Pilates for Scoliosis

It's Scoliosis Awareness Month and, as someone with scoliosis, it's important to me to help spread awareness about scoliosis and how Pilates can be life-changing for people with a curvy spine.

What are the main types of scoliosis?

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS)

The most common type of scoliosis. There is no known cause (!) and is usually diagnosed during puberty.

Congenital Scoliosis

This develops before birth, in babies or infants and occurs when the vertebrae (bones that make up the spine) don’t form properly. 

Degenerative Scoliosis

This occurs in adults and is thought to be caused by arthirtis or deteriotion of the spine.

What are the different scoliosis curve types?

C-Curve (single)

When the spine has one curve.

S-Curve (double)

When the spine has two curves.

Thoracic/Lumbar

A C-curve can either occur as a thoracic curve (in the upper part of the back), a lumbar curve (in the lower part of the back) or thoraco-lumbar (in the middle). An S-curve is both thoracic and lumbar, either curving from left to right or right to left.

How does scoliosis affect the rest of the body?

• The ribcage can shift to one side and rotate sometimes creating a ‘rib hump’.

• Because of this rotation, the shoulder blade can also become more prominent and stick out.

• The pelvis can shift to one side and rotate too.

• One hip can become slightly higher than the other.

• The muscles on the inside of a scoliosis curve become short and don’t work as hard.

• The muscles on the outside of a scoliosis curve become overstretched and tight.

How can Pilates help scoliosis?

• Scoliosis Pilates can provide relief from tight/painful muscles in the back, shoulders and neck which are all areas that can become incredibly tight with a curvy spine.

• It can increase spinal mobility and get the back feeling more mobile.

• It can strengthen the weak muscles in a scoliosis curve.

• It can strengthen the core and glute muscles which provides stability for the spine.

• It can increase body awareness which is super important as understanding your body is key if you have scoliosis.

• Scoliosis can sometimes affect mental health and Pilates can make you feel more relaxed and can help you look after yourself.

If you have scoliosis and would be interested in trying out a Pilates for Scoliosis class, then click here and you will be taken to Build & Breathe, an online Pilates studio for those with scoliosis and spinal fusion. I teach their Tuesday Pilates for Scoliosis class, it would be great to see you there!