Patients who start the Schroth method will need equipment to perform the exercises to the best of their ability. Most of the equipment will be used for the correctional exercises in the Schroth method. Some of the equipment may be regularly found in stores, gyms, or in your personal collection at home, while other equipment may have to be purchased at specialty stores. Patients will need to own most of the equipment at home during and after their physical therapy program. Jeevam Therapy has all the equipment available at their centers and most are on their online shop for purchase. Check out the list below to learn more about Schroth equipment and their purposes.
Equipment List
- Wall Bars or Pull-Up Bars – Correctional and core exercises as well as overall strengthening and lengthening of the body can be performed using wall bars or pull-up bars. Patients must hang or hold themselves at various levels for the exercises.
Pull-up bars are easier to find and cost-friendly. There are versions that easily hang on the door. However, wall bars are a beneficial investment for many patients because there are more bars available to perform additional exercises.
2. Anchor Belt – An anchor belt is commonly used for corrective exercises on the floor when the patient is lying on their back. The anchor belt connects to the Schroth hip belt as well as the ladder, so the body is stabilized.
3. Schroth Hip Belt – The Schroth hip belt wraps around the patient’s waist typically when they are performing an exercise on the floor. The correct belt length must be chosen.
Keep in mind, the Schroth hip belt may be difficult to find at common retailers.
4. Rectangular Rice Bag – One or more rectangular rice bags are placed underneath a patient’s body typically on the prominent parts of the scoliotic back during corrective exercises.
5. Wedge Rice Bag – One or more wedge rice bags may be positioned on areas of the scoliotic body that are less prominent or areas that need to be angled.
6. Therapy Band – A special exercise band used for physical therapy creates resistance for the upper or lower parts of the body. There are many ways to use the band to get a good stretch or to strengthen the body. Therefore, they may be a replacement for dumbbells and weights.
7. Spirometer – A device that can measure a person’s lung volume by breathing in and out of the mouthpiece. The spirometer will calculate the amount of air and the time it takes for one breath. Data may be compared before and after learning breathing techniques which may show improvement in lung capacity.
8. Yoga Blocks – Yoga blocks are used to elevate and stabilize parts of the body during correctional or coordination exercises.
9. Yoga Mat – Several core and correctional exercises are more comfortable to perform when using a yoga mat. Thinner yoga mats are recommended for better stability and control while exercising.
10. Mirrors – You will need at least one mirror to monitor your corrections for most exercises. It is important to have a free-standing mirror that you can position and adjust accordingly. Having more than one mirror will help with seeing more areas of the body. As you continue to work out from home, you may want to incorporate a wall-hanging mirror for your convenience.
11. Foam Roll – A foam roll is helpful in relieving back pain by simply rolling the cylinder and adding pressure to areas that feel tense. It can be incorporated in Schroth method exercises as well.
