PSSE-Schroth method:
A Modern Evidence-Based Approach
to Scoliosis and Kyphosis Treatment
The PSSE-Schroth method by Nikos Karavidas is a modern Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE) approach for the individualized, non-operative treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis. Built upon the fundamental principles of the original Schroth method, it integrates contemporary scientific evidence with advanced clinical reasoning and selected concepts from other established PSSE schools.
PSSE-Schroth expands the traditional exercise-based approach through the integration of functional movement and selected Pilates principles and equipment, alongside three-dimensional self-correction, scoliosis-specific breathing, postural control and stabilization. The aim is to provide clinicians with a comprehensive and adaptable framework that translates evidence and clinical reasoning into individualized treatment.
The PSSE-Schroth method meets the criteria for Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) described by the Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS).
Developed by Nikos Karavidas, the method reflects extensive clinical experience and training across the major Schroth-based approaches, including Schroth ISST, Schroth Best Practice and the BSPTS-Rigo Concept. Karavidas has been teaching scoliosis-specific education internationally since 2017 and is actively involved in international scientific and professional organizations dedicated to spinal deformity and non-operative care, including SRS, SOSORT, EUROSPINE and AO Spine.
At the core of the PSSE-Schroth method is an algorithm-based approach to assessment, classification and treatment. The method introduces its own curve-type classification system, structured clinical decision-making algorithms and specific algorithms for overcorrection, allowing treatment strategies to be individualized according to each patient’s spinal deformity and clinical presentation.
PSSE-Schroth
Teaching Experience
from more than 50 countries
Nikos Karavidas, MSc, PT
Founder and Chair of the PSSE-Schroth Method
Nikos Karavidas is a physiotherapist specializing in the non-operative treatment of scoliosis, kyphosis and spinal deformities. He is the founder of the Schroth Scoliosis & Spine Clinic in Athens and the developer of the PSSE-Schroth method, a modern evidence-based approach to Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) for the individualized treatment of scoliosis and kyphosis.
Having trained in the major Schroth-based approaches, including Schroth ISST, Schroth Best Practice and the BSPTS-Rigo Concept, he has combined extensive clinical experience, international education and scientific research in the development and continuous evolution of the PSSE-Schroth method.
Since 2017, Nikos has been teaching scoliosis-specific education internationally, training physiotherapists from around the world in the assessment and individualized conservative treatment of spinal deformities.
He is actively involved in leading international scientific and professional organizations dedicated to spinal deformity, scoliosis research, education and non-operative spine care, including the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), SOSORT, EUROSPINE and AO Spine.
Scientific Societies & Professional Involvement
Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
Active Member (since 2025) · Comprehensive Care Committee Member (2024–2026) · SRS LEAD Program (2025–2026) · IMAST Committee Abstract Reviewer (2026–2027)
EUROSPINE – The Spine Society of Europe
EDISC Faculty Member (since 2021) · Scientific Program Committee Member (2024-2026) · Nomination Committee Member (2025) · Education Committee Member (2026-2028)
Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT)
Scientific Committee Member (since 2017) · Awards Committee Member (2025)
International Research Society on Spinal Deformities (IRSSD)
Scientific Committee Member (2024)
British Scoliosis Society (BSS)
Member (since 2025)
AO Spine
Member (since 2026)
Hellenic Spine Society
Member (since 2013)
Panhellenic Physiotherapy Association
Member (since 2007)
Greek Scientific Association of Physiotherapists
Member (since 2008)
The official registration of the PSSE–Schroth Method by Nikos Karavidas with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) marks a milestone in recognizing integrity, evidence-based practice, and innovation in non-operative scoliosis care. Despite facing unjust actions and misinformation from certain individuals within the scoliosis community, our commitment remains unwavering: to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, transparency, and scientific progress. Built on years of teaching, research, and clinical experience, the PSSE–Schroth Method continues to grow worldwide—delivering education in over 20 countries and certifying nearly 1500 therapists from more than 50 countries. Guided by professionalism and ethical values, we stand for truth, science, and unity in advancing the future of scoliosis-specific physiotherapy.
