For many children, teens, and adults diagnosed with scoliosis or kyphosis, the first and most stressful question is usually: “Do I really need surgery?”
For most people, the answer is no.
Today, evidence-informed and highly specialized non-surgical treatments can stabilize the spine, improve posture, reduce pain, and support long-term spinal health. At Strauss Scoliosis Correction Center, we specialize exclusively in conservative scoliosis care for patients from 38 states and 27 countries.
Conservative scoliosis care means treating scoliosis without surgery using scoliosis-specific exercises, chiropractic correction, traction, vibration therapy, activities of daily living training, nutritional guidance, and customized 3D bracing.
Scoliosis is a 3D structural condition involving bending, rotation, vertebral wedging, rib-cage imbalance, and sagittal imbalance. Conservative care uses specialized methods beyond general chiropractic or physical therapy because scoliosis requires more advanced biomechanical understanding and radiographic monitoring.
The Schroth Method, SEAS, CLEAR, CBP, Pettibon, Lyon, and Yoga for Scoliosis each offer valuable tools, but no single system is complete. Conservative care integrates the strongest ideas from multiple approaches.
We support the role of surgery when appropriate. About 3–5% of patients are referred for surgical evaluation. Our office ensures smooth referrals, forwarding medical records and imaging. Many surgeons report that patients completing our program show better mobility and balance, making surgical correction safer and more effective.
The Strauss Method, Who We Treat, and Core Components of Treatment
The Strauss Method is a comprehensive, integrated approach to non-surgical scoliosis and kyphosis care. It draws from the strongest elements of seven major conservative-care systems, including Schroth, SEAS, CLEAR, CBP, Pettibon, Lyon, and Yoga for Scoliosis. In addition, it incorporates multiple modern 3D bracing options, TMJ evaluation, 3D laser foot scanning, activities-of-daily-living retraining, and nutritional and metabolic protocols.
The Strauss Method emphasizes:
- Neuromuscular retraining of posture
- 3D biomechanical correction
- Curve-pattern-specific rehabilitation
- Balance and proprioceptive training
- Strength development and flexibility restoration
- Patient independence through a structured home program
This method is adaptable for each patient’s age, mobility, flexibility, structural pattern, pain levels, medical history, and individual goals.
We treat patients from 38 U.S. states and 27 countries worldwide. Ages range from 6 to 94, including:
- Juvenile scoliosis
- Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
- Adult progressive scoliosis
- Adult degenerative scoliosis
- Hyperkyphosis (postural and Scheuermann’s in adults)
- Hyperkyphosis in children
- Neuromuscular scoliosis for both ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients
Diagnostics, Corrective Exercises, CLEAR Method, Traction, and Home Program
Every patient begins with a detailed diagnostic evaluation that includes:
- Full medical and family history
- Age of diagnosis and timeline of progression
- Pain patterns and functional limitations
- Trauma and surgical history
- Metabolic and nutritional factors
- Digital posture analysis
- Strength, mobility, and flexibility testing
- Balance and proprioception assessment
- TMJ evaluation
- 3D laser foot scan for structural imbalance
- Scoliosis X-rays when indicated
- Curve-pattern and risk analysis
Our corrective exercise library includes more than 70 scoliosis-specific exercises targeting:
- De-rotation of the spine
- Lateral shift correction
- Sagittal curve restoration
- Rib-cage balancing
- Breathing mechanics
- Neuromuscular control
- Core stabilization
- Flexibility and mobility
- Posture and global alignment
These exercises draw from Schroth-based patterns, SEAS active self-correction, CBP mirror-image work, Lyon posture re-education, Pettibon spinal repositioning, and Yoga for Scoliosis adaptations.
The CLEAR Method integrates:
- Directed spinal traction
- Ligament and joint mobilization
- Whole-body vibration
- Neuromuscular retraining
- Balance integration
- Precise radiographic guidance
Traction-based correction includes:
- Scoliosis traction chair
- Vibration traction
- Decompression equipment
- Pettibon cervical traction
- Flexibility and mobilization traction
All traction protocols are adjusted based on patient age, flexibility, size, and tolerance, with continuous supervision from the clinical team.
