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Pilates for Scoliosis
What is Functional Scoliosis?
Functional scoliosis, also known as nonstructural scoliosis, is a structurally normal spine that appears to have a lateral curve (scoliosis). Nonstructural scoliosis involves a temporary change of spinal curvature caused by an underlying condition such as a difference in leg length, muscle spasms/strains, poor posture, collapsed arches, over pronation of feet, and inflammatory conditions. Functional scoliosis is managed by addressing the underlying problem, the spine itself needs no treatment.
What are some common symptoms of functional scoliosis?
- Loss of range of motion in the spine
- Back pain
- Muscle fatigue and spasm in postural muscle groups
- Uneven muscular development
Prominent Postural Symptoms:
- Head is not aligned directly above the pelvis
- One shoulder is higher than the other
- One shoulder blade protrudes from the back
- Rib cages that are at different heights/more prominent on one side
- One hip is higher than the other
- Legs seem different lengths
- Leaning of entire body to one side
Why is functional scoliosis important to manage and correct ?
Managing functional scoliosis and helping to prevent further muscular dysfunction will help to prevent or alleviate chronic pain and surgery.
What can The Body Gallery do to help?
Cassidy Moore specializes in working with clients who have functional scoliosis. Symmetry tends to reduce pain and discomfort. She uses Pilates exercises to mobilize, strengthen and balance out the muscular support system of the spine helping to keep the muscles and joints working optimally. With time this may help your spine to straighten.
She will begin each session with an assessment of the body and work accordingly. You will develop deep body awareness skills as you learn to change your muscular patterning. You will increase strength where it is needed, mobility where you have lost your range of motion and stability of the pelvis and spine through deep core work, the Pilates core includes the inner thighs, pelvic floor, psoas, glutes, the transverse abdominal, multifidus, and the internal/external obliques.