Frequently Asked Questions About Scoliosis Care & Treatment

ScolioAustin is an out of network provider. Payment is due at the time of service. We give all clients detailed receipts with all the codes necessary for possible reimbursement. Most insurance companies will reimburse at some level once the deductible has been met, but it is essential that you reach out to your insurance company to learn the specifics of your benefit plan.

For those clients who have Texas Blue Cross Blue Shield, ScolioAustin IS registered as an out-of-network provider with Availity, which is a third-party support for Texas Blue Cross and Blue Shield. For those individuals with United Healthcare, UHC has recognized ScolioAustin as a “Gap Provider” and granted coverage as an in-network provider frequently in the past. Please call them to discuss details specific to your plan.

At the current time, Medicare laws restrict us from providing physical therapy in a private pay model. Our therapists are able to provide strength training, yoga and Pilates-style programs through 1:1 private sessions, integrating the principles of optimal Schroth spinal mechanics, muscle engagement and safe stretching specific to each person’s unique needs and presentation, but please note that these services are not eligible for reimbursement if you are a Medicare beneficiary at any level.

With such busy schedules for adults and teens, we find that sessions once a week work well for most individuals. For teens that are in rapid growth spurts or are on the edge of maturing, more frequent sessions may be more beneficial to take advantage of a small window of time in making the most positive gains before skeletal maturity. ScolioAustin places a high emphasis on home exercise for promoting independence and individual accountability, so it is important to your success and outcomes to practice your prescribed exercises according to your therapist’s recommendations.

10 – 20 hours are recommended so that individuals can develop a full understanding of Schroth and its principles for 3-dimensional musculoskeletal balance. It takes time, though, and consistent practice to find and hold optimal pelvic and postural corrections. We work with each person to refine and improve not only their performance of exercises but how to integrate the postural corrections with everyday activities (doing homework, carrying purse or backpack, standing in line, crossing legs, sleeping, going up and downstairs, etc). Prescribed exercises are specific to each individual, their unique curve pattern, age, and needs.

While every person is unique in their presentation, each person’s potential for improvement is also unique. The most basic goal of Schroth is to stabilize the curve and halt any curve progression (keep it from getting worse, especially during periods of growth or hormonal changes). There are many factors involved in determining each person’s potential outcomes. Having said that, most individuals do show radiological improvement in not only reducing their scoliosis, but also show significant clinical improvement in muscle strength, postural symmetry, increased height, and improved respiratory function. Subjective outcomes include reduced pain, improved digestion, improved focus, and improved confidence.

Current SOSORT guidelines recommend that individuals stay active with their sports or at least 4-5 hours of physical activity per week to promote spinal stability, team building, self-confidence, personal responsibility, and accountability, and building kinesthetic awareness. There are many recommendations your therapist may share to help promote elongation and stability after daily sports practice.

Absolutely, yes! Each client receives their own personalized library of exercises that they can easily access on their smartphone or tablet. Exercises are shown in video and photo format, with clear, concise, and detailed instructions to ensure proper form at home. Exercises can be printed for those who prefer a printed reference. We are thrilled to be able to offer our clients this fantastic product.

At this time, we are not offering weekend appointments, although that may change in the future.

Because consistency and compliance are key to building confidence with the exercises and maximizing your potential for success, we recommend scheduling your appointments as early as possible. Booking in advance helps ensure you can secure your preferred day and time and maintain a consistent treatment schedule.

Yes. Recent or current X-rays are required for all clients seeking Schroth. If there has been a progressive or more recent change in pain or observed posture and X-rays are more than 2-5 years old, we recommend getting current ones to properly assess spinal function and ensure exercises are modified appropriately. These x-rays are called a Scoliosis Series, when requesting them to be set up.