Would you like to understand how yoga can help Scoliosis? Or simply find a gentle practice for Scoliosis? Keep reading!
A quick disclaimer: all that is written below are general recommendations for the yoga practitioner, and are not meant as a replacement for a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional.
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which can affect people of any age but often tends to start during puberty. This can cause back pain, especially in adult sufferers. In 8 out of 10 cases the cause is unknown (this is called idiopathic scoliosis).
Scoliosis treatments
Treatments will depend on age and the severity of the curve. In younger patients a brace might be fitted to stop the curve from progressing, until they stop growing. Sometimes, especially if the curve is severe, surgery might be needed to straighten the curve. This second option is usually for adults or teenagers, once they have stopped growing. Other option for adults that suffer from back pain due to the condition are painkillers or spinal injections.
How is Yoga Beneficial for Scoliosis
As a mindful practice, yoga can help people with scoliosis by developing body awareness. A regular practice can also help build propriocetion (the awareness of the body is space), often lacking in scoliosis sufferers. A well thought practice would strengthen the core and supportive muscles and stretch the muscles between the ribs and the side body.
Focusing on breath awareness is also extremely beneficial, as breathing can be compromised in certain cases. The breath is actually a good place to start if you have never practiced yoga before. You can try the breath awareness practice below.
Important points to practice Yoga for Scoliosis
- Listen to your body! If something hurts, skip the pose.
- Know that the two sides are going to feel different from one another, and that is completely normal.
- Don’t worry too much about symmetry and how your body looks, focus on how the practice feels.
- Make sure to use props when needed.
- Practice slowly, feel the body and don’t rush through postures.
- Add Yin Yoga to your practice, for a deeper muscular release.
- Don’t practice extreme inversions if you experience pain or your curve is severe.
Yoga for Scoliosis: a FREE practice
If you need 1:1 attention you can find more information about my offerings here
I hope this was helpful. Please, let me know your thoughts and requests in the comments.
Lots of love,
Bea
References and helpful pages:
