ISST-Schroth
course
Part I

In the first part of the course, participants will receive a general overview of the theoretical and practical aspects of the approach, as well as basic information about scoliosis.

Students will learn to recognize the characteristics of scoliosis, assess the degree of curvature, classify patients, and begin to develop thinking within the concept of "body blocks" and the necessary corrections in the planes around biomechanical axes.

Corrective breathing is an essential element in utilizing internal forces to improve functional activity and mobility in the concave areas of the deformed and altered trunk.

What will be on the course?

An important part of the learning process is proper patient positioning using simple support tools.
This allows for a transition from basic to deeper understanding and serves as the first step toward integrating ISST elements into everyday therapeutic practice.

Participants study basic corrections, including pelvic correction with basic tension and assisted shoulder traction.
Manual techniques will also be applied to teach proprioception and improve patients’ functional abilities.
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Basic three-dimensional stabilizing exercises in a stable position help restore physiological alignment.
An important component of the learning process is the adaptation and assimilation of standard exercise instructions to achieve automation during training.
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At the end of the first part of the course, participants will take a written exam.

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This training is common practice

Physical therapy

Physical therapist assistants

Doctor of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine

Learning Task

Between Part I and Part II, participants must prepare documentation of two clinical cases for two different patients.

Examination protocol

Positioning Chart

Photos of patients in a standing position (front, back, side, Adams test)

Basic corrections in the lying and sitting position

A therapeutic plan that includes:

3 corrective exercises
1 breathing exercise
2 mobilization technicians
2 home exercises

ISST-Schroth
course
Part II

Part II of the ISST-Schroth course deepens participants' knowledge by refining both the theoretical and practical aspects of the method.
The course will cover the King, Lenke, and Rigo classifications, as well as the basics of brace application in scoliosis treatment.
This part of the course completes the standardized therapeutic process — from physical assessment to the development of an individualized therapy plan that includes exercises, postural awareness training, and supportive manual techniques.
Basic exercises can be expanded into more functional and complex variations, allowing the therapy program to be adapted to the patient’s evolving physical capabilities.

What will be on the course?

Special attention will be paid to scoliosis in adults and elderly patients, in particular its relationship with lateralisthesis and pain syndrome. In this age group, pain is often a major factor requiring an integrated approach in the therapeutic program.

Practical sessions will be conducted in an independent work format under the supervision of an instructor. Participants will be able to discuss complex cases in a therapeutic team format.

A brief overview of the history of surgical treatment of scoliosis and modern surgical techniques, which will help therapists better understand possible intervention options and their consequences.

During the practical exam, the student must present a therapeutic plan for a hypothetical patient, including:

Therapy chart

Scoliometry data

A standardized exercise program

Assessment of risk of progression

In addition, the candidate must describe in detail the typical features of the patient and demonstrate the key elements of the therapeutic program.

This approach ensures high quality training of specialists and promotes the effective application of the ISST-Schroth method in clinical practice.

If you would like to join this course, fill out the form and we will contact you.

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Self-study

Students should familiarize themselves with the SOSORT 2016 guidelines for the treatment of scoliosis. The scientific journal Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders is an open source of information:

→ [www.scoliosisjournal.com]

Familiarization with the SOSORT 2011 recommendations will contribute to the understanding of various options for conservative treatment of scoliosis - from routine observation, active physiotherapy, partial or complete use of corsets to surgical intervention.

Working with the scientific materials of the journal Scoliosis and Spinal Disorders will allow participants to obtain up-to-date and extended information in the field of scoliosis research.

The purpose of homework and self-study:

- Learn how to independently use scoliosis assessment tools

- Practice assessing, preparing and documenting the therapeutic process specific to the treatment of scoliosis

- Prepare a clinical case presentation for Part II of the course, which will help integrate the program into daily practice

- Discuss the prospects and possible limitations of the approach

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Ethics and certification

The ISST-Basic Schroth Therapist certification confirms competence in the application of the method according to the concept of Katharina Schroth. It does not give the right to teach the method to other specialists.

Failure to comply with this rule may result in the loss of certification and the status of "ISST therapist". To obtain certification, the participant must successfully pass a written and practical exam after completing the basic courses Part I and Part II.