Evolving Scoliosis Program by Jacqueline Sloan 

In the last 4 years I have had the privilege to work with clients with scoliosis and their families. I have entered this fascinating scope of practice with curiosity and growing admiration for what the body is capable of.

We are all lucky now that there is a growing interest in exercise for scoliosis. Over this time I have also noted the current gap in support, management and maintenance for the scoliotic spine in the medical community in this region. This resulted in a search of reliable sources of guidance and information that may help my clients, better solutions than just hoping you’ll get through your growth spurt without getting worse, or “just strengthen your core and you’ll be OK”.

This March Jenna Peters PT, and I attended a course with Andrea Mendosa at the ScolioClinic in Vancouver  hosted by BCPA (British Columbia Physiotherapy Association) for assessing and understanding conservative management principles for scoliosis. This course helped set up guidelines for us to assess and classify curves and begin programming for each client. We also saw that there is a growing body of evidence-based research demonstrating that the addition of Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises (PSSE) to bracing and monitoring programs dramatically improves the efficacy AIS (Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis - which is the origin of most scoliosis) treatment outcomes.

So, then in May I attended a course in Green Valley, California, Pilates Adaptations for People with Scoliosis Supporting the Teachings of the Schroth Method, with two of the world experts in the Schroth Method, the only medically accepted format of PSSE. This course outlined clearly the use of Asymmetrical Isometrics for Movement Facilitation for Fitness, like Pilates, teaching clients to understand how postural correction and strengthening can play a key role in the physical fitness and their quality of life into maturity.

As well, Jenna, Andrea and the Schroth ladies emphasised that a Bio/Psycho/Social approach to programming can have an enormous impact on the success of long term management of AIS.

Program Goals:

·  Correction of the "scoliotic posture"

·  Stabilizing the spine and arresting progression

·  Patient and family education

·  Improving function, Active Daily Living

·  Improving self-image

·  Minimizing pain

So I hope you find my classes fun and helpful, because they are now loaded with information and exercises that are designed to help you understand yourself better and improve your quality of life.