Centered Physical Therapy specializes in providing personalized care for children and adults diagnosed with scoliosis, utilizing the principles of the Schroth Method. Our certified Schroth therapist is dedicated to guiding patients through a comprehensive treatment approach tailored to their unique spinal curvature patterns and individual needs. Through a combination of corrective exercises, specialized breathing techniques, postural awareness training, and patient education, we aim to reduce pain, improve spinal alignment, and enhance overall function and quality of life. Our practice is committed to empowering patients with the knowledge and skills to actively manage their scoliosis, promoting long-term spine health and well-being. With a compassionate and supportive environment, Centered Physical Therapy is here to support individuals on their journey towards optimal spinal health and greater confidence in their bodies.
Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.
DR.ANDREA YAKTUS
PT, DPT, C-2
DPT: Doctorate of Physical Therapy, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
CERTIFICATIONS: Advanced Practitioner Schroth Method – C2, Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School, Adult and Child CPR, American Heart Association.
Andrea received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology. She continued her education at Thomas Jefferson University where she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Andrea was certified in the Schroth Method for Scoliosis for adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) in 2014. Two years later, she received her C2 Schroth certification promoting her to Advanced Practitioner by the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School. As an Advanced Practitioner, Andrea also treats adults with previously diagnosed or new onset scoliosis, early onset scoliosis (EOS), as well as post-operative care for fusions and rod placement. We are passionate about early detection and treatment of scoliosis. We promote Schroth scoliosis specific exercises for any patient who has been diagnosed with scoliosis or spinal structural deformity, regardless of age.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
SCOLIOSIS
SCHEUERMANN'S
KYPHOSIS
ORTHOPEDIC
DYSFUNCTIONS
POST-SURGICAL CARE
OTHER POSTURAL DYSFUNCTIONS
TESTIMONIALS
JESSE H.
"My name is Jessi and I am a 13 year old dancer. As a dancer of 11 years, I have experienced all types of injuries. With every injury, I could tell when I was getting better or worse. With my scoliosis, there was no way of telling besides x-rays. The x-rays only came every few months and each time it felt like a hopeless countdown to surgery. Every doctors appointment felt like I had lost a battle. Every time I was told that the degrees of my curve went up, I felt less and less like myself. I felt like scoliosis was negatively taking over my life and swallowing me whole. For something that was such a big factor in my life, I had barely even understood it. At that point, I had not known very much about what the surgery was, and what scoliosis even was. My doctors explained that the only way to help scoliosis was bracing or surgery. Nothing else. For me, neither of those were satisfying. Neither of them felt like they were truly helping. That was until I decided to try Schroth. Schroth Physical therapy opened a whole new door of possibility. During my first pt appointment, Andrea made sure that I understood everything there was to know about my curves. She taught me that there were other factors of scoliosis besides the curve such as my posture, my happiness, my goals, and my pain level. All of those things were fitted for me rather than the textbooks. She gave me hope that no other professional was able to give me. She made me feel comfortable in my body by making scoliosis positive. When I first got my diagnosis, I couldn’t even hear the word “scoliosis” without wanting to break down into tears. It made me feel insecure, weak, and alone. I felt like a robot separated from society. Andrea took me under her wing and showed me that scoliosis doesn’t define me, and that it’s a unique aspect of my life. She proved to me that something I have hated about myself could be my favorite thing about myself. She made me feel important. I wanted to keep up with all of my physical therapy exercises because I knew that Andrea would be proud. Throughout every exercise she had my back. Every single time I completed another repetition, I could truly feel it working. My posture felt and looked straighter, I was pain free, and I was happy. Andrea gave me pure joy and happiness that I was able to carry with me throughout my scoliosis journey. For every doctors appointment, Andrea made sure that I was ready for any news with questions and self affirmations. She not only educated me on the physical aspect of scoliosis, she gave me hope by changing my outlook on it as well. Surgery and scoliosis weren’t scary anymore because I knew Andrea would be by my side through it all. She felt personal towards me and she gave me what I needed to get better emotionally and physically. Scoliosis was no longer a burden, but a perfection. Andrea taught me that the word “scoliosis” doesn’t have to be feared. Andrea gave me strength and made me fearless."
HEIDI H.
After my 12 year old daughter was diagnosed with Scoliosis our whole world changed. The bracing, the tears, the guilt, the clothes, the shame, the back pain, the friends reactions, the what if’s and that sick feeling in my stomach every day and the dreaded 6 month hospital visits. Everything and I do mean everything was negative. The only thing every medical person talked about was the 50 degree mark. No one ever seemed to say “it’s going to be okay!” We needed something positive. Anything to make this bearable. I read about Schroth. I thought this was going to be something else added to our burden. We drove over an hour. I figured that at this point we had nothing to lose by giving it one try. We met with Andrea. What a patient caring woman who actually talked to my daughter and NOT AT her. Within one hour my daughter and I walked out of her office hopeful! We actually felt positive and that maybe just maybe surgery wasn’t in her future. My daughter wanted to go to her Scroth. She did the exercises at home without a battle or tears. I wish we had tried it sooner. Andrea actually changed our thinking on the whole scoliosis diagnosis and gave us hope instead of fear. All the arguments and tears could have been avoided. I don’t mean just for my daughter but the approach that I had taken for so long with my daughter. Andrea changed my daughters vision and she changed the way I approached the entire situation. I can’t thank her enough!