IN LINE PHYSICAL THERAPY

Providing certified SCHROTH Physical Therapy for all Spinal disorders

The Schroth Method is a gentle yet complex, neuromuscular re-training program for all spinal disorders and postural mal-alignments, including scoliosis, hyper-kyphosis and Scheuermann's disease. It has been shown to slow, stabilize, and even stop the progression of posturally imbalanced curves by using an individually designed, curve-specific exercise program. The treatment is guided by a Schroth certified Physical Therapist to actively self-positioning one's body and extremities to de-rotate out of and elongate each curve, offering symmetrical muscle firing and muscle memory in that region. Pulmonary function is improved by increasing the lung capacity in one's concavities using the Schroth breathing technique.  Schroth breathing expands and ultimately reshapes the ribcage by strengthening weakened, inefficiently functioning intercostal and intervertebral muscles, improving breathing, decreasing pain, and halting the curve progression.

Follow me (copy and paste the link below to watch in order) on You Tube to learn more-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06s4Ro10Os4&list=PLt61f7Io_kKyvkhuCvZ5J65mQCkewRu6n

SPINAL DISORDERS

Did you know that much of your back pain is due to adapted positioning over time, and a lack of understanding of how to return your spine to it's best alignment? This knowledge can result in a calming of the overstretched, irritated and angry soft tissue structures causing your pain. The Schroth Method will help you learn about your particular spine's behavior, positioning and inefficient compensatory patterns, and give you control over how to restore your spinal health and decrease your pain.

ADOLSCENT ONSET SCOLIOSIS

While "watching and waiting" may feel like your only option, there is good news! The Schroth Method to treat scoliosis is a proactive alternative that offers muscle retraining to awaken the weak and inhibited muscles in your child's curve. The goal is to stop the vicious cycle of asymmetrical loading through the vertebrae, causing asymmetrical growth and increasing the spinal curve. The Schroth Method is used to avoid surgery, by assuring the most effective neuromuscular retraining for learning and maintaining optimal spinal alignment. It is also used as a tool pre-surgically, post-surgically, and in conjunction with brace wearing to best prepare the soft tissues and to invest in the best outcome.

ADULT ONSET SCOLIOSIS

Adult scoliosis IS treatable! You may have been told that there is little that you can do, however, you can slow or stop your curve progression, improve your lung capacity, and decrease your pain with the Schroth Method. You will learn how to align your vertebrae, expand your rib cage and re-educate your breathing and deep core musculature that are closest to your spine. When these muscles function correctly, they de-rotate and pull your vertebrae back toward midline, into a neutral postural alignment, restoring your height while allowing calming of the angry, irritated soft tissues that are causing your pain.

Shriners x-ray comparison

(Left) MARCH 2023 = 33.9° (Right) AUGUST 2023 = 24.8° (slide arrows from right to left)

 Sharon Hallahan, RPT - SSOL Schroth Certified 
Physical Therapist  
Owner of In Line Physical Therapy, LLC 

Sharon graduated from Colorado State University in 1989 with a degree in Foreign language and Art, and a minor in Neurobiology. She then went on to study Physical Therapy at the University of Connecticut and graduated in 1993. She has worked in a variety of out-patient orthopedic settings, including Saint Raphaels Hospital in New Haven, volunteering through Project Concern International at St. Judes in the West Indies, and at The Steadman Clinic in Vail Valley Medical Center in Vail, Colorado, where she worked as the knee specialist with the world renown orthopedic surgeon Dr. Richard Steadman, providing physical therapy for a wide variety of high profile clientele and professional athletic teams, including the US ski team and the Denver Broncos. In October 2022, she opened her private practice, In Line Physical Therapy. Sharon brings over 30 years of working with people experiencing back pain due to a wide variety of spinal disorders to In Line Physical Therapy.

Sharon also began working in pediatrics fourteen years ago and continues to practice in the Lyme-Old Lyme and Clinton Connecticut school systems, providing physical therapy to children with a diverse range of gross motor needs.

