Schroth Method and Craniosacral Therapy for Scoliosis in New York City
A combined, exercise-first approach that pairs the Schroth Method with gentle Craniosacral Therapy (CST) to support posture, breathing mechanics, and comfort for people living with scoliosis — tailored to your curve pattern, age, and goals.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C. · Certified Craniosacral Therapist
Hands-on, non-invasive care in Midtown Manhattan, paired with home exercises so progress continues between visits.
What is this combined approach?
For scoliosis care in New York City, this program combines Schroth Method exercises — sometimes misspelled "Scroth Method" — with gentle Craniosacral Therapy (CST). In practice, it is a Physical Therapist and a Craniosacral-Therapy-trained Chiropractor working together, adding complementary synergies aimed at the potential of curve reversal.
The Schroth Method is a specialized, exercise-based regimen developed for scoliosis. It uses three-dimensional postural corrections, targeted stretching, and breathing techniques tailored to the individual. Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on approach designed to reduce muscle tension and fascial restriction around the spine and ribcage, and to help bring the body's fluids into the tight areas — the muscles surrounding the spine.
Together, the Physical Therapist and the Craniosacral Therapist form a comprehensive plan that includes in-office visits, corrective exercises, and breathing techniques. The shared goal is to improve posture and breathing mechanics, reduce pain, and support day-to-day function — with a plan built around your curve pattern, age, and goals.
Why pair Schroth with Craniosacral Therapy?
Schroth and CST work on the same problem from two directions. Schroth actively stretches and retrains the tight, overactive muscle groups, while CST is a gentle, hands-on practice that naturally relaxes the muscle tissue surrounding the spine and promotes the flow of vital fluids throughout the body. Used side by side, they aim to improve posture, reduce pain, and support everyday function.
How does the combined method work?
How scoliosis tightens the spinal muscles
In this model, scoliosis begins with a decrease in fluid flow to the connective tissues around the spine — the muscles, tendons, fascia, and ligaments. As fluid flow drops, these tissues become contracted and pull the spine out of alignment, causing it to curve.
This happens because the normal flow of fluid becomes stuck. Cerebrospinal fluid, which is produced in the brain's choroid plexus, is not adequately reaching the tissues and muscles. As a result, specific muscle groups surrounding the spine tighten. You can read more about how cerebrospinal fluid moves through the body on our how the body works page.
How the two therapies respond
The Schroth Method helps stretch these tight groups of muscles, and Craniosacral Therapy helps saturate those same holding muscles and associated tissues with fluid. By treating the spinal muscles and improving fluid circulation, combined with the Schroth stretching, many people realize significant improvement in scoliosis, a meaningful decrease in associated pain symptoms, and a lessening of the curve.
More specifically, the method targets tight and overactive muscle groups. Schroth positions and specific breathing patterns help stretch and retrain the muscles responsible for spinal rotation and rib prominence. CST complements this by applying gentle, sustained pressure that helps calm muscle guarding and enhances body awareness, which can make the exercises more manageable. Over time, you also develop self-management skills through home exercises and easy-to-follow cues that support your progress in daily life.
Please note: individual results vary and depend on consistency. This program is gentle, non-invasive, and complementary — it does not cure scoliosis, guarantee a specific outcome, or substitute for professional medical evaluation or treatment. If your curve is progressing, or you notice new pain, numbness, weakness, or breathing difficulty, see your physician or specialist promptly.
Your plan at our New York City clinic
We design a personalized treatment plan that sets the frequency of visits and the progression of your exercises. A typical starting plan looks like this:
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1Weeks 1–6: initial phaseWeekly sessions focused on Schroth Method training, corrective set-ups, and breathing techniques.
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2Week 4–6 onward: add CSTWeekly Craniosacral Therapy sessions begin while you continue your at-home Schroth exercises.
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3After the initial phase: maintainMonthly check-ins for Schroth, with CST as required. At-home care includes daily micro-sessions of 20–40 minutes to solidify progress, plus a written plan for reference. For children, active involvement from a parent or guardian is crucial to support the home practice.
What to expect in a session
Each visit blends assessment, curve-specific instruction, and gentle manual care. A typical appointment moves through four stages:
- Assessment: a look at your posture, breathing pattern, movement, and goals.
- Schroth instruction: curve-specific set-ups with elongation, de-rotation, and rotational angular breathing.
- CST segment: gentle, hands-on work to ease restrictions in the back, ribs, diaphragm, neck, and pelvis.
- Home program: simple, trackable exercises and posture cues, along with progress metrics you can follow between visits.
Results you can work toward
- Improved postural endurance and body-symmetry awareness
- Freer breathing mechanics and rib mobility
- Less day-to-day tightness or discomfort
CST is described as a gentle, light-touch, hands-on approach, so it is intended to pair comfortably with active Schroth exercise. You can learn more about the gentle hands-on methods used in the office on our myofascial release page.
The goals above are targets you can work toward, not promised outcomes. Progress depends on the nature of your curve, your age, and how consistently you practice. CST and Schroth do not replace medical diagnosis, imaging, or treatment from your physician or scoliosis specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Schroth Method effective for scoliosis?
The Schroth Method is widely recognized for enhancing posture, breathing patterns, and comfort in individuals with scoliosis. It is an exercise-oriented approach, and individual results vary.
What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST)?
CST is a gentle manual therapy method focused on easing tension in the fascia and muscles, often helping clients feel more relaxed during their exercises. It is complementary and does not replace medical care.
How many visits will I need?
Clients generally start with weekly sessions for about 6 to 9 weeks and then transition to bi-weekly follow-ups. The exact frequency varies based on individual goals, age, and the characteristics of the spinal curve.
Do you work with teens and adults in New York City?
Yes. The program serves both adolescents and adults across NYC neighborhoods, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Schedule your scoliosis consultation in New York City
The program combines in-office Schroth Method instruction with Craniosacral Therapy, plus home-care recommendations to complement your in-session work. Active participation from you or your child is essential to get the most from the plan. Call or send a request and the office will follow up about availability and next steps.