Senior Schroth therapist & Instructor|Owner

Sanja – Currently not accepting new patients

The Schroth method works! However, there is a lack of trained physiotherapists in the Schroth method. Therefore, at this time, I am focused on teaching the Schroth method to physiotherapists around the world so that as many therapists as possible can provide an appropriate treatment to patients with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, and other spinal disorders. You can read more about the Schroth courses here, and see my teaching schedule here.

Sanja’s Bio

​​​​I have dedicated all my clinical and research career to treating children and adults with scoliosis and kyphosis. I strongly believe that there is no such thing as one-treatment-fits-all and that a patient care must be personalized on all levels.

Trained as a kinesitherapist, I started my career in a clinic for sports medicine. My caseload were children with scoliosis, Scheuermann’s kyphosis, people with non-specific low back pain and elderly with various musculoskeletal problems. I worked with people at the clinic, in the fitness centres and in the pool. I used various treatment modalities including kinesitherapy, Klapp’s exercises, pilates, yoga and hydrotherapy modalities. While, the results with other patients populations were generally satisfactory, I knew that there was more that could be done for people living with scoliosis.

My research on scoliosis led me to Germany to the “Asklepios Katharina Schroth Clinic“, where I trained to become a Schroth therapist. Finally, I had proper tools in my treating toolbox! The results that people who I worked with observed were amazing and I was forever hooked on the Schroth.

During my MSc studies while also working clinically, I assessed postural status of 869 schoolchildren looking to answer whether there are differences in postural deviations (namely, lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis) between athlete and non-athlete boys and girls aged 10-14. For those interested, there was no difference, suggesting that postural deviations are equally distributed among children of that age.

Next, I wanted to test the Schroth exercises in a randomized controlled trial. The path led me to Edmonton, to UofA, where we demonstrated the positive effects of the Schroth treatment! The results were published in multiple scientific articles and have attracted public interest.

As a International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy (ISST) Instructor, I am excited to offer training for physiotherapists who wish to be trained in the Schroth method.

When I am with you, expect to see me hanging off of a wall bar trying to capture the best shot of your amazing alignment, or getting super excited about your report of “no pain” and a perfect self-correction. 🙂 When I come to the clinic, I feel motivated because I know that I will have the opportunity to help someone.

Education/Certification

ISST (International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy) Instructor, 2016
BSPTS C1, 2017
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Paediatrics – Alberta Research Centre for Health Evidence (ARCHE), U of Alberta, 2015 – 2016
Ph.D., Rehabilitation Science, U of Alberta, 2014
M.Sc., Sports Medicine & Kinesiotherapy, U of Novi Sad, 2009
ISST Schroth Therapist, Asklepios Katharina Schroth Klinik, Germany, 2008
B.Sc., Phys Ed. – Graduated Kinesiotherapist, U of Novi Sad, 2005​

Affiliations/Committee Memberships

Adjunct Professor at the Department of Physical Therapy, University of Alberta, 2017
International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Board member since 2019
International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Scientific Committee member since 2018
International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Education Committee Chair since 2016
International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Guidelines Committee member 2015 – contributed to development of new SOSORT 2016 Guidelines on conservative treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

ISST Schroth Therapist

Amanda

During my Physical Therapy program, scoliosis was only briefly mentioned, and I felt that there was so much more than that. Shadowing Sanja at Curvy Spine and observing the benefits from the Schroth therapy that patients were experiencing, sparked my interest
in helping individuals with scoliosis. This led me to complete my training as a ISST Schroth Therapist with Sanja. I am passionate about education, and during my undergraduate studies, I have worked with grade 4 to 6 children with disabilities and their parents trying to find the best ways for them to succeed academically. Education is an important part of the Schroth treatment, and I am excited to be a part of the Curvy Spine team, where we focus on educating patients with scoliosis how to best manage their condition.

Previously, I was working with individuals with various injuries return to work and improve their functional tolerances through active rehabilitation programs. I also have extensive experience in working with people with low back pain using different modalities, from movement to biomedical dry needling, which may help releasing tight muscles that may be restricting range of motion of a joint.

