What Is Scoliosis and How Does It Develop?
Most clients come to me and ask, “what is scoliosis?” They’ve been diagnosed, but they don’t actually understand what it is. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine of 10 degrees or more. This means the spine is bending sideways, not forwards and backwards. That’s the definition. Sounds simple, right? Look at the spine, […]
Erin Myers’ Favorite Things: The Best Equipment for Scoliosis Care
The best equipment for scoliosis care doesn’t make Oprah’s Favorite Things list, but thankfully I’ve got you covered! From something little to something rather large, there’s something for every scoli body on this list of favorite things. Make sure you fill up your wish lists with some of these favorite things to care for your […]
Welcome, Heather Massie!
I’m excited to announce that Heather Massie is joining the teaching team at Spiral Spine Pilates. As a private client of mine, over the last 10 years, I have witnessed Heather transform from a fearful woman living in physical pain with scoli, to an empowered, strong, pain-free woman charged up to advocate for the scoli […]
How to Use a Scoliometer to Help You Track Your Scoliosis
Whether you’re new to the scoliosis world or looking for another way to understand your scoli, knowing how to use a scoliometer to track your scoliosis can help you make informed decisions about your scoliosis. What is a scoliometer? A scoliometer is a device that measures the rotation of your spine. Research shows that your […]
Scoliosis Myth Busting: Does scoliosis get worse with age?
Does scoliosis get worse with age? Is this fact or fiction? This is entirely false; a myth! However, I’m constantly asked if scoliosis gets worse as you age. How does scoliosis get worse with age? Most people are told that after they’re done growing, and their growth plates are closed, that they won’t have to […]
Hooray! There’s a Scoliosis Barbie!
Hey scoli world! I’m Jennifer Stark, a teacher who works with Spiral Spine’s youngest clientele, and I’m here to make a very timely announcement. With the world enthralled with the Barbie movie, I thought this would be the perfect time to remind you: there is now a scoliosis Barbie! With my clients, young and old, […]
Scoliosis Treatment: what steps should I take after my diagnosis?
Have you recently been diagnosed with scoliosis and are unsure what you need to do? Or, has your child recently been diagnosed and you feel overwhelmed with contraindicating information? Did your doctor tell you your scoli was too small to do anything about or that you only have one option because your curve is too […]
Welcome, Christie Schenk!
I’m excited to welcome a Pilates instructor with a unique voice and passion to Spiral Spine, Christie Schenk. For over 20 years Christie has been a nurse working with patient care experience in a variety of specialties including surgical nursing, pediatrics, and physical rehabilitation. At Spiral Spine, her focus is using Pilates as a foundation […]
Welcome Larsen Buck!
I’m excited to introduce you to my newest teacher, Larsen Buck. Larsen initially came to Spiral Spine as a dancer and scoliosis client. Through her work she fell in love with Pilates as a form of movement that promotes health, strength, and confidence, which lead her to become a teacher. You’ll fall in love with […]
Usain Bolt, the Fastest Man in the World has Scoliosis
One of my favorite living people with scoliosis is Usain Bolt. Talk about not letting scoliosis hold you back! I have to admit I’m a total Olympics junky and have rooted for Usain throughout the last 15 years. Over 10 years ago, during one of the summer Olympics, I was teaching a regular weekly lesson […]
Scoliosis and Pregnancy: Facts and Myths
There are many myths surrounding the topic of scoliosis and pregnancy. Let’s look at some of the top ones, and then I’ll share recommendations based on research, my own two pregnancies, and those of the many scoli clients I’ve worked with. (If you’re interested in learning more about how to take care of your scoliosis, […]
Warning – Orthodontic Braces May Cause Scoliosis
Warning: Orthodontic braces may cause scoliosis. I believe it. And I believe it happened to me. A while back, I was having intense myofascial work done by my fascial therapist and she was working intensely on my head, where I usually have many muscular and fascial issues. At one point she was actually working inside my […]
How do I care for scoliosis virtually?
Many people ask me if I can provide care for scoliosis virtually. I can, and my team and I have been doing it with clients around the world for years. Just like an in-studio private session, you can have your scoliosis assessed, be taught pad-placement, and learn exercises for your individual body. We can also […]
Welcome, Whitney Etheridge!