The home exercise program includes three progressive levels:
- Level 1: Foundational corrective patterns
- Level 2: Strength, balance, and neuromuscular integration
- Level 3: Advanced correction for long-term stability and potential curve reduction
The home program is designed to evolve over time so the patient continues to progress as their body adapts. Patients from all 38 states and 27 countries receive a home plan tailored to their abilities, schedule, and long-term goals.
Treatment Timelines, Evidence & Research, Bracing, and Before‑and‑After Results
Treatment Timelines
Conservative scoliosis care is customized to age, curve severity, flexibility, pain levels, and patient goals. We offer three primary treatment formats:
Standard Programs (Local Patients)
- Mild cases: 12‑visit programs to establish a complete home routine
- Moderate/complex cases: 24‑visit programs including exercise, traction, balance work, and radiographic follow‑up
5‑Day and 10‑Day Intensive Programs (Traveling Patients)
Ideal for patients from out of state or overseas. Intensives include:
- Full‑day sessions
- High‑volume corrective work
- Daily exercise progressions
- Traction and vibration therapy
- Neuromuscular retraining
- Complete home‑program mastery before departure
Long‑Term Check‑Ins
Follow‑ups may include:
- Updated exercise plan
- Posture and balance testing
- Repeat X‑rays when appropriate
- Bracing adjustments
- Periodic chiropractic or therapy visits
Evidence & Research
Modern conservative scoliosis care is supported by research across multiple systems including CLEAR, SEAS, Schroth, Lyon, and CBP.
Key findings include:
- Cobb angle reductions in children and teens
- Modest but meaningful curve reductions in adults
- Significant pain reduction in adult scoliosis
- Improved posture, symmetry, and balance
- Better breathing mechanics
- Increased strength and mobility
- Higher quality‑of‑life scores
Adult scoliosis bracing has been validated in the scientific literature since 2016, similar to how adult orthodontics only became mainstream recently.
Bracing is a powerful non‑surgical tool used when:
- Curves are moderate or large
- Progression risk is high
- Growth remains
- Additional structural support is needed
We use:
- Multiple ScoliBrace designs
- Spinamic
- Aspen Peak
Each brace design provides different biomechanical advantages, allowing us to match the brace to the patient’s exact needs.
Our philosophy:
“The brace must fit the patient — not the other way around.”
We share extensive examples on our website and Instagram, including:
- Cobb angle improvements
- Postural balancing
- Rib‑cage symmetry
- Pelvic leveling
- Pain reduction in adults
Results vary based on age, degree of flexibility, severity of curve, and program adherence. Each patient receives individualized expectations during their evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can scoliosis improve without surgery?
Yes. Many children and teens experience 25–30% curve reduction in responsive cases. Adults often achieve 15–20% curve reduction along with major improvements in pain, posture, and function.
Can adults reduce their curve?
Yes. Adults commonly see modest curve reductions and significant improvements in mobility, strength, pain levels, and daily function.
Does chiropractic help scoliosis?
Standard chiropractic helps mobility and pain, but scoliosis requires specialized 3D biomechanical correction, traction, scoliosis-specific exercises, and radiographic evaluation.
What is the difference between CLEAR and the Strauss Method?
CLEAR provides a strong foundation focused on biomechanics and neuromuscular rehabilitation. The Strauss Method expands this with SEAS, Schroth, CBP, Pettibon, Lyon, Yoga for Scoliosis, multiple 3D bracing options, TMJ evaluation, 3D foot scanning, nutrition support, ADL training, and a 3-level home program.
Can kyphosis improve naturally?
Yes. Postural and flexible hyperkyphosis often improves 15–30% with corrective exercises, traction, posture retraining, and targeted rehabilitation.
Is bracing necessary?
Not always. Bracing is most useful for moderate to large curves, high-risk cases, or when additional structural support is needed.
Can scoliosis exercises be done at home?
Absolutely. Home treatment is essential for long-term stability and often contributes to continued curve reduction over time.