If you do not know your curve the best way to find out is to get an X-Ray. Although research is being done on the use of ultrasound to determine the angle measurement, at this point it is not widely available. Request to know the Cobb Angle from the radiologist. Be sure to double/triple check the results of your X-Ray with your doctor.

Although a simple Adams test can be used to determine if you have scoliosis, it is not a sufficient way to determine your curve pattern and Cobb angle. Download my Free Guide to get started.

Scoliosis x-rays can be confusing. You often can’t tell which direction you are facing when looking at the x-ray. Although there is usually an “R” or “L” printed on the image, sometimes this is left out. You will want to have a conversation with the Radiologist who performed your x-ray, as well as your doctor to be sure which direction and where your curve is located. In addition to requesting the Cobb Angle, ask for a written report. Downloading my Free Guide will help you understand your report.

Although there is some evidence to support that your scoliotic curve can improve with exercise (depending on your age, degree of curve, and other spinal conditions you may have), this should not be the expectation. Because scoliosis tends to progress over time, managing your curve progression is the best thing you can do as a preventative measure. Think of it the same way you think of nutrition, daily exercise and good sleep for healthy aging.

We have designed and recorded these exercises for the 4 most common scoliotic curve patterns. If you have a curve going in the opposite direction as the ones I have offered, you still have options:

1. Choose the Work with Me program that correlates to your curve pattern. You will have private sessions with me where we will record all the exercises on the side that fits your curve pattern.
2. If you feel confident to do the exercises on your own without getting confused, select the Self-Guided program that correlates to your curve pattern on the opposite side (i.e. you have a lower right curve, so you will chose the lower left curve program). You will do the exercises on the opposite side of how it’s instructed in the videos.

“Scoliosis is a marathon.” Mina Jelacic, MD

Generally we see the most changes in terms of rate of progression before the age of 3, and then again once puberty begins. We do not want to burn you out before the time that the exercises can be most useful to you. Therefore, at SC we recommend not starting any exercise programs until after the age of 10 for females, and after the age of 12 for males.

If you have undergone spinal fusion surgery, please contact your doctor to see if these exercises are appropriate for you. It really depends on where the spine is fused, and what type of surgery you had. Generally speaking you want to create stability around the fusion, and encourage mobility in the areas where it’s safe to move. Contact me with questions.

This really depends on the degree of your curve. The larger the curve, the more often you should do the exercises. If you Work with Me I will give you a weekly plan that makes sense for your curve range and age, which will enhance your other beloved exercise routines.

We imagine that once you watch the videos a certain amount of times you will feel comfortable doing the sequence on your own.

For the strengthening and stretching exercises, hold for at least 30 seconds.

For the exercises that include repetitions, start with 5-10, then SLOWLY and GRADUALLY increase to 10-15 reps, on average of one rep per week.

For the resting and restorative poses, hold for as long as you like.

It’s true, there is actually a lot of nuance to each exercise and you want to be sure you are targeting the correct muscle group when doing the strengthening exercises. It is also true that you may have other spinal conditions or injuries that require modifications for certain exercises. Work with me so I can help you feel confident in how you approach the work.

Yes! The idea with these programs is that you work unilaterally with your scoliosis, as is the nature of this condition. Then, go out and live your life.

There is some evidence to suggest that people with scoliosis struggle with sleep. Because sleep is the foundation of good health we want you to be comfortable around sleep, our recommendation is to sleep in any position that will get you sleeping well.The idea with Scoliosis Conditioning is that you work unilaterally (during the day!) so that you can live your life without having to constantly think about your scoliosis. Sweet dreams.