Almonte Physical Therapy & Schroth

Cindy Almonte doing hands-on manual therapy on a patient's back

Cynthia (Cindy) Almonte

Cindy opened this practice in 2016 and it treats scoliosis only, for teens and adults, locally and online. The Schroth Method works the spine in all three planes, with active corrections that align posture and stabilize the spine. The goal is to slow curve progression, prevent the need for surgery, and reduce pain.

Raised in Africa and having lived on four continents, she believes the body can change when it gets the right exercise and a positive mindset. She and her husband, both jiu-jitsu black belts, live in Riverside with their son and own a Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in Corona.

1997Graduates from physical therapy school at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, where she first learns the Schroth Method and manual therapy for scoliosis.
1998–2006Continues training in Amsterdam with Stanley Paris, Geoffrey Maitland, Brian Mulligan, Diane Lee, and others.
2007Becomes a Certified Functional Manual Therapist through the Institute of Physical Art.
2008–2015Builds a private practice in Vermont focused on spine injuries. Travels to Africa twice a year with volunteer scoliosis surgeons treating curves up to 100 degrees.
2015Certified Schroth therapist, Basic Level 1 (C1).
2016Advanced Level 2 (C2) Schroth certification through the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School.
2016Moves to Southern California and opens a practice focused solely on scoliosis.

Advanced Schroth care, close to home

Schroth therapists with advanced C2 certification are rare. In the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS) directory for California, Cindy is the only therapist listed in Riverside County, at any level.

That means families in Riverside, Corona, Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and Moreno Valley, and patients coming in from Orange County, don't need to drive to Los Angeles or San Diego for scoliosis-specific care. And between visits, online classes run 7 days a week.

Source: BSPTS North America directory, California

How to get started

Three steps, from your first call to regular classes.

Free discovery call

A short call about your curve, your goals, and whether the program is the right fit. Call or text (714) 907-5223, or email [email protected].
Initial evaluation

We assess your spine and curve type, check whether you need bracing, and teach the Schroth corrections for your curve.

Group integrated session2.5 hours
60-minute private evaluation, then a 90-minute group class where you apply your corrections.
Private intensive2 hours
Fully one-on-one: evaluation plus dedicated instruction on your corrective exercises.
Classes to keep you aligned

Join in-person and online group classes on a monthly membership, or pay per class if you want to try one or two first.

Programs

After your evaluation, choose how you want to keep practicing.

Schroth and Strength Training Class
The in-person group class at the Riverside studio, the same class for teens and adults. 90 minutes: 1 hour of Schroth, then 30 minutes of strength training for bone density and spinal stability.
Online group classes
30-minute classes from home, 7 days a week with several times a day. If you live far away, start with a 60-minute private session to learn your exercises, then join online.
Scoliosis and menopause program
For peri- and postmenopausal women with more pain, curve progression, or strength loss. Schroth alignment plus targeted strength training to improve stability, reduce pain, and support bone density.
Private sessions
Learn your specific curve type and work through concerns a group class can't cover. In person or online.

Patient doing a side-lying Schroth exercise with resistance straps

Patient stretching between the wooden wall bars and poles in the Riverside studio

Why it's important

Positivity
We encourage your growth through constant motivation. Our support extends past spinal alignment and into overall wellbeing.
Alignment
We aim to prevent surgery by using Schroth exercises for teenage and adult scoliosis treatment.
Community
Group physical therapy sessions mean you aren't on this journey alone.
Strength
Whether you are a dancer, an athlete, or simply seeking treatment for scoliosis, you can find help here.
Posture
We work to improve spine curvature and prevent the need for surgery, including for the most drastic curves and posture issues.

Looking after the person, not just the curve

Dr. Manuel Rigo, Founder, Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School

The method behind the work

Cindy is certified through the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS), which teaches the Rigo Concept: a 3D scoliosis treatment built on the Schroth principles that began in Germany in the 1920s. It is a recognized form of physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercise, built on four foundations.

Correcting in 3D
You learn to find and hold your own corrected posture, in all three planes.
Everyday movement
You practice keeping that correction while sitting, standing, and moving through daily life.
Stability
Exercises hold the corrected position steady, in the studio and at home.
Education
You and your family learn what your scoliosis is and what each exercise is for.

BSPTS recommends that patients learn their program one-on-one before joining a group, and that groups be led by advanced-trained therapists (C2 or L2). Every evaluation here starts one-on-one, and Cindy holds the C2 certification.

