Episodes
Wondering if there are ways to treat your scoliosis beyond just spinal elongation exercises? The answer is yes! In fact, there are several unconventional activities that I’ve found extremely effective in my own scoliosis care.  This episode explains how to incorporate some non-traditional treatments into your scoliosis care routine: The benefits of red light therapy for scoliosis careHow lymphatic care can help with scoliosis symptomsWhy you might want to use a vibration plateCatch the full...
Published 03/10/24
Wondering whether you need to hire a scoliosis specialist? Many people with scoliosis seek physical therapy for help managing their back pain and other symptoms. But there are some unique benefits to working with a scoliosis-specific practitioner. This episode covers the main differences between general and specialized physical therapy for people who have scoliosis: My experience as a physical therapist who also has scoliosisThe way that scoliosis is covered in physical therapy educationHow a...
Published 03/03/24
Feeling like you can’t keep up with your scoliosis exercises? Everyone goes through phases where it’s not possible to stick with the normal routine. But even if your typical scoliosis exercises are out of reach, there are still plenty of things you can do. This episode is designed to help you find ways to keep caring for your spine when life happens. I’m covering all the essentials: Examples of times when you can’t exercise normallyAlternative props you can useTips for staying active...
Published 02/25/24
Which is better for scoliosis — daily exercise or daily movement? Both of these habits can help reduce back pain and other scoliosis symptoms. But which one is better?  This episode includes all the essential information you need to answer that question for yourself: The definitions of movement and exerciseThe mental aspect of building a new habitHow to incorporate more movement into your dayThe difference between motivation and disciplineExercises that are safe for scoliosisCatch the full...
Published 02/18/24
Wondering whether you can benefit from working with a scoliosis expert? I have scoliosis myself, and I also work as a physical therapist and virtual coach for other people with scoliosis. In this episode, I’m giving you a look at my own scoliosis journey and some of the methods I use to help my clients: My scoliosis diagnosis and how it impacted my ballet dancingWhy many PTs are uninformed about scoliosisWhy I decided to offer online scoliosis coachingThe tools and techniques I use to help my...
Published 02/11/24
How does your pelvic floor affect your back pain? That’s just one of the questions that I discuss with Dr. Mary Grimberg, PT, DPT, OCS in this episode. We also talk about how scoliosis and pelvic floor issues impact pregnancy and postpartum and why it’s crucial for everyone to prioritize their pelvic floor health. This episode covers many aspects of pelvic health, scoliosis, and pregnancy:  How pregnancy impacts the spinal and pelvic alignmentWhy most people are underinformed about the pelvic...
Published 02/04/24
What’s the best way to manage those days when your scoliosis symptoms flare up? These high-symptom cycles can be painful and exhausting, and they take a toll on your physical and mental health. However, a few simple coping techniques can make these challenging situations a little easier. This episode covers some techniques to manage your physical pain and support your emotional well-being:  Internal narrative moderationGentle movementBreathing exercises with propsSelf-massageCatch the full...
Published 01/28/24
Do you ever feel like your body is betraying you? Many people with scoliosis (and other chronic conditions) can feel like their body is an inhospitable place. And life can feel very difficult when your body doesn’t feel like home. This episode is a heart-to-heart discussion of some of the emotional and mental aspects of scoliosis — and how to overcome them: The mental/emotional consequences of chronic painHow scoliosis impacts bodily autonomyHow chronic pain can affect personal...
Published 01/21/24
Is there a connection between your spinal curve and your tongue physiology? It’s possible! Evidence shows that having a tongue tie can be linked to scoliosis — and treating a tongue tie can have a positive impact on scoliosis symptoms. This episode features my recent conversation with Dr. Laura Glazebrook where we talked all about this connection: Side effects of tongue tiesDetails about tongue tie releaseThe links between tongue ties and spinal curvesTongue tie self-assessment...
Published 01/14/24
What does functional neurology have to do with scoliosis? Everything! Understanding how your brain perceives pain can help you find ways to reduce scoliosis symptoms and improve your overall well-being. This episode covers the basics of the link between the nervous system and scoliosis: Your brain’s “threat bucket”Information processing and painThe importance of visual inputHow movement and flexibility influence scoliosis painCatch the full episode for all the details. Resources...
Published 01/07/24
What does it really mean to have scoliosis? Is it all movement restrictions and worrying about curve progression? It doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m covering three of the most important things that every scoliosis patient should know about  Caring for scoliosisMovement and activity restrictionsCurve progressionCatch the full episode for all the details. Resources mentioned: Pilates for scoliosis coaching
Published 12/31/23
What are your goals for next year? I’m making some resolutions to improve my personal life and my scoliosis care. And I’ve got some goals for my work as well. This episode covers some of my goals and resolutions for 2024:  Listening to what my body needsMaking time to see my friendsDisconnecting (partially) from social mediaCultivating hyggeCatch the full episode for all the details. Resources mentioned: Scoliologic Fitness The Scoliosis Strength Collective Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for...
Published 12/17/23
What does the latest research say about scoliosis? It’s often hard to find scholarly articles about scoliosis, and it can be even more difficult to decipher what they say. This episode covers some of the latest scientific research about scoliosis in an easy-to-understand discussion about key topics:  The effects of Pilates and Schroth exercisesHow Basic Body Awareness Therapy can help The connection between lymphatic disorders and scoliosisCatch the full episode for all the details. Resources...
