Instructor Spotlight: Alicia’s 3 Favorite Exercises for Travel
As a former airline pilot, I love to travel; however, the pains stemming from my scoli and scoli surgeries caused me to stop flying. Taking Pilates classes at Spiral Spine changed my life by allowing me to travel pain-free! Erin and the staff empowered me by giving me the tools to care for my body’s needs. After experiencing such astonishing results, I decided to become a Pilates instructor and pass on the love to others.
Lindsay’s 3 Favorite Spinal Flexion Exercises
I am excited to introduce our newest Pilates Instructor: Lindsay Rivera. Lindsay has been teaching Pilates for more than twenty years and is a wonderfully intelligent and caring instructor. Read Lindsay’s bio to learn more about her story here. I’m Lindsay Rivera, a Pilates Instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching all sorts of […]
Welcome, Jessica Ingram! Meet Spiral Spine’s newest Pilates Instructor.
I’m happy to introduce our newest Pilates Instructor: Jess Ingram. Jess has been taking Pilates for more than twenty years and is a breast cancer survivor. Read Jess’ bio to learn more about her story. I started taking mat Pilates while living in the San Francisco Bay Area. I loved how strong I felt and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Braces and Scoliosis
In the final segment of this three-part series, Erin Myers of Spiral Spine Pilates refers to a recent study indicating that orthodontic braces can play a role in increasing one’s risk of developing scoliosis, particularly when combined with classical ballet training and a having low BMI. Erin is well versed on these factors as she […]
BMI and scoliosis
Did you know that your Body Mass Index (BMI) and scoliosis risk are connected? A recent study indicated having a low BMI can increase one’s risk of developing scoliosis, particularly when combined with classical ballet training. I was trained in classical ballet, was diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, and was thin, like most […]
Classical Ballet and Scoliosis
A recent study, referenced here, has indicated that classical ballet, particularly combined with other factors, can increase one’s risk of developing scoliosis. Erin Myers of Spiral Spine Pilates was trained in classical ballet and was diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age, giving her a unique perspective as to how ballet and scoliosis are indeed […]
Ballet, BMI and Braces = +Scoliosis Risk
If your pediatrician has ever told you that your child may have scoliosis, or a sideways bend of the spine, you’ve more than likely asked yourself, “what caused this?” or “how could I have prevented this?” Researchers have long struggled to find an answer. Everyone agreed that there was a likely genetic link, but past […]
My Scoli Rant: Stop the Mistruths!
I’m angry, and here’s why: A few months ago, the blog Hollywood Homestead posted one of the best articles I’ve seen about scoliosis and nutrition. I’ve been doing my share of research on the topic and was thrilled to see that someone else came up with the same conclusions I did and presented it so […]
Scoliosis Case Study: Asia
I recently received an email from a 16 year-old young woman in Asia, who was first diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 11. Her parents have put her in multiple types of therapies, including various types of yoga and a CLEAR treatment program, which she traveled to a different country to attend. Unfortunately, she […]
Scoliosis, Migraines and an Immobile Spine
The following passage is an excerpt from The Beautiful Scoliotic Back, detailing a client of mine who suffers from scoliosis, migraines and an immobile spine. “Nancy”* is a precious client of mine whom I’ve worked with for years. Nancy is about 60 years-old, but has taken such good care of herself that she looks and […]
Diagramming Your Scoliosis
Ever tried diagramming your scoliosis? How about sketching the curves in your back? Would you even know where to start? And why is this important anyway? Great questions! And we’ve got answers. Spiral Spine has created a set of introductory videos to teach you how to map, diagram and sketch your scoliosis. The Scoliosis Starting Point […]