- Active teenager diagnosed with scoliosis at thirteen following months of pain
- Booked in for major surgery by consultant
- Finds ‘another way’ to manage the condition through exercise and avoids operation

A 14 year old Warwickshire teenager, is hoping to have avoided major back surgery by practising a daily exercise routine prescribed by a ground-breaking Suffolk clinic, Scoliosis SOS. Sarah* (name has been changed) has a condition known as scoliosis, excessive curvature of the spine, a condition that affects more than two percent of the population.

With her lower back pain passed off in earlier years as ‘growing pains’, when she was twelve, Sarah’s* dance teacher suggested that she seek medical advice as one of Sarah’s* shoulder blades was higher than the other. Following an appointment with an osteopath (a former surgeon), who did try to help, but wasn’t able to give enough information about how the condition was likely to progress, Sarah’s* condition began to deteriorate, with the pain getting worse as her spine became more curved.

Sarah* leads a very active life and is a member of an athletics club where she runs, does long jump and hurdles twice a week and has also enjoyed performing in ballet shows since the age of two.  Unfortunately Sarah* has been unable to compete recently as she has been too busy going for consultations and treatments up and down the country.

“People started pointing it out and asking what was wrong. I just shrugged them off, willing it to go away and wanting to be normal,” said Sarah*.

It was an obscure chain that took Judith to the clinic.  She saw a therapist, Roger, who told her family immediately that he couldn’t help but was a vital signpost to Gisela Gibbon, a natural holistic health practitioner and my oskeletal alignment therapist who recommended the clinic, Scoliosis SOS.

Whilst the family continued to research options, within the NHS system, Sarah’s* GP had referred her to the hospital for some X-rays – and the hospital surgeon had made it clear that surgery was the only option.

“Although I was petrified, it sounded OK - until he mentioned two downsides,” Sarah remembers. “The first, as with any major surgery, was a risk of it not working, or infection or, with this particular operation, a slim chance of getting paralyzed. The other was that, because of the severity and type of my scoliosis, he was planning on putting rods all the way down my spine, so my flexibility would be seriously decreased. I dance every week and do athletics training all through the year. I enjoy the competitions and I knew if I had the surgery, none of this would be an option anymore.”

Although on the waiting list for surgery, Sarah* visited Scoliosis SOS for a consultation.  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 the world to offer a programme based on the Katharina Schroth method, designed to help people with scoliosis using a carefully tailored exercise programme.

Sarah* signed up for a four week intensive rehabilitation course – turning down the operation when the hospital called. The Scoliosis SOS regime was six hours of exercise a day, five days a week, with a one hour lunch break.

“I am comfortable and confident now. I had a real sense of achievement when I left and realized that I control my body: my body doesn’t control me or my life,” said Sarah*. “The pain has gradually subsided. I can still do my athletics and dance and wear the clothes I want. I have no scar and I am in control. These exercises will carry me through life and although I don’t need to revisit the centre I will definitely keep in contact with it and go back for a check up in six months.”/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.

English speaking clinic
Based in Suffolk, Scoliosis SOS offers 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, 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.

The clinic has developed this method and incorporated best practice from around the world to offer patients a uniquely effective non surgical relief programme.
Upon returning home daily practice for 30 minutes is all that is necessary to maintain the improved postural balance.
For further information please contact:
Zara Shirwan at Zed PR
sos@zedpr.co.uk
01189 698966
http://www.scoliosissos.com/