Fig. 54

Schroth supine exercise for patients with a major lumbar curve. Turquoise arrows represent the cranial elongation and caudal traction force. The Green half-moon represents the area of expansion of the concavity. Light blue arrows on the patient’s arms represent bilateral shoulder traction, which is an isometric tension from the shoulder in a lateral/outward direction with a fixed scapula as a continuation of the transversal expansion in the proximal thoracic region. The arm position and muscle activation during bilateral shoulder traction can assist in active self-elongation and in preventing postural collapse. Red arrows represent counter traction forces – contraction around the convexities/the curves in a forward and inward direction towards neutral spine