Please extend a warm welcome to Spiral Spine Pilates’ newest teacher, Whitney Etheridge! Whitney has returned home to Nashville after teaching Pilates in New York for many years. She is a fully certified Pilates instructor who received her training from the Kane School of Core Integration in NYC (where I also received my training). In […]
How to prepare and recover from surgery without hurting your scoliosis
Spinal surgeries happen all the time. Actress Katherine Heigl, chef David Burtka, models Natalie Roser and Martha Hunt, golfer Tiger Woods, and Princess Eugenia of York have all had spinal surgery. Your job in prepping for any surgery doesn’t end with simply finding the right surgeon. You need to plan for how to prepare and […]
Erin Myers’ monthly scoliosis care routine
Have you ever wondered how a trained Pilates instructor performs scoliosis care? Well I’m about to tell you all the ins and outs of my monthly routine. I have had scoliosis since I was a teen. I’m now in my late 30s now and have developed a tried-and-true way to care for my scoliosis. While […]
How to pad scoliosis and why it matters
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. To start at the first post in the series, go here. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series in more depth (as well as others), is […]
New hire Tammy Wilson shares her favorite Pilates exercises for postpartum
Just like my gardens in the spring, my staff has been growing recently. I’m excited to introduce you to my newest hire, Tammy Wilson. In addition to being a Pilates teacher, Tammy is a certified Y12SR yoga instructor, which aids in healing trauma and addiction. She is also a barre and vinyasa yoga instructor and has […]
Scoliosis featured on TV
I am always keenly aware of two things: what shows my children watch and how scoliosis is portrayed in media. Recently, I came across two shows that my family loves and happen to touch upon scoliosis in a beautiful way. It was a welcome surprise to see scoliosis featured on TV in this way and […]
How to Create a Diagram Sketch for Scoliosis
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. To start at the first post in the series, go here. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series in more depth (as well as others), is […]
How to Create a Dot Sticker Picture
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. To start at the first post in the series, go here. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series (as well as others) in more depth, is […]
Welcome, Jackie Arnold!
Welcome to a new year! I’m so excited to share with you our newest teacher, Jackie Arnold. Jackie comes to Spiral Spine Pilates with a decade of experience working with clients of all ages and body types. Early in her career, she focused on helping clients improve posture, strengthen muscles, and alleviate back and joint […]
Spiral Spine Pilates welcomes Sarah Case
I’m excited to welcome Sarah Case to the teaching staff of Spiral Spine Pilates. Sarah is a Balanced Body comprehensively trained Pilates instructor and nonpartisan political analyst. Sarah originally came to Pilates years ago in hopes of alleviating low back pain. She quickly became enamored with the many benefits of a regular Pilates practice as […]
Is scoliosis a disability?
The definition of disability is “a physical or mental condition that limits a person’s movements, senses, or activities.” i Since I have scoliosis and specialize in working with people who have scoli, I’m often asked if scoliosis is a disability. I have very strong feelings about this topic, but before I tell you my opinion, I’m […]
Side Plank Theory for Scoliosis Raises Questions
Back in 2014, Dr. Loren Fishman’s side plank theory for scoliosis research was published in the Wall Street Journal, and it caused quite a stir. In case you need a refresher, the study claimed that doing a yoga side plank on one side every day will decrease the curves in people with scoliosis. What an […]
Is there a cure for scoliosis? What your doctor won’t tell you
During September of 2019 I ran a huge giveaway of scoliosis resource products on Instagram called Scoli September. I ended up sending 43 packages filled with scoliosis books, journals, workout videos, teaching videos, and swag out around the world. It was a lot of fun to be the scoli Santa. The scoli treat packages were […]
What are the side effects of scoliosis spinal fusion surgery?
New clients often ask what my thoughts are on scoliosis spinal fusion surgery and its side effects, because that is the only option they were given by their doctors to treat their scoliosis. I’m going to have the conversation I have with them with you. To summarize: Doctors usually don’t mention treatments besides bracing and […]
Do back braces help scoliosis?
The topic of back bracing to help with scoliosis always ends up being a huge conversation when a new person with scoliosis comes into my Pilates studio for the first time. This is especially true if it is a child coming in with a parent. Each and every case of scoliosis is different, so I […]
Case study confirms movement and massage are good for scoliosis
An interesting article came out in the spring 2019 Massage Therapy Journal titled “A Multimodal Approach to Scoliosis; Can massage therapy improve idiopathic scoliosis?” The article gave an overview of a 2009 case study about a 40-year-old woman who was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 12. Throughout her life, she complained of shortness of breath […]
How much does Pilates teacher training cost?
