Why We Need to Rethink Scoliosis and Movement
"Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t."
— Rikki Rogers
For many of us with scoliosis, the guidance around movement hasn’t always been clear. We may have been told to “be careful,” “take it easy,” or avoid certain positions, without much explanation of why or what’s actually helpful.
Sometimes we're told to avoid twisting, bending, or lifting, especially after surgery, and in the short term, those restrictions are important for healing. But what's often missing is the next step: a plan for when and how to safely rebuild movement, strength, and confidence as recovery continues.
That kind of uncertainty can lead to hesitation or fear. Not because we’ve been told not to move, but because we were never really taught how to move in a way that supports our spines.
But movement, when done intentionally and with the right guidance, can be one of the most empowering tools we have.
A Scoliosis-Informed Approach to Movement
Scoliosis doesn’t mean you’re fragile, it just means your body may need a more personalized approach to exercise and rehabilitation. Movement plans should account for spinal curves, rotation, postural patterns, and even whether someone has had spinal fusion.
That’s where scoliosis-specific physical therapy methods like Schroth come in. The Schroth Method focuses on posture, breathing, and neuromuscular retraining. Exercises are designed based on your individual curve pattern to help you build alignment, improve control, and retrain how your body holds itself.
When combined with thoughtful strength training, this approach can help improve:
Postural awareness
Pain management
Breathing efficiency
Long-term spinal stability
And yes, even after spinal fusion, there are ways to move safely and build strength. The key is working with someone who understands both the structural changes of scoliosis and the emotional weight many of us carry around our bodies.
What Scoliosis Movement Support Should Include
Here’s what a supportive, scoliosis-informed movement plan should do:
Address your unique curve pattern or fusion level
Rebuild core and postural strength in a sustainable way
Reinforce corrections from therapy (like Schroth) with functional strength
Help you feel safe, confident, and in control of your own body
Adapt as your needs change over time
You don’t need to be an athlete, or even pain-free, to start exploring movement. You just need the right kind of support, and a willingness to reconnect with your body in a new way.
👉 Explore scoliosis-informed strength and movement resources
You Deserve More Than One-Size-Fits-All Care
You don’t need another printout of generic exercises or vague instructions to “just be careful.” You deserve a movement plan that honors your spine, your story, and your goals.
If you’ve been hesitant to move, or unsure how to do it safely, know this: You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And it’s never too late to start building strength in a way that supports you.
With you always,
Becky
Disclaimer:
The information shared in this blog and newsletter is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or changing your exercise, treatment, or rehabilitation plan. While I am a nurse and scoliosis advocate, I am not acting as your personal healthcare provider.