My hobbies/activities include crafts, painting, yoga, racket sports, and being out and about with my Golden Retriever, Yoshi.

I enjoy working with children of all ages in addition to the adult population. I believe in individualized treatment plans based on curve patterns and your personal rehabilitation goals. I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey!

Education/Certification

ISST Schroth Therapist, 2019, ISST Schroth Institute
Biomedical dry needling certified since January 2017
Completed Part A of the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy that focuses on the lumbar spine in February 2016
MSc. Physical Therapy December 2015, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Bachelor of Education, Special Education Minor 2012, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB

ISST Schroth therapist

Ravinder

​I am very excited to be part of the Curvy Spine team! Ever since a young age I have been fascinated by the intelligence, complexity and miraculous nature of the human body. My heart is also one of service. This led me to pursue a career in physiotherapy.
I am very passionate about providing clients with education and resources to help increase their understanding of their body and posture, and with this understanding, empowering clients to know that change is possible. My curiosity has made me a life-long learner. I have been a student of yoga and meditation for the last 20 years. This has influenced the type of therapist I am today. Since learning about Schroth and training with Sanja I feel I have found my home. I am strong believer in the mind-body connection, which is an essential component of Schroth philosophy and treatment.

I am a strong believer in using our gifts, knowledge and skills to help people who may not have access otherwise, locally and globally. I have volunteered as a physiotherapist at Families For Children, an orphanage in southern India, and I continue to support the orphanage by fundraising here in Canada. I am currently pursuing a Master’s in psychotherapy and art therapy here in Edmonton.

At Curvy Spine I am excited to have the opportunity to integrate my diverse experience and knowledge to provide the most valuable and personalized treatments for clients. I look forward to meeting you at the clinic very soon!

Education/Certification

BSc. Physical Therapy 1996, UBC, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Diploma Arts/Sciences 1992, Okanagan University College, Kelowna, BC, Canada
ISST Schroth training 2018
Yoga Teacher Training 2015
Yoga Nidra Professional Training 2013

ISST SCHROTH THERAPIST

Sharayu

I am so grateful to be joining The Curvy Spine and being a part of team. I graduated in 2011 and since then have worked in neurology and orthopedic clinics in India. I moved to Canada in 2012 and went to college in Toronto to complete workplace wellness and health promotion. I went on to work at a long-term care facility and acquired my physical therapy licensure. I have some experience in hand therapy and worked in acute care/long term care facility for 1 year and now work in homecare serving rural Alberta. I have 8 years of experience as a physical therapist.

What makes me so passionate about Schroth therapy is driven by my own struggles with scoliosis. When I met Sanja, I was intrigued by the difference this therapy could make. It made me feel hopeful for myself and for the many others that have this condition. I immediately wanted to know and study more. I took up the first part of Schroth therapy with Sanja and am gearing up towards my second part later this year. I would love to be able to assist and help you with increasing your quality of life, by giving you a powerful tool to manage and treat your spine curvature.
I look forward to seeing you! 😊

Education Credentials

Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, India- 2011.
Workplace Wellness and Health Promotion, Centennial College, Toronto ON-2013.
ISST Schroth training part 1 Curvy spine, Edmonton AB-2019
Part A of the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for the lumbar spine 2018.

Schroth therapist

Winnie

Patient Care Coordinator & Curvy Spine Yoga Instructor

Vanessa

I have always been fascinated by the human body and finding ways to promote balance and awareness in my life. At 16, I was diagnosed with scoliosis and remember feeling scared and confused. Because of my condition, I pursued Kinesiology at the University of Alberta and began actively experimenting with ways to ease pain and promote balance and awareness in my body.

In my final 2 years of my bachelor’s degree, I was introduced to Yoga. Although I enjoyed Yoga very much, I had to modify many of the postures to prevent further pain and discomfort. I started creating yogic flows in my personal practice, discovering that certain Yoga asanas were more therapeutic while others caused more pain. Seeking further guidance, I began my 200-hr yoga teacher training at Sacred Arts in Camrose, Alberta.

