If you or someone you know has scoliosis, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. They can give you guidance on which exercises are safe for you based on the severity of your condition.
Here are some exercises that may be helpful for treating scoliosis:
1. Side Stretch
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Raise one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side, feeling a stretch along the side of your body. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
2. Cobra Pose
Lie face down on a mat with your hands under your shoulders. Press your hands into the mat and lift your chest up, keeping your elbows close to your body. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then release.
3. Pelvic Tilt
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Engage your abdominal muscles and tilt your pelvis so that your lower back presses into the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
4. Triangle Pose
Stand with your feet about three feet apart and turn your right foot out 90 degrees. Extend your arms out to your sides, then tilt your torso to the right, placing your right hand on your shin or ankle. Reach your left arm up towards the ceiling. Hold for 10-15 seconds, then repeat on the other side.
5. Cat-Cow Stretch
Begin on your hands and knees with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your knees directly under your hips. Inhale and arch your back, lifting your head and tailbone towards the ceiling. Exhale and round your spine, tucking your chin towards your chest. Repeat 10-15 times.
6. Spinal Rotation
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Keeping your shoulders on the mat, lower your knees to one side, then the other, twisting your spine. Repeat 10-15 times.
7. Shoulder Bridge
Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Engage your glutes and lift your hips up towards the ceiling, keeping your shoulders and feet on the floor. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
8. Child’s Pose
Begin on your hands and knees, then lower your hips back towards your heels and stretch your arms out in front of you. Rest your forehead on the mat and breathe deeply for 10-15 seconds.
Remember to start slowly and listen to your body. If any of these exercises cause pain or discomfort, stop immediately. Consistency is key when it comes to treating scoliosis with exercise, so aim to do these exercises for 10-15 minutes a day, every day.
In addition to exercise, maintaining good posture is important for treating scoliosis. Make sure to sit and stand up straight, avoiding slouching or hunching forward. Strengthening your core muscles can also help support your spine and improve your posture.
While exercise can be a helpful tool for treating scoliosis, it’s important to remember that it’s not a cure-all. Mild to moderate cases of scoliosis can benefit from exercise, but more severe cases may require surgery or other forms of treatment. Talk to your doctor about the best course of action for your specific condition.