How Scolio-Pilates Can Help Clients Optimize Outcomes, Reduce Pain, and Feel their Very Best
Scoliosis is a common spinal condition that affects an estimated 2-3% of the population in the United States and is hallmarked by a lateral curvature of the spine. Although cases range from mild to severe, those living with scoliosis can experience pain, discomfort, imbalance in the body, and even limited mobility.
Scolio-Pilates can help those living with scoliosis optimize pre- or post-surgical outcomes, reduce pain and discomfort, and improve mobility to feel their very best.
The Scolio-Pilates Approach
Scolio-Pilates is a specialized form of Pilates taught by a highly qualified and trained professional that combines core principles of Pilates with research-based scoliosis-specific exercises.
Every person living with scoliosis is unique with their own particular spinal curvature, set of symptoms, and impacts on the rest of the body. That’s why the first step in any comprehensive and effective Scolio-Pilates program is a full evaluation of the client’s spinal curvature, movement patterns, mobility limitations, and treatment plans.
Once a client’s assessment is complete, the Scolio-Pilates practitioner can design a program specifically tailored to the client’s condition and goals with a firm focus on improved posture, optimal alignment, improved body awareness, and increased overall body strength.
Scolio-Pilates for Pre- or Post-Surgery Support
Scolio-Pilates is intended to be a complementary therapy, not a substitute for any recommended medical interventions. As such, a Scolio-Pilates Practitioner will never position Scolio-Pilates as a means to avoid medical interventions. Some patients experience a progression in the spinal curvature that necessitates bracing or surgery and Scolio-Pilates cannot overcome that progression.
However, Scolio-Pilates can help a client optimize their experience and outcomes leading up to and following any necessary surgical interventions. By specifically addressing the imbalances caused by scoliosis, Scolio-Pilates helps individuals achieve a more aligned and functional spine, leading to improved overall body function. Going into surgery with a stronger, more functional body can lead to better outcomes when recovering and healing post-surgery.
Scolio-Pilates for Pain Management
Clients living with scoliosis often experience ongoing pain and discomfort due to the increased strain on their muscles and joints. Scolio-Pilates can help alleviate this pain by focusing on strengthening the muscles that support the spine and improving flexibility. The exercises target both the deep core muscles and the muscles surrounding the spine, promoting better alignment and reducing the strain on affected areas. The result is less pain and discomfort, which is a great relief for those living with scoliosis.
Scolio-Pilates Helps Clients Feel Their Very Best
Scolio-Pilates places a strong emphasis on body awareness, helping clients develop a better understanding of their posture, movement patterns, and spinal alignment. As they become more aware of their body and how it moves, they can make intentional and conscious adjustments to their posture and how they move through daily life. This increases confidence, improves general well being, and reduces the impact of scoliosis on their everyday activities, all of which promote feeling their very best.
Scoliosis can also contribute to decreased flexibility, particularly in the areas affected by the spinal curvature, including the spine, hips, and shoulders. Scolio-Pilates incorporates stretching exercises that focus on increasing flexibility in these affected areas. Improved flexibility not only helps counteract the stiffness associated with scoliosis but also allows for better range of motion, reducing the risk of injuries, enhancing overall mobility, and thus, helping clients to feel their very best.
Practicing Scolio-Pilates at The Pilates Place
We offer Scolio-Pliates at The Pilates Place, delivered by the only certified Scolio-Pilates Practitioner in the state of Maryland, Emily Hagan. Under Emily’s direction, our clients learn exercises that will not only help alleviate scoliosis pain but also stop postural issues from getting worse.
Emily works on bringing the spine towards more of a neutral position through lengthening, breathing, and strengthening exercises with the use of foam wedges and Pilates equipment. The program starts with an assessment of the individual's spinal curvature and movement patterns. Based on the assessment, a Scolio-Pilates program specific to their curvatures and personal goals will be developed.