My quest for scoliosis answers brought me to Curvy Spine, a specialty centre for scoliosis, where I was warmly welcomed and immediately brought in on the team. In collaboration with Sanja at Curvy Spine, we created Curvy Spine Yoga, a yoga-pilates series with Schroth principles to actively draw attention inwards and focus specifically on what each body with scoliosis needs. Our aim was to create a safe and inclusive environment to practice yoga and designing a series that best suits your needs. We focus on strengthening the legs and core to help support the body during Schroth-specific exercises. During the sessions, specific instructions are given so that everyone participating can adjust their postures depending on their specific curve pattern.

In the series, we also explore pranayama (breath work), meditation, and free-written journaling to nurture not only the body, but also the mind. Livestream (online) and in-person sessions are offered. At the moment, we are limiting series to 4 participants following all the COVID-19 guidelines. I look forward to embarking on this journey with you, to become actively aware of one’s body in space and fostering a positive relationship with oneself.

Patient Care Coordinator & Kinesiologist

Kathlene

I am a fourth-year student in the Faculty of Kinesiology at the University of Alberta with a Major in Sport Performance. Through the course of my studies, I have discovered my fascination with the human body and it’s movements, as well as my love of helping individuals achieve their personal goals. I firmly believe that educating patients is a valuable element in providing the best care, as it allows individuals to have a better understanding of their body’s abilities.

Through my volunteer work with the Steadward Centre, an accessible fitness centre for individuals with impairments, they have helped me reinforce the idea of the individual being an expert of their body. In the program I was placed, I was able to meet and work with individuals with varying impairments. This taught me the importance to respect the uniqueness of each individual and the significance of creating a personalized program.

After completing my Kinesiology degree, I hope to enter the Prosthetics and Orthotics program to help individuals achieve their personal goals through movement.

My hobbies include racket sports, volleyball, various styles of dance, baking and exploring new cafes/restaurants to enjoy. I am humbled and fortunate to be a part of the Curvy Spine team, who goes above and beyond in providing optimal care for our patients. I look forward to cultivating my knowledge about scoliosis and welcome you when you come by.

Education/Certification

B. Kinesiology – in progress, University of Alberta

Registered Massage Therapist

Jay

Meet Jay, a Registered Massage Therapist who graduated from Makami College in 2017 and his service dog, Elsa!

Jay offers therapeutic and relaxation massage using:

* **Myofascial dynamic Cupping**
* **Trigger Point Therapy**
* **Cross Fiber Friction**
* **Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)**
* **Reciprocal Inhibition**

Before seeing you, Jay will consult with your Schroth therapist to assure the most effective treatment for you.

Patient Care Coordinator

Kennedy

Growing up, I was always drawn to the studies of biology and human anatomy. With the goal of working within the healthcare field, but without a clear vision, I pursued a science degree with a focus on Psychology and Biology at MacEwan University. Throughout my studies, and while shadowing different healthcare occupations, I found that my interests and values closely aligned with professions surrounding rehabilitation.

Curvy Spine sparked my interest because, previously, I hadn’t come across another physiotherapy clinic specific to aiding people with spinal disorders. Upon further research, I realized that there are limited rehabilitation options for people with scoliosis, kyphosis, and other spinal disorders. I strongly believe that all people should have options and resources available to them that allow for understanding and control of their body, and I am eager to be part of a team that is providing hope, empowerment, and independence to people with scoliosis.

My hobbies include reading, being active (hiking, running, strength training, etc.), spending time outdoors, going to concerts and sporting events, and playing with my German Shepherd/Border Collie, Mika. I have also played a number of competitive sports from a young age, and I continue to play hockey to this day.

Playing a contact sport has unfortunately resulted in me having my fair share of injuries. Through these experiences, my appreciation for physiotherapists, chiropractors, occupational therapists, kinesiologists, etc., grew exponentially, and I became more certain of my career path. Their knowledge surrounding the human body and how it functions was admirable, and I am forever in debt to the people who helped me regain control of my body. I am thrilled to be able to offer similar services and experiences to others while working at Curvy Spine.

Education/Credentials

MSc in Occupational Therapy – Present, University of Alberta

BSc in Psychology and Biology – April 2020, MacEwan University”