Yoga Therapy for Scoliosis
I think of my spine as being unique, not deformed. I hate that term. (I know, “hate” is a very strong word for a yoga teacher to use.) But that word is not who I am, and it is not who you are, if you too have scoliosis. We have extra curves in our spines, and we have rotation in our ribcage, pelvis or both. Definitely unique, even quite “extra-ordinary.” 🙂 But when we have extraordinary spines, we must find ways to bring our spine, muscles and organs towards balance. And luckily, yoga therapy can help.
I take pride in the fact that when I first met a physical therapist in January 2020 seeking help with neck pain, he said, “wow, you don’t look like what I expected after previewing your spine x-ray.” When I told him that I am a yoga teacher and therapist, he said “that explains it.” Yoga teaches me postural alignments that help de-rotate my ribs, level my hips, draw in my “winged” right scapula, and lengthen my spine. But maintaining good posture takes constant work.
I have been studying how to realign my extra-curvy spine since 2004 when I took my first of many Yoga for Scoliosis workshops with Elise Browning Miller. Elise was the first to give me hope that there are many yogic tools that can help me work towards balance. Over the years I have also studied with Dr. Loren Fishman, Ed Paget and others. I primarily teach Dr. Fishman’s protocol for scoliosis. Now I would like to share what I have learned from this extraordinary teacher with you.
There are several ways you can do yoga therapy for scoliosis. One is to do the private one-on-one classes with me either online via Zoom or at my studio (assuming you have gotten both of your vaccine shots). This is the most custom way to work with your unique curves and concerns. See the “Yoga Therapy with Karen” tab for more information and costs.
Another way is to work in a small group class focused on yoga therapy for curvy spines. The group meets once a month for 75 minutes. The first meeting is a free Q&A about the group classes. We talk about group goals, types of scoli, how yoga therapy can help manage pain, create better alignment and how curvy spines need modications in our yoga practice to help de-rotate our ribcage or hips, strengthen weak muscles on one side of our body and stretch over-tight ones on the other side. For those that want to join the group class, we set up private assessments so I can look at your spine, any x-rays you have, and do a few other postural and breathing assessments.
Then the next four months will have one class a month where we focus on an important concept for our spines. Throughout that month until we meet again you will practice that concept and the poses/breathwork that I give you to create a new healthy habit for your spine.
By the end of the 5 months you will have learned a lot about your spine, have developed deeper friendships with others that also have curvy spines and hopefully strengthen weak muscles, relax tight ones and know what modifications in yoga are really appropriate for you.
If you would like to join the next Yoga Therapy Group for “Curvy Spines,” send an email to Karen@YogaTherapyWithKaren.com for more information.
Every month I learn more and more about scoliosis. Hope you will join me, either privately or in our group classes, to learn more about your spine and work towards balance in body, mind and spirit.
Om. Shanti Shanti Shanti. Om!
I think of my spine as being unique, not deformed. I hate that term. (I know, “hate” is a very strong word for a yoga teacher to use.) But that word is not who I am, and it is not who you are, if you too have scoliosis. We have extra curves in our spines, and we have rotation in our ribcage, pelvis or both. Definitely unique, even quite “extra-ordinary.” 🙂 But when we have extraordinary spines, we must find ways to bring our spine, muscles and organs towards balance. And luckily, yoga therapy can help.
I take pride in the fact that when I first met a physical therapist in January 2020 seeking help with neck pain, he said, “wow, you don’t look like what I expected after previewing your spine x-ray.” When I told him that I am a yoga teacher and therapist, he said “that explains it.” Yoga teaches me postural alignments that help de-rotate my ribs, level my hips, draw in my “winged” right scapula, and lengthen my spine. But maintaining good posture takes constant work.
I have been studying how to realign my extra-curvy spine since 2004 when I took my first of many Yoga for Scoliosis workshops with Elise Browning Miller. Elise was the first to give me hope that there are many yogic tools that can help me work towards balance. Over the years I have also studied with Dr. Loren Fishman, Ed Paget and others. I primarily teach Dr. Fishman’s protocol for scoliosis. Now I would like to share what I have learned from this extraordinary teacher with you.
There are several ways you can do yoga therapy for scoliosis. One is to do the private one-on-one classes with me either online via Zoom or at my studio (assuming you have gotten both of your vaccine shots). This is the most custom way to work with your unique curves and concerns. See the “Yoga Therapy with Karen” tab for more information and costs.
Another way is to work in a small group class focused on yoga therapy for curvy spines. The group meets once a month for 75 minutes. The first meeting is a free Q&A about the group classes. We talk about group goals, types of scoli, how yoga therapy can help manage pain, create better alignment and how curvy spines need modications in our yoga practice to help de-rotate our ribcage or hips, strengthen weak muscles on one side of our body and stretch over-tight ones on the other side. For those that want to join the group class, we set up private assessments so I can look at your spine, any x-rays you have, and do a few other postural and breathing assessments.
Then the next four months will have one class a month where we focus on an important concept for our spines. Throughout that month until we meet again you will practice that concept and the poses/breathwork that I give you to create a new healthy habit for your spine.
By the end of the 5 months you will have learned a lot about your spine, have developed deeper friendships with others that also have curvy spines and hopefully strengthen weak muscles, relax tight ones and know what modifications in yoga are really appropriate for you.
If you would like to join the next Yoga Therapy Group for “Curvy Spines,” send an email to Karen@YogaTherapyWithKaren.com for more information.
Every month I learn more and more about scoliosis. Hope you will join me, either privately or in our group classes, to learn more about your spine and work towards balance in body, mind and spirit.
Om. Shanti Shanti Shanti. Om!
