Info for Doctors

Referral process

Although patients can access our services directly, we do welcome referrals.

Please, fax your referral to:
Curvy Spine
10041 81 AVE NW
Edmonton AB
T6E 1W7
Tel: (780) 619—8603
Fax: (780) 469—9949

In addition to the referral, we require scoliosis-specific x-rays.

Please, fill out the requisition form (use this form) with the following text: “a scoliosis and kyphosis full spine PA and lateral views x-ray” to allow for the appropriate radiological assessment of the patient’s condition.

It is required that the x-ray be done at the University of Alberta Diagnostic Imaging Centre, on the ground floor of the Main Hospital, room 1C1. The x-ray can be taken Mon-Fri 7:30 to 3:30 pm. The patients should request the images be sent to us, Curvy Spine clinic, for a continuous care with our clinic.

Thank you for your referral! Please, read on about the Schroth method, research and what we can do for patients with scoliosis, kyphosis and other spinal disorders.

Scoliosis is a three-dimensional deformity of the spine that affects 3% to 60%, of general population depending on severity and age. The most common signs of scoliosis include trunk and pelvis asymmetry, a rib and a lumbar hump, as well as a shoulder and/or hip that sticks out. Scoliosis is a life-long condition, and if left untreated continues to progress in adulthood when the symptoms, such as back pain, problems breathing, osteoarthritis, psychological issues, and a decreased quality of life become more apparent.
Schroth physiotherapeutic scoliosis specific exercises (PSSE) are neuromuscular rehabilitation exercises aimed at recalibrating the static and dynamic posture affected by scoliosis. Exercises are performed in lying, sitting, standing and walking. Where appropriate, the treatment may include manual therapy and active exercise provided by a certified Schroth therapist.

The main goal of Schroth therapy is to:

  • prevent or slow down the progression of scoliosis or kyphosis curvature
  • improve pain and signs and symptoms of scoliosis
  • provide support for bracing if indicated

Schroth method therapy consists of:

patient education to learn how scoliosis affects their own posture,
• tailored scoliosis-specific postural and breathing exercises,
• adjusted activities of daily living to assure that the patient spends the most time as possible outside of the curve, and
• stabilization of the new dynamic postural habits.

Our clients frequently come due to back pain, neck pain, hip pain, body aches and discomfort or concerns about posture and body image issues.

Research has shown that Schroth PSSE treatment improves pain, body image, back muscle endurance, pulmonary function, trunk rotation and other common signs and symptoms.

Please, refer to the research conducted at the University of Alberta, as part of Dr. Sanja Schreiber’s PhD work.

Other recent research studies and reviews on the effect of the Schroth method include:

In addition, there is a number of ongoing trials investigating the effect of the Schroth method for scoliosis, both in children and adults:

Clinicaltrials.gov studies on the Schroth method for scoliosis – https://tinyurl.com/y6askh3k