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 scoliosis! If you want to see all of my favorite things, check out my Amazon wishlist. A friendly reminder, many items on Amazon can be purchased through Pilates.com, where I can extend my 5% to you!
Shelf Liner
Use shelf liner to create pads while lying on your back and on your stomach.
Thin Yoga Mat
A thin yoga mat to roll up and use as padding for side lying exercises.
Thick Yoga Mat
A great cushy mat to exercise on that will protect your spine.
Reformer
While there are multiple great choices for reformers, I recommend either the Metro IQ or the Allegro 2. The Metro IQ can “fold up” and be hidden in a closet or under a bed; I have one at home. The Allegro 2 is the only reformer on the market with a mobile footbar that allows gyro-esque movements; I have six in my studio.*
MOTR
The MOTR is extremely versatile for strength training. Many of Spiral Spine’s virtual clients have a MOTR at their house. It’s lightweight, compact, and not very expensive.*
Pilates Arc
The Pilates Arc is lightweight and offers a variety of different exercises and stretches for scoliosis. I have seven at the studio, one at my house, and many Spiral Spine clients (both in-studio and virtual) have one at home.*
Wall Bars
Wall bars are great for scoli tractioning and stretching. You can easily loop resistance bands over the bars for strength work as well. You could also use a CoreAlign ladder* or over-the-door pull-up bar, as well. Most Spiral Spine clients have one of these items at home.
Pilates Ring
Pilates rings are great for upper and lower body work and release. The Ultra-Fit Circle and Ultra-Fit Circle Mini are both made of flexible plastic with a soft, rubberized shell and comfortable inner/outer handles. The Mini is slightly smaller and lighter in resistance for more anatomically correct alignment work.
BOSU
Strength training on an unstable surface is a must for those with scoli, and a BOSU ball provides that proprioceptive feedback.
Exercise Ball
Exercise balls offer endless opportunities for training on an unstable surface to both work and release. Check the listing to see which size you need depending upon your height. Bonus: use it as a desk chair to avoid the work “slouch.”
Resistance Bands (long and loops)
Resistance bands are useful for many different upper and lower body exercises and stretches, in addition to being a great proprioceptive tool. Looped bands simplify life and save you time when you need them for various exercises.
Overball
The overball is perfect when blown up the ball about halfway and it’s the perfect instability tool for exercises on your back. Put it under your ribcage or pelvis.
Yoga Block
My favorite thing to do with a yoga block is to do a psoas stretch with an assisted manual release. They, of course, have many other uses.
Slant Board
The slant board is the best calf stretcher and is also useful for various exercises.
Foam Roller
Foam rollers are amazing for release and work of a multitude of muscles. My favorite is the high density foam roller; however, some clients prefer a lower density foam roller for comfort. If you’re traveling, you can always get a shorter roller. If you feel particularly off balance, you’ll feel safer performing exercises on your back, with this half roller along your spine, for balance and other proprioceptive exercises.
Myofasical Release Balls
A higher density pinky ball that doesn’t become too soft with regular usage is wonderful for various deep knots. The Pro Soft Release ball is perfect for psoas release. It is soft enough that you can sink into it as opposed to some denser balls that can sometimes feel too aggressive. These pliable Franklin balls are great for increasing joint mobility and releasing very tight tissue on those who can’t handle dense balls.
The Stick
The Stick is a wonderful way to release fascia and tight leg muscles.
Self-massage Hook
A self-massage hook that’s useful for releasing hard to reach places by yourself.
Hand-held Percussive Massager
This percussive massager is a great tool for muscle release with deeper and lighter settings and various massage heads. The long handle allows you to reach more difficult places by yourself.
Silicone Cupping Set
This cupping set is like the one I’ve been using in the studio and at home to help with myofascial release and muscle pain.
Magnesium Lotion
Magnesium lotion helps to calm down muscle spasms.
Heating Pad
I have this long heating pad with a built-in timer. It’s great to use to fall asleep on as it shuts itself off once I’m asleep!
Infrared Bio-mat
I have and use this far-infared heated mat all the time. Put it in a chair or on your couch for easy and convenient use. It’s more healing than a regular heating pad.
While all these items together make up the best equipment for scoliosis care, don’t feel you have to get all of them right away. Even a select few will make a world of difference to your or your loved one’s scoliosis.
*These links will allow you to receive 5% off of the item list price. It should automatically apply at check out. All other links are Amazon affiliate links and I may receive compensation when you make a purchase.
Erin Myers is an international presenter on scoliosis and founder of Spiral Spine, a company designed to enrich the lives of people with scoliosis. She’s also created a number of scoliosis resources including the books I Have Scoliosis; Now What? and Analyzing Scoliosis, the Scoliometer by Spiral Spine app (iPhone and Android) and many videos. She owns Spiral Spine Pilates studio in Brentwood, TN, which allows her to actively pursue her passion of helping those with scoliosis through Pilates, which she has been doing for over 15 years.
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