As Sharon learned more about spinal disorders and the challenges of slowing the progression of adult and adolescent-onset scoliosis, as well as the lack of effective treatment options, she was inspired to continue her education and become certified to specialize in the Schroth Method to treat spinal disorders and scoliosis of all ages. This has offered an amazing opportunity for a uniquely personal one-on-one concierge physical therapy treatment with ongoing and seamless communication to ensure thorough, efficient and effective treatments.

Sharon regularly lectures on topics of scoliosis, kyphosis, postural malalignments, and all spine related topics at conferences and to community groups.

Sharon’s favorite hobby is being a parent to her 2 children. She is passionate about her family, childhood development and education, skiing, cycling, hiking, being a dog owner, all things in nature and especially Schroth physical therapy! Sharon is fluent in French and communicates in Spanish.


 I feel lucky to have found Sharon and the Schroth method to manage my pain from severe scoliosis. Sharon is a compassionate and energetic teacher who is passionate about the practice and committed to my well being. I love meeting her enthusiasm and encouragement every time I see her. It’s helpful to have her visual aids and handouts so I can easily replicate the exercises at home with success and continue practicing and educating myself about my spinal condition. You will love working with her and feeling the power to heal and relieve pain with her guidance. 

Rosemarie, Old Lyme CT
     

 As a 62-year-old woman with scoliosis, I am most fortunate to have found Sharon Hallahan of In Line Physical Therapy. My scoliosis was first diagnosed during childhood and I wore a Milwaukee Brace to correct and stabilize my curve. Fast forward to the present, instinctively, I knew I needed to seek options to help support my naturally progressing curve and discomfort. I researched and read about the Schroth method of physical therapy for Scoliosis. I learned this evidence-based method has been utilized throughout the developed world for over 100 years in avoidance of surgery! Sharon is an extraordinary Physical Therapist and Schroth Specialist. Adding to her considerable knowledge and expertise is her intense passion, contagious enthusiasm and devout belief in the Schroth Method – all of which dramatically enhance her effectiveness. Unquestionably, Sharon is an outstanding asset to bringing forth the knowledge of this method and helping those with Scoliosis. Also, not surprisingly, she is a wonderful, caring, sensitive human being as well! I began my sessions with Sharon in September 2023 and within a three-week period showed a measurable improvement in the rotation of my spine. She educated me on specific postural adjustments when I sit, stand and walk. Deep breathing exercises that are also a key part of Schroth I found to be very calming. With Sharon’s precise coaching, I am now beginning retain the postural adjustments with less conscious effort and look forward to learning the additional exercises. I’m so grateful to have found Sharon and the Schroth Method. I am optimistic this can be a long-term solution and benefit to me. 

Catherine FrancucciARTISTinfo@catfrancucci.com
     

 As parents of a 12 year old daughter diagnosed with Idiopathic Juvenile Scoliosis at the age of 5, we have gone to all lengths to understand and access interventions that slowed progression and reduced the likelihood of surgery. This was no easy feat and it meant accessing care out of state and being an advocate for her scoliosis care. Orthopedics, orthotists and back braces have been a part of our life for a long time now. As Lillian has grown we’ve had set backs with her curve progression from growth, she’s experienced rotation and hip unevenness. During this last year Sharon has joined our fight and provided Schroth Physical Therapy on a weekly basis. Sharon is full of so much knowledge, she is so kind and has supported Lillian with this additional intervention. Sharon sends information home, reaches out in between sessions, is a cheerleader and advocate. Sharon beautifully corresponds with Lillian’s providers and has become an integral part of our team. By empowering Lillian with education and understanding specific to her body and her scoliosis, Lillian has an increased sense of body awareness, body position and the ability to integrate her Schroth physical therapy into everyday life and practice. While the nighttime Providence brace is intended to help stop further progression, Sharon’s expertise and skilled guidance, as well as Lilian’s commitment to the Schroth practice has proven itself; our most recent check-up showed approximately 8 degrees of REDUCTION in her curve and all of that is during a prime period of growth! We are absolute believers in Schroth Physical Therapy! 

