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 […]
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: Traction Side Shift Side Bend […]
Two Scoliosis Spinal Fusion Surgeries Approved by FDA
The FDA recently approved two more scoliosis spinal fusion surgeries: Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT) and ApiFix. I’ve been reading about these two surgeries for years and am hopeful they will be good alternatives to the rod fusion surgeries that are currently done, but only time will tell. While I am not an advocate of spinal […]
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 […]
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, […]