Staying healthy is most every human’s goal in life. Pushing our bodies to be the best that they can be takes work, effort and dedication through exercise and activity. What happens when a scoliosis diagnosis seems to put those activities on hold? Though the first reactions might be feelings of dread and anger over the thoughts of possibly having to stop exercising and keeping up strength, remember that there are others walking the same path as you are. They have tested the waters, experimented and come up with solutions that work. Also, here’s some positivity right away: exercise is actually a crucial recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate diagnoses. In regards to this idea of exercising to keep the body in tip top shape, let us look into methods other people with scoliosis diagnoses have given a try out and prefer.
First of all, it is absolutely imperative for you to work alongside your doctor. Once you have had discussions and received your list of guidelines from your doctor, it is suggested that you take the list to your local gym and sign up with a certified personal trainer. Trainers are able to create a workout regimen along the guidelines of your doctor as well as work with you to perform the exercises with proper form.
Speaking of proper form, a fellow scoliosis patient made the statement that his doctor said he needed to support his back when doing any type of lifting workout with a belt to support the spine. He said that, per his doctor too, lower weights and more repetitions was more ideal. Try the all beloved plank which is a fabulous exercise that is not very strenuous but secretly builds up total body strength. Partaking in the exercises that focused on building strength in the muscles that support the core and spine were given many thumbs up. Again speak with a personal trainer, knowing what exercises are going to benefit you is their job.
When looking into more cardio type activities, there was hiking and sprinting suggestions but swimming was an activity brought up many times over. Rather than long distance running or high impact sports like football that tend to jolt the spine, swimming took the weight bearing aspect off the body while allowing it to build core strength and stabilization. An overall “good feeling” in the body was also constantly commented on.
Yoga! Another highly recommended workout routine that is low impact while at the same time strength and core building. You also work on all your stabilizing muscles too. Thumbs up were given to practicing yoga by fellow scoliosis yogis who highly encouraged yoga to be added into a daily workout routine because they noticed noticeable pain relief. Do let the yoga instructor know of your condition as there are yoga poses that should be avoided like ones that repeatedly extend the torso.
Life is not limited by the diagnosis of scoliosis! You CAN keep enjoying all of life’s activities. All of our bodies are different, take a Mind/Body approach when trying anything new. Be gentle with yourself and if something doesn’t feel right then back off, modify or work on another exercise that might suit your body better.
As always, we would like to remind you to please be aware that the above suggestions are only for health information. Please do speak with your physician for any and all medical advice you are seeking.
