Following more than two decades of extreme back pain, Jean, 69, of Nuneaton, can quite literally jump for joy thanks to the treatment she has received at a Suffolk clinic, Scoliosis SOS.  Jean has a condition known as Scoliosis, excessive curvature of the spine, a condition that affects over three percent of the population, which had all but immobilised her.

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Jean heard about the clinic through her sister who lives close by.  It opened just a year ago, and has since brought relief to hundreds of sufferers.  It is one of only three clinics in the World to offer a programme using the Katharina Schroth method and is designed to help people with scoliosis, hyper-kyphosis and hyper-lordosis using a carefully tailored exercise programme.  The usual treatment for this condition is surgery, which often fails to alleviate the pain.  The programme offered at Scoliosis SOS. is the only scientifically proven non-surgical alternative to an operation.

“It took years for me to be diagnosed,” said Jean, who had existed on prescription medications and painkillers for decades.  “Various medical professionals said it was due to my height or to sporting activities, and when I was finally diagnosed, it was relief to give the condition a name.  It was even more of a relief to find out about the clinic.  The lady who started it and one of the clinic’s therapists both have scoliosis, and although the programme was tough, I have really reaped the benefits.”

“There is no cure for scoliosis.  Surgery can straighten the spine, but leaves scarring and does not always control or alleviate pain but instead can increase it, also following spinal fusion the condition can still progress.  Following Jean’s treatment to maintain the benefits she has achieved, half an hour’s exercise daily is all that is needed, which is typical for most patients,” said Erika Maude, principal and founder of Scoliosis S.O.S.

Jean can now stand upright, walk normally and do her gardening, things which had become almost impossible before the treatment.  She has grown taller by 1cm and feels trimmer and fitter because of the regular exercise./ends

Notes to editors
Europe’s first English speaking clinic
Based in Suffolk, Scoliosis SOS is the world’s first English speaking clinic offering non-surgical treatment based on the internationally renowned Katharina Schroth method. Founded by Erika Maude, following her own treatment for scoliosis at the Quera Salva clinic, Barcelona, Erika has now brought this unique, non invasive treatment to the UK. Treatment has been proven to be effective in patients from 8 years old through to 80+.

Surgery as the only remedy – until now
Currently, for most people living with scoliosis in the UK major surgery is their only option.  Devised more than thirty years ago with the invention of the Harrington Rod, this risky operation involves placing and securing two stainless-steel rods either side of the spine.  In addition, the procedure is accompanied by a spinal fusion to solidify the spine in the straightened position. The operation carries with it all the risks of major surgery, along with many side affects such as breathing problems and continuing pain. It does not minimise any ‘prominences’ the patient may have, nor can it alter any twisting of the shoulder blades or shifting of the hips that may have occurred.  In many cases, it is twenty-five or thirty years down the line that the problems created by surgery come to light.
The Clinic
All medical staff at the Scoliosis SOS clinic are fully trained in the Katharina Schroth method. The medical team is headed by a resident doctor, who is responsible for each patient’s treatment and who works alongside the centre’s dedicated therapists. In addition, patients are taken through the theory behind the condition, ensuring they fully understand what Scoliosis is, and how they can live with it.
All the clinic’s therapists are Chartered and State registered. This means they are registered with the Health Professions Council and are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists.
The clinic has been purposely designed for the treatment of scoliotics and can treat up to 40 patients at any one time.

The Katharina Schroth method
The Katharina Schroth method has been used successfully in Europe since 1921. The only two other dedicated clinics offering the Schroth method are in Germany and Spain, both of which are working to full capacity.
Patients usually attend the clinic for a four-week course of treatment. This can either be in one single four-week block or two blocks of two-weeks, to fit around the patient’s work or school schedule.  Upon returning home daily practice for 30 minutes is all that is necessary to maintain the improved postural balance.