Emily ReynoldsMom, Healthcare professional
     

 I have suffered with off and on back pain since my teens. I have scoliosis and a leg length difference along with other contributing factors. I am now 70 and over the years I have worked with numerous Physical Therapists and groups, tried prescriptions and OTC meds, attended specialized gyms, tried braces, have custom orthotics and a lift in my shoes and yet the pain persists. I also have had cortisone shots, nerve blocks and tried TENS units...to no avail. Walking 1/4 mile or bending and standing in place all bring on my back / hip / SI joint pain. Then my doctor recommended Sharon Hallahan and In Line Physical Therapy. I am still in the early learning stages of the Schroth method for my scoliosis but soon after I started practicing, I was seeing steady improvement in my pain level. I had several days when I walked a mile pain free! Then unfortunately, I hurt my knee and shoulder and needed to focus on getting mobility and strength back in those joints. Sharon has helped me identify ways I can continue with modified Schroth while also protecting and healing my knee and shoulder. Sharon listens carefully to your problems, reviews your individual issues with you, and discusses solutions. She is upbeat, positive and addresses your needs holistically...she is extremely knowledgeable and is able to design a routine specifically for your individual needs. I learn more in a one hour session with her than I’ve learned in all my years at traditional PT clinics. Sharon is unique not only for her treatment of scoliosis and certification in the Schroth method but also for her ability to creatively and successfully develop approaches to suit any / all your physical therapy needs. 

Pamela Kelley
     

 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I have scoliosis and have had severe back pain for years because of it. I have had years of physical therapy and cortisone injections which have provided some short lived temporary help. My doctor recommended Sharon Hallahan at In line physical therapy as she specializes in the Schroth method of physical therapy for scoliosis. I am so happy to have found her. She has finally explained to me what has been the cause of all of my back pain issues. She is working with me on exercises which specifically address the issues of pain that come from the pressure that my curved spine puts on my discs and nerves. She has given me specific exercises that i can do at home to help decompress my spine and it has really started to help. I see her every few weeks so she can help me make sure i am doing these exercises correctly. I am so grateful to have found her. I know it will take time to undo all the bad habits that i have developed over the years but i am confident that this method will help me improve and i highly recommend Sharon for anyone dealing with problems from scoliosis. 

Nadine Gorrell
     

 I have been going to In Line PT for several months to alleviate pain caused by scoliosis. Sharon is extremely knowledgeable about the Schroth method and is also blessed with kindness and patience. She has an excellent setup with all the Schroth equipment. She also showed me how to adapt things at home so I can do the exercises without incurring the expense of buying special equipment. When I pulled a muscle she showed me how to adapt my exercises to allow it to heal while maintaining what I had already gained. She is truly a gem. 

Judy
     

 I have been working with Sharon Hallahan for a few months. She is professional, impressively trained and she herself is skilled. Who would have thought that there would be hope for us “scoliacs” to have a positive impact on our backs?! She knows the anatomy, implements a vertebrae-by-vertebrae strategy and shows you how to practice. My focus in our next lesson will be to learn and correct the rotation of my spine. I can’t recommend Sharon Hallahan highly enough to work in the Schroth Method on your scoliosis, and I am sure anything else. John Corwin MD Guilford, CT. 

John Corwin MD
     

 I am so happy that we found Sharon Hallahan and her speciality to treat scoliosis! My adult daughter has acquired scoliosis as an after-effect of a major stroke 24 years ago. We live near a major medical center and school, and our doctors were not able to refer us to any PT with this Schroth speciality in our area. It appeared that we would have to go out of state. We found Sharon and instantly felt we were in the right place (and not far from home). We felt Sharon's warmth and compassion as soon as we met her, and her skills and passion inspired us. She has taken time and made explanations and has instructed us on the exercises with a contagious enthusiasm. She has planned a specific program for my daughter and modified it as needed. The program is not difficult and seems to actually provide a perceived physical change felt by my daughter. She enjoys doing the exercises and I have joined her, and benefit from the experience as well. I am thrilled that my daughter can attain pain relief and hopefully avoid surgery. I highly recommend In Line PT and Sharon Hallahan for specialized PT for scoliosis! 

