PSSE – Schroth method
by Nikos Karavidas
The latest advancement in Scoliosis and Kyphosis treatment
PSSE – Schroth is the latest advancement in scoliosis treatment, having a new curve type classification and innovative ideas for 3D concept of correction. It is a unique method that was recently introduced by Nikos Karavidas, for scoliosis and kyphosis treatment. The method is mainly based on the original Schroth method. Nikos was educated in all Schroth-based methods (Schroth ISST, Schroth Best Practice and BSPTS-Rigo Concept) and started giving courses since 2017.
The aim of PSSE – Schroth is to introduce a new way of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE), based on original Schroth method, by adapting some concepts from other PSSE schools, keeping their advantages, and improving their limitations, to create a unique method.
Nikos Karavidas Teaching Experience
Nikos Karavidas, MSc, PT
Chair of PSSE – Schroth method
Nikos Karavidas is a Physiotherapist, born on February 28th, 1985, in Athens. He established Schroth Scoliosis & Spine Clinic, a specialized center for conservative treatment of spinal deformities, like Scoliosis and Kyphosis.
He is the Inventor and Chair of PSSE – Schroth method (Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises), which is the latest development in scoliosis and kyphosis treatment. He gives educational courses in Greece and many other countries all over the world (more than 40 courses and 400 physiotherapists so far).
Nikos is member of the following scientific societies:
- Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) – Candidate Fellowship Member
- European Spine Society (Eurospine) – Program Committee Member & EDISC Faculty Member
- Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) – Scientific Committee Member
- International Research Society on Spinal Deformities (IRSSD) – Scientific Committee Member
- Hellenic Spine Society
- Panhellenic Physiotherapy Association
- Greek Scientific Association of Physiotherapists
Education in
PSSE - Schroth method
The aim of PSSE – Schroth was to introduce a new way of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises (PSSE), based on original Schroth method, by adapting some concepts from other PSSE schools, keeping their advantages, and improving their limitations, to create a unique method.
Teaching language for International courses is English but there are many courses in the local language. The completion of the educational plan will give an internationally recognized certification to Physiotherapists (PSSE-Schroth Therapist).
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
