PSSE-Schroth Courses &
International Certification Pathway
The PSSE-Schroth Academy provides a structured international education and certification pathway for physiotherapists specializing in Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) and the non-operative treatment of scoliosis, kyphosis and spinal deformities.
The educational pathway progresses from foundational knowledge to advanced clinical application, combining clinical assessment, algorithm-based curve classification, three-dimensional correction, individualized exercise prescription, clinical decision-making and functional stabilization, including the integration of selected Pilates principles and equipment at advanced levels.
Training progresses through the Basic Online Course, Level 1, Level 2 and Master Course, allowing physiotherapists to develop their knowledge and clinical skills through a structured educational pathway.
PSSE-Schroth Educational Pathway
- Basic Online Course
Foundation course introducing scoliosis and kyphosis assessment, conservative treatment principles and the fundamental concepts of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE). - Level 1 Course
Professional training for licensed physiotherapists focusing on PSSE-Schroth classification, three-dimensional correction and individualized scoliosis- and kyphosis-specific exercise prescription. - Level 2 Course
Advanced clinical training expanding treatment strategies and exercise progression, including supervised treatment of real patients and the integration of selected exercises using Pilates equipment. - Master Course
Advanced training focused on complex clinical decision-making, real-patient application and further development of functional stabilization of three-dimensional correction, including the use of Pilates equipment.
Why Train in the PSSE-Schroth Method?
PSSE-Schroth education goes beyond learning a predefined collection of scoliosis-specific exercises. The program is designed to develop the clinician’s ability to assess each patient, understand the individual characteristics of the spinal deformity and translate clinical and radiological findings into an individualized treatment strategy.
Through a structured educational pathway, physiotherapists develop skills in clinical reasoning, algorithm-based classification, three-dimensional correction, individualized exercise prescription and functional stabilization, progressing from fundamental principles to advanced clinical application.
Algorithm-Based Classification &
Clinical Decision-Making
PSSE-Schroth education goes beyond learning a predefined collection of scoliosis-specific exercises. The program is designed to develop the clinician’s ability to assess each patient, understand the individual characteristics of the spinal deformity and translate clinical and radiological findings into an individualized treatment strategy.
Through a structured educational pathway, physiotherapists develop skills in clinical reasoning, algorithm-based classification, three-dimensional correction, individualized exercise prescription and functional stabilization, progressing from fundamental principles to advanced clinical application.
- Three-Dimensional Self-Correction
Individualized strategies for three-dimensional correction address the specific characteristics of each curve pattern and are progressively integrated into active movement. - Corrective & Rotational Breathing
Scoliosis-specific breathing strategies are incorporated into three-dimensional correction and adapted according to individual treatment goals and curve characteristics. - Muscle Activation & Stabilization
Specific muscle activation strategies are used to support, maintain and progressively stabilize the achieved correction. - Therapist-Assisted Mobilization
Mobilization techniques can be combined with corrective breathing, positioning and active correction to facilitate the desired three-dimensional response.
- Individualized Exercise Prescription
Exercise selection and execution are adapted according to the PSSE-Schroth classification and individual correction strategy, rather than following a standardized exercise sequence. - Curve-Specific Treatment Strategies
Specific approaches are used for different curve presentations, including proximal thoracic, thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbar patterns. - Functional Integration
Correction is progressively transferred from specific corrective positions and exercises into functional movement, postural control and activities of daily living. - Pilates Integration
At advanced levels, selected exercises are applied on Pilates equipment, integrated within the PSSE-Schroth framework to expand exercise possibilities and facilitate mobility, neuromuscular control and functional stabilization of three-dimensional correction.
Structured International Education
The PSSE-Schroth educational program follows a progressive international training pathway, combining theoretical education, clinical reasoning and practical application. Each level builds upon the previous one, allowing physiotherapists to progress from foundational knowledge to increasingly advanced assessment and treatment skills.
Education emphasizes not only how corrective techniques are performed, but also why, when and for whom they should be selected, preparing clinicians to make informed and individualized treatment decisions.
- Comprehensive Theoretical Education
Training includes scoliosis and kyphosis assessment, clinical and radiological evaluation, prognostic factors, curve progression, treatment indications and principles of conservative spinal deformity management. - Structured Patient Assessment
A dedicated PSSE-Schroth Patient Evaluation Form provides a systematic framework for clinical and radiological assessment, classification and individualized treatment planning. - Progressive Clinical Training
Education progresses from foundational PSSE principles to advanced classification, correction strategies, exercise progression and complex clinical decision-making.
- Real-Patient Clinical Application
Advanced courses include supervised assessment and treatment of real patients, allowing participants to translate theoretical knowledge and treatment algorithms directly into clinical practice. - Interactive Live Education
The International Basic Online Course is delivered live via Zoom with an instructor, allowing interaction, discussion and clarification throughout the educational process. - International Educational Pathway
The structured pathway allows physiotherapists from different countries to progress through a consistent educational system toward advanced PSSE-Schroth training and certification.
Nikos Karavidas, MSc, PT
Founder of PSSE – Schroth method
Nikos Karavidas is a physiotherapist specializing in the non-operative treatment of scoliosis, kyphosis and spinal deformities, and the founder of the Schroth Scoliosis & Spine Clinic in Athens. He is the developer of the PSSE-Schroth method and leads its international educational program.
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 PSSE-Schroth.
Since 2017, he has been teaching scoliosis-specific education internationally, training physiotherapists in the assessment, classification and individualized conservative treatment of spinal deformities.
His educational approach places particular emphasis on clinical reasoning and the translation of scientific evidence into clinical practice, helping physiotherapists understand not only how to perform corrective techniques, but how to select and adapt them according to the individual patient.
Karavidas is actively involved in leading international scientific and professional organizations in spinal deformity and non-operative care, including the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), SOSORT, EUROSPINE and AO Spine.
