Schroth Method for Scoliosis in New York City
An exercise-first program that pairs the Schroth Method with gentle craniosacral therapy (CST). The goal is better posture, easier breathing and more comfort for teens and adults with scoliosis. Your plan is built around your curve, age and goals.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C. · Certified Craniosacral Therapist · Licensed chiropractor since 2000
Hands-on, non-invasive care in Midtown Manhattan. Plus home exercises, so progress keeps going between visits.
What is this combined approach?
This program combines Schroth Method exercises (sometimes misspelled "Scroth") with gentle craniosacral therapy. A physical therapist and a chiropractor trained in craniosacral therapy work together. The aim is for each method to boost the other. Curve reversal is the long-term goal.
The Schroth Method is an exercise program made for scoliosis. Katharina Schroth, a German teacher who wore a brace as a teen, created it about a century ago. It uses 3D posture corrections, targeted stretching and breathing, all fit to the person. Craniosacral therapy is gentle, hands-on care. It aims to ease muscle tension around the spine and rib cage. It also aims to help bring fluid into tight muscles.
Together, the physical therapist and the craniosacral therapist build one plan. It includes office visits, corrective exercises and breathing work. The shared goal is better posture and breathing, less pain and easier daily life.
Why pair Schroth with craniosacral therapy?
The two methods work on the same problem from two sides. Schroth stretches and retrains tight, overworked muscles. CST gently relaxes the muscles around the spine and supports fluid flow. Used together, they aim to improve posture, ease pain and help with everyday life.
What the research says
In a 2016 randomized trial, teens with scoliosis who added Schroth exercises to their usual care had better curve measurements after six months. They did better than teens who got usual care alone. Still, exercise may not be enough on its own during fast growth spurts. Some teens also need a brace. Your doctor or scoliosis specialist should guide that choice.
How does the combined method work?
How scoliosis tightens the spinal muscles
In this model, scoliosis starts when less fluid reaches the tissues around the spine. These are the muscles, tendons, fascia and ligaments. As flow drops, these tissues tighten. They pull the spine out of line and cause it to curve.
Cerebrospinal fluid is made in a part of the brain called the choroid plexus. In this view, when the fluid doesn't reach the tissues well, some muscle groups around the spine tighten. You can read more about how this fluid moves on our how the body works page.
How the two therapies respond
Schroth stretches these tight muscle groups. CST aims to bring fluid back into the same muscles and tissues. Together, the goal is better posture, less pain and a smaller curve.
Schroth positions and breathing stretch and retrain the muscles that twist the spine and raise the rib hump. CST adds gentle, steady pressure. It calms tight, guarded muscles and builds body awareness, which can make the exercises easier. Over time, you learn home exercises and simple cues to keep progress going.
Results vary and depend on how often you practice. This program is gentle and non-invasive, and it works with your medical care. It does not cure scoliosis, guarantee a result or replace a medical exam or treatment. If your curve gets worse, or you notice new pain, numbness, weakness or trouble breathing, see your doctor or specialist soon.
Your plan at our New York City office
We design a personal plan. It sets how often you visit and how your exercises progress. A typical starting plan looks like this:
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1Weeks 1 to 6: getting startedWeekly Schroth sessions focused on training, corrective set-ups and breathing.
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2After week 6: adding CSTWeekly craniosacral therapy sessions begin, and Schroth sessions move to every two weeks.
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3Every day: practice at homeShort daily sessions of 20 to 40 minutes help lock in progress. You get a written plan to follow. For children, a parent's active help with home practice is key.
What to expect in a session
Each visit blends a check-in, exercise coaching for your curve and gentle hands-on care. A typical appointment has four parts:
- Assessment: a look at your posture, breathing, movement and goals.
- Schroth instruction: set-ups for your curve, with lengthening, untwisting and rotational breathing.
- CST segment: gentle, hands-on work to ease tension in the back, ribs, diaphragm, neck and pelvis.
- Home program: simple exercises and posture cues you can track between visits.
Results you can work toward
- Better posture that lasts, and a better sense of how your body lines up.
- Freer breathing and rib movement.
- Less day-to-day tightness or discomfort.
CST is gentle, light-touch care, so it pairs well with active Schroth exercise. Learn more about the gentle hands-on methods used in the office on our myofascial release page.
These are goals to work toward, not promised results. Progress depends on your curve, your age and how often you practice. CST and Schroth don't replace a diagnosis, imaging or treatment from your doctor or scoliosis specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Schroth Method effective for scoliosis?
Schroth is widely used to improve posture, breathing and comfort in people with scoliosis. In a 2016 randomized trial, teens who added Schroth to their usual care had better curve results. It's based on exercise, and results vary.
What is craniosacral therapy (CST)?
CST is a gentle, hands-on method that eases tension in the fascia and muscles. This often helps people feel more relaxed during their exercises. It works with medical care and doesn't replace it.
How many visits will I need?
Most people start with weekly Schroth sessions for 6 weeks. After that, CST starts weekly and Schroth moves to every two weeks. Your exact schedule depends on your goals, your age and your curve.
Is Schroth covered by insurance?
Dr. Bawa has her own practice and bills separately, so ask her office about coverage for her sessions. For CST, this office doesn't take insurance. You'll get an itemized superbill to send to your plan. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
My child was flagged at a school screening. What should we do?
New York schools screen girls in grades 5 and 7 and boys in grade 9. They send a letter home if a follow-up is needed. Start with your pediatrician for an exam and any imaging. Then a visit here can show if this program is a good fit.
Do you work with teens and adults across New York City?
Yes. The program serves teens and adults from all over NYC, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. Sessions take place at the Midtown Manhattan office at 36 East 36th Street, Suite 201. Evening hours run until 9pm Monday to Thursday.
Schedule your scoliosis consultation in New York City
The program combines in-office Schroth coaching with craniosacral therapy. Home exercises build on your sessions. Active effort from you or your child is key to getting the most from the plan. Call or text, or send a request, and the office will follow up about open times and next steps.