Published 12/10/23
What should you get as a holiday gift for someone with scoliosis? Scoliosis-specific tools, like a pull-up bar or wedges, are always good ideas. But those aren’t your only options. This episode includes a complete list of gifts that can make it easier to live life with scoliosis:  Tools and props for scoliosisSelf-care itemsHealth and wellness giftsOutside-the-box ideasCatch the full episode for all the details.Resources mentioned: Coregeous ball  Franklin balls Traction belt  Wedges  Pull-up...
Published 12/03/23
Can a chiropractor treat scoliosis? Some chiropractors specialize in scoliosis care and can offer effective treatment plans. But many chiropractors don’t understand the unique challenges of a spinal curve or realize that traditional chiro treatments can be dangerous for scoliosis patients. This episode covers everything you need to know to decide whether to choose a chiropractor for scoliosis treatment: How to know if your chiro specializes in scoliosisWhy a treatment plan is importantWhether...
Published 11/26/23
Want to get the best results from scoliosis exercises and adjustments? The key is to incorporate them into your daily routine. In this episode, you’ll learn how to build healthy habits that help you support your curve and minimize pain and other scoliosis symptoms. I’m showing you how to make scoliosis management a realistic part of your daily routine: The disadvantages of time-intensive scoliosis exercise sessionsHow to build awareness of your alignment Managing your curve throughout the...
Published 11/19/23
Is yoga or Pilates better if you have scoliosis? Both types of movement can help you manage your curve and improve your overall health. But one of them offers more benefits and fewer disadvantages — and this episode tells you why: The history of Pilates and yogaHow they approach movementBreathwork that helps with scoliosisWhich movement practice is better for people with scoliosisCatch the full episode for all the details. Resources mentioned: The Scoliosis Strength Collective Schedule a...
Published 11/12/23
What can you expect from a small-group scoliosis coaching program? How do you know whether it’s the right fit for you? There are many ways to get support to help you manage your scoliosis better. And it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. It’s easy to dismiss group programs as being “less personalized” than 1:1 coaching. However, these community-based programs have many unique benefits! This episode is all about the ins and outs of group scoliosis coaching: What to expect in a...
Published 11/05/23
When you think about managing your scoliosis symptoms, do you consider your diet? Many people underestimate the effect that food has on overall health and specific issues, such as inflammation and bone health. But it’s crucial to factor in your diet when you’re looking for ways to reduce pain and manage your scoliosis symptoms. In this episode, I’m talking with health and nutrition expert Anna Peluso Simonson about food and spinal health: The vitamins and nutrients that support your bonesWhy...
Published 10/29/23
What should a scoliosis-friendly exercise program include? It’s not always easy to figure out how to exercise without risking injury to your curve. But when done right, working out can help reduce pain and other symptoms.  In this episode, I’m covering all the essentials of exercise for scoliosis: Scoliosis non-negotiables to add to your daily routineHow to balance strength, cardio, and mobilityWhy you need adequate restWhich moves you should avoid to protect your curveCatch the full episode...
Published 10/22/23
If you sit all day for your job, how can you minimize scoliosis-related back pain? It starts with choosing the perfect desk chair. There are lots of options out there, but it’s easier to make a decision when you know what to look for. This episode includes all the info you need to choose the right desk chair for scoliosis: Features to look forSitting positions that support your spineHow often to change positionsDesk chair recommendations Catch the full episode for all the...
Published 10/15/23
What does life look like after spinal fusion surgery?   It’s different for everyone, but it’s not limited to minimal activity and careers outside the public eye. Denise Barker is proof of that, having built a career as a sommelier and wine educator following several spinal fusion surgeries. In this episode, Denise and I talk about several aspects of spinal fusion: Side effects of spinal fusion surgeryThe recovery processMovement and activity with a spinal fusionHow to support parents who have...
Published 10/08/23
If you have a spinal fusion, can you get pregnant? Can scoliosis affect your birth experience or postpartum health? These are just a few of the common questions people have about the connection between spinal and reproductive health. And in this episode, I’m answering all of them with help from my guest, Dr. Laura Grazebrook. She’s a physical therapist who specializes in scoliosis and pelvic health. This episode is all about scoliosis, fertility, and pelvic health: How spinal curvature...
Published 10/01/23
Does childhood scoliosis ever resolve itself? Will your child’s spine naturally straighten as they get older? This is something I hear frequently, but it’s a myth. Scoliosis doesn’t just go away as your child grows. But getting an early diagnosis opens up the opportunity for effective treatment. This episode is all about childhood scoliosis: The myth of outgrowing your curveWhen to start your child’s treatmentThe potential impact of waiting until your child is older to start treatmentWhat to...
Published 08/27/23
You can spend a lot of money on all the scoliosis products available on the market. But are any of them really worth it? Although there are some tools and props that can help you manage your scoliosis, there are plenty of other products that are just snake oil. This episode covers everything you need to know when shopping for scoliosis equipment: Tools and props that aren’t worth the moneyScoliosis products that actually workTips for evaluating other scoliosis products in the futureCatch the...
Published 08/20/23