The question I’m asked most often as a Pilates teacher trainer by prospective trainees is about the financial side of training and teaching. How much does Pilates teacher training cost? How much does a Pilates instructor make? Let me shed some light on these questions. Let’s talk money. As with pursuing any type of education, […]
The 5 Best Exercises for Scoliosis
One of the most common questions I get asked at the end of a lesson with a scoli client, is “what are the best exercises for scoliosis?” After years of working with countless clients and reading through mounds of research, here’s what I’ve learned are the best exercises for scoliosis: Why are these exercises the […]
How long does it take to become a Pilates instructor?
A question I’m asked very often as a Pilates teacher trainer is, ‘how long does it take to go through a Pilates teacher training program and become a Pilates instructor?’ When you read a training program’s website, there never seems to be a clear and simple answer. There is good reason for that because the […]
Concave vs. Convex Scoliosis Curves
I’ve had a lot of questions on how to tell which part of the scoli curve is concave versus convex. It’s time to have a lesson on deciphering scoli curves. Every scoliosis curve has a concave and a convex part. They are opposing sides of the curve. Most scoli spines have multiple curves and therefore […]
How do you get certified to teach Pilates?
How does one get certified to teach Pilates? This is a great question, and one that I’m asked all the time. It’s often the first thing that pops into someone’s mind when they think about starting this amazing new career. It can be hard to find a straight and simple answer, but here’s the good […]
Warning: Scoliosis is a Big Money Business
A few years back I signed up on Google to receive email alerts anytime an article was posted on the internet with the word ‘scoliosis’ in it so I could get a true look at what was happening in the scoliosis world. My inbox has been flooded with daily articles with titles like: Scoliosis Management […]
The Mighty Oak Tree
Scoliosis is complicated. How it manifests from person to person is different. The origin is often difficult to pin down. Past trauma to the body and how it interacts with the scoli introduces another level of body detective work that complicates an already complex diagnosis. This takes a while to sort through with my clients. […]
Don’t Give Up
I recently received the following email: Thank you so much for this post (My Scoli Rant: Stop the Mistruths!). I’ve had scoliosis and Scheuerman’s kyphosis since I was a child and I am now 62. I’m in constant pain daily and have considered surgery. NO WAY NOW! I’ve been taking PILATES for a year now, […]
Research shows a supplement reduces scoliosis
A fascinating piece of research recently came out indicating that some scoliosis cases may be caused by neuroinflammation, which is simply inflammation within the neurological system of the body.[i] The best part of this research is that two over-the-counter medications were found to significantly reduce scoliosis in juvenile fish. Researchers ran tests with both aspirin […]
Performing a visual assessment
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling a misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, the role […]
How to perform a scoliosis physical assessment
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling a misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, the role of […]
The importance of the analysis process
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling a misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, the role […]
Assembling your dream team
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. In previous posts I discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), when to work with a client, handling misdiagnosed client, the importance of movement, and the role […]
The role of the teacher
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), how to decide when to work with a client, how to handle a misdiagnosed client, […]
There are many non-surgical ways to treat scoliosis
Yesterday, on the TV show “The Doctors,” they included a segment on scoliosis. At first I was thrilled that a major show was finally covering scoli, but when I realized how they were covering it, the rage began to set in. By the end of the piece, I literally felt nauseous and thought I might […]
How do you help a scoli client? Movement!
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), how to decide when to work with a client and how to handle a […]
Working with a misdiagnosed client
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients who have scoliosis. Previous posts have discussed the typical scoli body, common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis), and how to decide when to work with a client. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which […]
When do you work with a scoli client?
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients with scoliosis. Previous post have discussed the typical scoli client and the common types of scoli (AIS and functional scoliosis). My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series (as well as […]
Common types of scoli: Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
This blog is part of the Analyzing Scoliosis series, which is designed to teach movement practitioners how to work confidently with clients with scoli. The first post discussed the typical scoli body. My book, Analyzing Scoliosis, which covers the topics in this series (as well as others) in more depth, is available on Amazon. While there […]
Welcoming Lisa Chader + Her Favorite Stretches
Lisa Chader is joining the Spiral Spine Pilates staff this month, and we couldn’t be more excited! Lisa is an entertainment PR professional with experience in a variety of athletics – dance, gymnastics and cheerleading – as a participant, competitor, coach, and judge. Several years ago, she met Erin and discovered Pilates helped relieve her […]
Fascia, Stretching, & Stretch Marks (Oh my!)
In my latest scoliosis education video, Untwisting Scoli: Maya (available in DVD and streaming formats), I explain what tight fascia in the body looks like and reference it quite often in the video. I’ve gotten several questions about this topic, so I wanted to provide some more information. Here’s the deal: Fascia is connective tissue and […]