. Physiotherapy plays a key role in conservative management, particularly through Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE), including the Schroth method.

Objective: This case report aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of multimodal physiotherapy incorporating Schroth-based PSSE in improving functional outcomes and reducing symptoms in an adult patient with structural scoliosis and delayed treatment history.

Methods: A 25-year-old female with S-type structural scoliosis underwent comprehensive physiotherapy assessment, including physical examination, postural analysis, and functional testing. The intervention consisted of electrotherapy, manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, gait training, pelvic control, and Schroth-based PSSE. Outcomes were measured using Manual Muscle Testing (MMT), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and functional performance during stair negotiation.

Results: Muscle strength improved from grade 4− to 4 across all assessed muscle groups. Pain scores remained 0 for both movement and rest, while tenderness decreased from 9 to 8 on the VAS. Functional performance improved, particularly in stair ascent and descent, indicating enhanced balance and postural control.

Conclusion: Multimodal physiotherapy incorporating Schroth-based PSSE demonstrated short-term improvements in muscle strength and functional performance in adult structural scoliosis. However, pain reduction was limited, indicating the need for longer intervention duration and follow-up.