Missy
     

 Sharon truly saved my life. I had been suffering for months with searing, practically electrifying, jolting left leg pain stemming from my hip. Unpredictable - day and night discomfort. Conventional medicine’s solution was a Medrol Dosepak (yes it decreased the inflammation and the pain subsided - TEMPORARILY) as well as Prednisone weeks later as the pain crept right back. Finally I was recommended for a course of physical therapy. I was fortunate to find Sharon, as I could not get into the PT clinic I was referred to for 3 1/2 weeks. I just didn’t think I could endure almost an entire month more of debilitating pain. As luck would have it, a colleague of Sharon’s and a friend of mine told me to see Sharon. From our very first encounter I started to get relief. She spent a full two hours with me at our first meeting - intake information as well as exercises. Her knowledge of how our bodies function is nothing short of extraordinary. She diagnosed issues with me that have never been addressed before by any physician. She explains everything in layman’s terms - quite helpful!!!!! Sharon sends updates to our regimens after our appointments including terrific visual aids. The most amazing reality is that I have been pain free since working with her. Seriously, Sharon is a treasure and we are so very fortunate that we don’t have to travel far to work with her. If you are in need of a physical therapist, see Sharon. Your body will thank you. Ellen Madere Madison, CT. 

Ellen Madereellengetsitdone.com
     

 Sharon is awesome. And in just a few short short sessions, she taught me breathing techniques and various exercises to help relieve the pain from my severe scoliosis. She is kind, thoughtful and personable and I highly recommend her! 

Bev Floyd
     

 I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 13 and spent 4 years in an awful Milwaukee brace, only able to remove it for showering and sports.  I played a lot of sports and took a lot of showers!! The brace did its job back then and halted my curve enough to avoid surgery.    However – sadly – curves progress with age and I had carried a twin pregnancy.  In November 2022, I saw a world-renowned scoliosis doctor who recommended spine surgery from T3 to S1 to keep my significant scoliosis curves from progressing.  He said that surgery would probably bring down my chronic low back pain which ranged from 2-5 on a 10 point scale.  But a 9-hour intense surgery and losing that flexibility and the huge range of things that could go wrong, including going through it just to have a different kind of pain – scared the you know what out of me!   I had heard about the Schroth method of physical therapy, but the last time I looked for it – I only found therapists in NYC.  So, when I found out Sharon Hallahan was certified and opening her practice – 2 miles from my home no less!! – I was ecstatic.   I have had a few foundational sessions with Sharon to learn the basics of a set of Schroth exercises tailored to my curvature.  She taught me about the basics of scoliosis and my curvature, rotations, etc.  She gave me exercises to do each day to build on our sessions, along with recommendations for home setup.  The deep breathing that is a key part of Schroth I found calming, and a motivator to be as present in other areas of my life in a new way.  I have a lot of work and studying to do on the Schroth method but am SO very thankful I have Sharon and her friendly patience to teach and support me.   I see Schroth as a life-long addition to my life, with the surgery option hopefully to be closed.  If you have any kind of back pain, but especially scoliosis, I urge you to work with Sharon. We are SO very lucky to have someone of her knowledge and abilities here on the shoreline of Connecticut. 

Dana EvansWeb Designer and Co-ownerTwo Sisters Design
     

 When I first started working with Sharon at In line Physical Therapy, I was in significant pain due to a recent diagnosis of adult scoliosis. Sharon was extremely knowledgeable about adult scoliosis and helped me to understand what was happening with my lower back. As she showed me different stretches and exercises to do, she made sure I understood how to do them and why they would help. She also provided handouts so that I would do them correctly each day. I highly recommend Sharon for anyone who is looking for a knowledgeable and patient physical therapist. 

Pam Ingersol
     
  • Old Lyme, Connecticut, United States

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