Spring Into Action at SOSORT
From May 18-2
1, 2011 Beth Janssen, PT traveled to Barcelona, Spain and participated in the 8th International Conference on Conservative Management of Spinal Deformities, which was sponsored by SOSORT (The International Society on Spinal Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment).
Barcelona is a dynamic and typical Mediterranean city with a special tradition in the field of conservative management of scoliosis. Barcelona was the city where Beth brought her son in 2003 when she first learned about the Schroth Met
hod. It was here that Beth studied with and became certified in the Schroth Method by Manuel Rigo, MD (right) at his clinic which was founded more than 40 years ago by Elena Salva, the first PT in Spain to be trained by Katharina Schroth.
The purpose of the SOSORT annual conference is to provide a forum to present and discuss developments in the field of conservative management of spinal deformities, with attendees coming from all over the world. At the conference, current clinical and research activities are presented. There were scientific, educational and consensus sessions providing information on the most recent advances in the field, all oriented to the providers and patients and their families. Beth traveled with and attended the SOSORT meeting with a “Curvy Girl” support group mother, Terry Mulva
ney (left), from Long Island, New York. “It was great to be with another mother of a child with scoliosis as we attended the meetings.”
SOSORT promotes a multidisciplinary approach and is supported by physical medicine and rehabilitation doctors, spinal surgeons, physiotherapists, psychologists, CPOs and patients. By attending the educational, scientific and consensus meetings, attendees are able to obtain information about new developments and innovations.
After SOSORT, Beth traveled to Long Island, New York where she attended the Curvy Girl scoliosis support group meeting. “It was inspiring to see how these teen and adolescents along with their families encourage each other on this sometimes difficult journey.”




