Senior Schroth therapist & Instructor|Owner

Sanja

The Schroth method is an evidence-informed exercise intervention for scoliosis, a lifelong musculoskeletal condition that affects health, function, and quality of life across the lifespan. Today, my work as a clinician-scientist is focused on advancing research in exercise interventions for scoliosis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions, while continuing to provide specialized clinical care and teaching.

I divide my work week between dedicated research (60%) and clinical days (40%), allowing my clinical practice to serve as a living laboratory where patient experiences inform meaningful research questions and research findings translate directly back into care. I also remain committed to building global capacity by teaching the Schroth method to physiotherapists around the world, with the goal of expanding access to evidence-informed care for individuals living with scoliosis, hyperkyphosis, and other spinal disorders. You can read more about the Schroth courses here.

Sanja’s Bio

​​I have dedicated my entire clinical and research career to improving the lives of children, adolescents, and adults living with scoliosis, kyphosis and other chronic musculoskeletal conditions. Throughout this journey, one principle has remained constant: there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all treatment. Every person is unique, and their care should be personalized at every level.

My career began as a kinesitherapist in a sports medicine clinic, where I worked with children with scoliosis and Scheuermann’s kyphosis, individuals with non-specific low back pain, and older adults with various musculoskeletal conditions. I provided care in clinics, fitness centres, and pools, using a wide range of approaches, including therapeutic exercise, Klapp’s exercises, Pilates, yoga, and hydrotherapy. While many of these approaches were effective, I felt there was more that could be done for people living with scoliosis.

That curiosity ultimately led me to Germany, where I trained at the Asklepios Katharina Schroth Clinic and became a certified Schroth therapist in 2008. For the first time, I had a specialized, evidence-informed approach designed specifically for spinal disorders, and I was inspired by the meaningful improvements my patients experienced.

My passion for advancing scoliosis care naturally evolved into research. During my MSc studies, I assessed the postural status of 869 schoolchildren to better understand whether postural deviations, including lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis, differed between athletic and non-athletic boys and girls aged 10–14 years. The findings showed that these conditions were equally distributed, highlighting the importance of early identification and access to appropriate care for all children.

This work eventually brought me to the University of Alberta, where I led the first randomized controlled trial evaluating Schroth exercises in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. This work demonstrated positive effects of exercise treatment, generated international interest, and contributed to the growing evidence supporting exercise interventions in scoliosis management.

You can read more about my research here.

When I am with you, I give my full attention and my best effort. Every day in the clinic is an opportunity to help someone move better, feel better, and gain confidence in managing their condition.

Education

• Postdoctoral Fellow in Health Outcomes Research, 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
• B.Sc., Physical Education – Graduated Kinesiotherapist, U of Novi Sad, 2005​

Certification

• ISST (International Schroth 3D Scoliosis Therapy) Instructor, 2016
• BSPTS C1, 2017
• ISST Schroth Therapist, Asklepios Katharina Schroth Klinik, Germany, 2008

Affiliations/Committee Memberships

• Adjunct Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alberta, 2026
• Adjunct Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2017
• International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Secretary since 2022
• 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 – led the exercise intervention chapter 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