After almost a decade of back pain, Roz Couch, 37, has avoided major surgery and helped herself to a better back following revolutionary treatment at Scoliosis SOS, a Suffolk clinic dedicated to treating scoliosis through a tailored exercise programme.

Roz has a condition known as scoliosis, excessive curvature of the spine, a condition that affects around three percent of the population, which often becomes apparent in teen years.  Normal treatment is to wait until the curve becomes severe and then operate, involving metal rods being inserted down either side of the spine

At thirteen Roz’s ballet teacher noticed that her hips were out of line and she was diagnosed a few months later. For two years, Roz wore a back brace fitted from her chest to the top of the thigh for twenty three hours a day.

When the back brace was removed, Roz continued to experience debilitating back pain each day.  After trying various methods of pain relief, from Pilates through to hot water bottles, Roz discovered the Scoliosis SOS clinic on the internet.

Founded and run by Erika Maude, who has scoliosis herself, the clinic opened a year ago and has since brought relief to hundreds of sufferers.  It is one of only three clinics in Europe to offer a programme using the Katharina Schroth method, a series of scoliosis specific exercises which have been practiced for more than eighty years. 

Following four weeks intensive treatment at the clinic, Roz no longer experiences any pain during the week and completes the exercises that the clinic prescribed for half an hour each day.

“You have to work hard at the exercises and be committed” said Roz. “You get out what you put in. Remember that you’re working collapsed muscles so there will be some initial pain when you’re starting the exercises. There were tears and laughter at the clinic – it’s emotional too as everyone is away from home and tired at first. But it really is a life changing experience as you leave there with a new routine and a new way of sitting, standing and walking programmed into your brain.”

Roz continued: “My advice to scoliosis sufferers is to go to the clinic and at least see what options are available. Go for the consultation and see what you think – you won’t get this information anywhere else. There’s so much on offer to help scoliosis, it doesn’t have to be surgery – just be aware that there are choices out there. Scoliosis SOS has worked for me and has been truly life changing – for the better. I feel I have a new outlook on life and am able to take control of my condition.”/ ends

Notes to editors
What is Scoliosis?
Three-dimensional condition of the spine, where there is a lateral deviation of the normal vertical line of the spine, which when measured using the Cobb angle on an X-ray, is greater than 10 degrees. Scoliosis consists of a lateral curvature of the spine with rotation of the vertebrae within the curve and a change in the sagittal (sideways) profile of the spine.

Who suffers from it?
It is estimated that 3% of the population have the condition. 80% of cases are idiopathic (of unknown cause) and most scoliosis develops during the adolescent growth spurt. It can sometimes be hereditary.

World’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 35 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 4-week course of treatment. This can either be in one single 4-week block or two blocks of 2-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.
For further information please contact:
Zed PR
sos@zedpr.co.uk
01189 698966
Or
Scoliosis SOS
http://www.scoliosissos.com/
Scoliosis SOS Ltd., Top Street, Martlesham, Suffolk, IP12 4RB England.
Tel: +44(0)1394 389 670