Scoliosis — having abnormal spinal curvature, that is a spine that twists and curves to one side — can affect a person at any age but tends to be diagnosed in rapidly growing teenagers. According to published sources, c.4 in every 1000 children in the UK and Ireland need treatment for scoliosis; many more (c.1 in 110) have the condition but don’t need or seek treatment but can be helped by exercise. However, understanding of what exercise is safe and effective with a curved and/or operated-on spine is very limited. Specialist exercise trainer and expert scoliosis patient Caroline Freedman provides a practical, illustrated guide for those who are able to use exercise to alleviate their scoliosis curves and for those who need a more radical solution — surgery — and must modify how they exercise pre— and post-operatively. Patients, their families and movement professionals will find practical, safe, tailored guidance based on specific, long-term experience.