International PSSE-Schroth
Education & Certification
The PSSE-Schroth Academy provides a structured international education and certification pathway for physiotherapists who want to specialize in scoliosis-specific physiotherapy and the conservative treatment of spinal deformities.
The educational program combines theoretical knowledge, clinical assessment and practical application, with a strong emphasis on clinical reasoning, algorithm-based curve classification, individualized exercise prescription and treatment decision-making.
PSSE-Schroth Educational Pathway
Basic Online Course
The foundation of PSSE-Schroth education, introducing scoliosis and kyphosis assessment, conservative treatment principles and the fundamental concepts of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE).
Level 1 Course
The first stage of professional PSSE-Schroth training for licensed physiotherapists, focusing on classification, three-dimensional correction and the individualized application of scoliosis- and kyphosis-specific exercises.
Level 2 Course
Advanced clinical training for physiotherapists who have completed Level 1, expanding treatment strategies and exercise progression. Participants gain hands-on clinical experience through two hours of supervised treatment with real patients each day and are introduced to the application of PSSE-Schroth exercises using Pilates equipment.
Master Course
Advanced education for Level 1 and Level 2 graduates, with emphasis on complex clinical decision-making and the practical application of PSSE-Schroth principles with real patients. The course further develops the functional stabilization of three-dimensional correction through Pilates equipment, integrating corrective strategies into more advanced and functional exercise applications.
From Education to Clinical Application
PSSE-Schroth education is designed not simply to teach a collection of exercises, but to develop the therapist’s ability to assess, classify and treat each patient individually.
Through a progressive educational pathway, physiotherapists learn how to translate three-dimensional correction principles, clinical and radiological findings, prognostic factors and treatment algorithms into safe, effective and individualized clinical practice.
Strengths of PSSE - Schroth method:
Classification
Easy and Accurate Classification to describe all curve types, just 3 simple questions need to be answered
Important to give the proper information to the therapist on how to accordingly treat their patients
Concept of Overcorrection, the decision for + / – is based on clinical, radiological and prognostic criteria and is taken from the initial classification
Maximum correction for curve types when recommended, avoidance when it is risky for creating compensations (double and balanced curves)
Avoid dilemmas on how to classify and treat curve types that are balanced (thoracic and lumbar)
Avoid dilemmas on how to classify and treat curve types when pelvis is almost balanced
Avoid dilemmas on how to classify and treat curve types when you are not sure whether thoracic is structural or not
Avoid dilemmas on how to treat Th-Lu curve types with Apex T12/L1
Practical Application
Treat your patient Precisely and Safely to get the maximum effect of exercises based on their curve type
Innovative concepts of 3D correction
New Terminology with perfect accuracy on describing the body blocks and the concepts of correction
New ideas for Corrective/Rotational Breathing
New techniques for Muscle Activation (Thoracic Counter Traction on L-side, Shoulder Counter Traction on T-side)
New concepts of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Training, based on PSSE-Schroth classification
New exercises and different execution of already existed Schroth exercises, based on curve type classification
New ideas for Mobilisations by the therapist, combination of Corrective Breathing with mobilisations
Special emphasis on Proximal Thoracic Scoliosis and new concepts of correction
Special emphasis on Thoracolumbar curves (Ventral Flat Zone on L-side, new ideas of correction)
Educational Plan
Proper duration for education (9 days to start applying the method in every type – 15 days for final certification)
Unique Patient Evaluation Form for clinical and radiological assessment of patients with scoliosis and kyphosis
High quality of theoretical education (clinical assessment and evaluation tools, prognosis, radiological measurements, pathomechanism of progression etc.)
Basic course Online by live teaching on Zoom with an Instructor
For more information about PSSE-Schroth method
you can watch for free our webinar