“The ultimate goal is for the patient to be strong enough to be able to control postures during daily life activities with minimal mental or physical effort.”
BSPTS North America

Sources: BSPTS methodology, BSPTS patient and family information

Results

Before-and-after photos and X-rays from patients at the clinic, shared with faces covered. Tap a photo to enlarge it.

What patients say

4.818 reviews on Google5.012 reviews on Yelp

Finding Cindy Almonte changed my life. … She is an extraordinary educator and a rare specialist who truly understands scoliosis in three dimensions. … Because of Cindy, surgery is no longer my only horizon.
Kimberly C.Google review

“My 15 yr and my 13 yr girls both have scoliosis. The first 6 months my 15 yr old's curve went from a 26 degree to 18 degree. It was money well spent.”
Veronica G.Yelp review

“I've struggled with scoliosis for over 50 years. After working with Cindy for over a year, both one on one, and in the group or on-line sessions, my pain level has dramatically decreased. … If I could give her more stars, I would!!!”
Mary D.Google review

“Encouraging, experienced and empathetic. My daughter was scared to go to schroth and she came out enjoying her time, saying she liked it and wanted to start as soon as she came home. Cynthia had so much energy and you could tell she was passionate about what she does and wants it to be done right.”
Jessica K.Yelp review

“I've been working with Cindy for over a year, and her dedication to scoliosis treatment is exceptional. What sets her apart is not just her deep knowledge of the Schroth method, but the incredible access she provides to her clients - offering multiple in-person group classes and online sessions throughout the day.”
Roberta K.Google review

“I had severe hunched shoulders and severe kyphosis and a severe curve spine. She has straighten my back a lot and improved my posture which reduced my pain. I love the group classes and the online classes are great too and so easy to join and do.”
Tera B.Google review

“Cindy is truly the best. She is one of a kind. I feel so lucky that I have found a person who teaches Scroth that is local. She is so knowledgeable and really takes her time explaining everything…”
Julie H.Yelp review

“The 3 hours I spend once a week at her clinic and the multiple online classes each week have helped me tremendously. I can't imagine my life without Cindy and her expert help.”
Teri M.Google review

“Cindy has completely changed my life for the better. I have seen quite a few physical therapists in the past, and none of them provided me with any relief from my scoliosis and chronic pain…”
Pamela R.Yelp review

“As much as I love massage, I will always call Cindy first. In my experience, she tends to help me get to the solution as opposed to more temporary relief. Thank you Cindy!”
Stacey F.Yelp review

“I am so grateful to have found Cindy and the Schroth Method. I have been looking for answers like this for years!”
Breanna W.Yelp review

Follow along on Instagram and Facebook

Cindy posts regularly from the studio. Follow her to keep up between sessions.

@almontephysicaltherapy facebook.com/almontept

Cindy working hands-on with a patient on the studio floor

Patient's back and shoulders during a Schroth exercise

Follow on Instagram

Questions

How do I get started?

With a free discovery call, to make sure you and the program are the right fit. Call or text (714) 907-5223, or email [email protected] and ask for a consultation. You can also book online.

What are the evaluation options?

A 2.5-hour group integrated session (60-minute private evaluation plus a 90-minute group class), or a 2-hour private intensive that is fully one-on-one.

How do group classes work?

After your evaluation, you can join in-person and online group classes on a monthly membership. If you only want to try one or two classes, you can pay per class.

When are the group classes?

The schedule is updated weekly, with multiple classes seven days a week. Text or call (714) 907-5223 for the current schedule.

Where are in-person classes held?

4181 Flat Rock Rd, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92505. This is currently the only location.

I live far away. Is there an online option?

Yes. Do a 60-minute private session to learn the Schroth exercises for your curve type, then join the online group classes.

What happens in a session?

In private sessions you learn your specific curve type and go over concerns you can't cover in a group. The in-person Schroth and Strength Training Class is 90 minutes: 1 hour of Schroth, then 30 minutes of strength training for bone density and spinal stability.

How do I pay for classes?

If you attend multiple classes a month on a regular weekly basis, you'll be on autopay. You can cancel anytime; cancellation takes effect at the start of the next cycle, with no prorated classes.

What if I miss a session?

Sessions for the month must be used that month and don't carry over. A missed class can be made up anytime within one month of the missed session.

What should I wear to in-person classes?

Yoga pants, sweats, shorts, tank tops, sports bras, or a shirt if you want to be fully covered.