Now I am a physical therapist, a scoliosis specialist to be exact. I have been certified in the Schroth Method, which is a form of exercise that can improve posture in spinal deformities such as scoliosis and has the potential to reverse curvature during growth. I was diagnosed with scoliosis as an adolescent, but it was not enough to merit bracing. The common practice for curves under 20 degrees has traditionally been “wait and see”. I did not have pain and it did not bother me, so life went on. It was not until I began having numbness and tingling in my right leg as an adult that I began to realize how my scoliosis was affecting my posture. ![]() I have a small low curve in my thoracolumbar spine measuring roughly 17 degrees; not a big deal by severity classification. However, the way my body has responded to this curve is a big deal. Sometimes in scoliosis the body compensates by keeping the center of gravity at midline with even weight bearing in both legs. This is not the case in my spine. As seen in the image adjacent, if unchecked, my curve pulls my entire trunk to the right. With scoliosis specific exercises I have learned how to use my muscles to keep my curve from taking my center of gravity over the right, and how to remain as neutral as possible. ![]() Now back to the pirouettes. As I learn how to hold myself in better posture I am finding balance to be so much easier! The increased control and awareness I have gained from scoliosis exercises allow me to do things I was never able to do well before. It is apparent why, when you look at the dancers pictured. The ballerina with scoliosis is fighting not only the natural difficulty of the task, but the asymmetrical pull of gravity to her right side with every rotation. It makes sense now why turns were always my nemesis. How was I to know how to keep my body weight central to prevent falling off towards my curvature without being shown!? I love what I do now. Mild scoliosis can make a big difference, especially with athletics and even more so as we age. Scoliosis specific exercise would have made a big difference for me had I known about it in the peak of my growth and dancing career. Even now I can enjoy the benefits of my improved posture and hope to share that knowledge with individuals with curves young and old!
3 Comments
Sally
6/2/2021 11:39:46 am
So helpful!
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Sarah Blatt
1/23/2022 09:44:59 am
This was a great article. I have the same problem… I have18 degree curvature but to the left. When I do my pirouettes I always fall to the right side of the room because I feel my body going left and then try to compensate and I fall to the right. What kind of exercise can I do to make my back better and get my pirouettes.
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3/26/2022 10:37:58 am
I never knew that wait and see has always been the standard procedure for curves less than 20 degrees. I wasn't in pain, and it didn't worry me, so I carried on with my life. I never thought that it would be like this, I'll share this with my aunt. Thank you for the information about scoliosis.
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Rachel Clay, Scoliosis SpecialistI help people with scoliosis and posture issues return to normal life without pain, feel better about their body image, prevent worsening of their curves, and avoid surgery using specialized exercise! Archives
September 2021
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