Benefits of Scoliosis Exercises:

1. Strengthening muscles: Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, reducing the risk of muscle imbalance and promoting better overall posture.
2. Improving flexibility: Scoliosis exercises can increase the flexibility of the spine and surrounding muscles, making it easier for patients to maintain a proper posture.
3. Reducing pain: By strengthening and stretching the muscles, scoliosis exercises can help alleviate pain caused by muscle tension and spinal misalignment.
4. Slowing curve progression: Regular scoliosis exercises can slow down the progression of the spinal curve, reducing the need for more invasive treatments.

Schroth Therapy based Scoliosis-Specific Exercise Examples

While general fitness is useful, scoliosis-specific exercises are key to managing your curve and supporting your spine. 

Below are some practical exercises commonly included in scoliosis programmes, which can be performed at home or under supervision:

• Arm/Leg Raises: Lying on your stomach, raise one arm or leg at a time (or the opposite arm and leg together for more challenge). This builds core and lower back support.
• Cat/Cow Stretch: On all fours, alternate arching and rounding your back, which gently mobilises and strengthens spinal muscles, especially helpful for those with painful symptoms.
• Pelvic Tilt: Lying on your back with knees bent, pull your stomach in to flatten your back against the floor. Hold and repeat. This helps build pelvic and abdominal control.
• Latissimus Stretch: Standing, reach overhead and grasp one wrist. Lean to the opposite side for a gentle stretch along the side of your back.
• Abdominal Press: Lying on your back, press your hands into your knees (with knees bent at right angles), activating your core without moving the legs.
• Posture Practice: Standing tall, align your ears with your shoulders, chin gently tucked, and stomach engaged. Practise this several times a day to reinforce spinal alignment.
• Single-Leg Balance: Stand and lift one knee up, balance on the opposite leg. Use a mirror or chair if needed. Progress by closing your eyes or crossing your arms.
• Plank: On forearms and toes, maintain a straight line from head to heel, engaging core muscles that support the spine.
• Upward Dog: On hands and knees, drop hips and lift your chest, stretching the front of the spine and strengthening support muscles.
• Split Stance Arm Reach: Lunge forward, keep the spine neutral, and reach the opposite arm overhead while the other arm extends behind you.
• Downward Dog: From all fours, lift hips towards the ceiling, lengthening the back and promoting spinal alignment.
• Hip Roll: Lying on your back with knees bent, gently roll both knees side to side, engaging obliques and improving trunk mobility.

Always consult your scoliosis specialist before beginning a new exercise regimen to ensure exercises are appropriate for your curve type and ability. Proper technique is essential, doing exercises incorrectly can be counterproductive… IDEALLY a personalised programme will be created that is unique to your curve!

Schroth Method

The Schroth method is a physiotherapeutic scoliosis treatment developed in Germany in the 1920s. It involves a series of exercises tailored to each patient's specific spinal curvature, focusing on elongating the spine, de-rotating the ribcage, and correcting spinal imbalances. The exercises are usually performed under the supervision of a certified Schroth therapist, who will guide the patient through the proper techniques and ensure their safety.

SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis)

SEAS is an exercise-based treatment approach developed in Italy, focusing on improving spinal stability, posture, and overall function. The exercises in SEAS therapy are individualised for each patient and are designed to be easily incorporated into daily life. SEAS therapy aims to teach patients how to self-manage their condition and maintain proper posture in everyday activities.

ScoliBalance

ScoliBalance is a personalised exercise programme that combines elements of both the Schroth method and SEAS therapy. The programme is designed to address the specific needs of each patient, focusing on spinal alignment, muscle balance, and functional improvements. ScoliBalance exercises can be performed at home, making it a convenient option for patients looking to manage their scoliosis through exercise.

Scoliosis-specific exercises can be an effective, non-surgical treatment option for managing spinal curvature and improving overall function. The Schroth method, SEAS, and ScoliBalance are just a few examples of exercise-based therapies that can help patients with scoliosis. It is essential to work with a scoliosis specialist, such as Dr. Matthew Potts at Dorsi.uk or Spinex Clinic London, to develop a personalised exercise plan that meets your unique needs and goals.

Keywords: Scoliosis treatment, scoliosis exercises, Schroth method, SEAS, ScoliBalance

One of the most common fears parents have after a scoliosis diagnosis is that their child will need to stop sport or avoid physical activity. In reality, most children and teenagers with scoliosis can and should stay active with the right guidance.

Why Sport Matters

Staying active builds strength, cardiovascular fitness, and confidence. For young people with scoliosis, it can also:

• Support core and back muscle endurance.
• Maintain flexibility and balance.
• Improve mood, reduce anxiety, and boost self-esteem.

There is no evidence that sensible sporting participation worsens curves when monitored and treated appropriately. In fact we believe that a healthy strong body will better adapt to any scoliosis specific therapy including bracing, improve mental health and allow you to prepare for a life after bracing with a strong spine.

Generally Safe Sports

Most non-contact and moderate-contact sports are safe for scoliosis patients, including:

• Swimming.
• Cycling.
• Running and athletics.
• Dancing.
• Football and netball (with some caveats).

Dorsi Spinal Institute assesses each patient individually, but in general we encourage continued participation in these activities.

Sports Requiring Caution

Some sports may require modifications or closer monitoring, especially for patients with larger curves, pain, or those in bracing:

• High-impact gymnastics or trampolining.
• Heavy weightlifting (especially overhead lifts without supervision).
• Contact sports such as rugby at elite levels.

We rarely recommend complete avoidance, but we may suggest technique adjustments, strength pre-conditioning, or limits on high-risk movements.

Exercising in a Brace

Many brace wearers can still participate in sports. Sometimes the brace is worn during low-impact activities and removed for high-intensity sport, depending on the treatment plan. Dorsi clinicians provide clear instructions tailored to each child.

When to Stop or Adjust

We advise seeking review if sport causes:

• Persistent or worsening back pain.
• Leg weakness, numbness, or pins and needles.
• Breathlessness out of proportion to effort.

In these cases, we may adjust bracing, exercise intensity, or investigate for other issues.

How Dorsi Spinal Institute Supports Active Lifestyles

We work with families, schools, and coaches to create realistic, healthy activity plans. Where needed, we provide letters outlining restrictions or recommendations, and help young athletes return to sport after surgery or major treatment.

Next Steps

If you’re unsure what sports are safe for your child—or yourself—book a consultation at Dorsi Spinal Institute. We’ll create a personalised activity roadmap that keeps you moving safely and happily.

Related reading: see our blogs on swimming, dance and more, and scoliosis-specific exercise.

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Bracing and exercise are sometimes presented as competing options for scoliosis. At Dorsi Spinal Institute, they are partners. Used together, they provide the most powerful non-surgical approach to curve control and correction.

Why Bracing Alone Isn’t Enough

Braces like ScoliBrace can apply three-dimensional corrective forces to the spine, guiding it toward better alignment. However, they do not actively retrain muscles or movement patterns on their own. Without muscle engagement, gains made in a brace may be harder to maintain after weaning.

Why Exercise Alone Isn’t Enough

Exercises, especially scoliosis-specific methods such as Schroth and SEAS, target strength, flexibility, and postural control. They are excellent for supporting the spine but may not be sufficient to control progression of moderate curves in children who are still growing.

The Power of Integration

Combining bracing and exercise allows:

• The brace to provide consistent structural correction.
• Exercises to train the body to hold and support that correction.

Evidence shows that this integrated approach produces better outcomes than either method alone.

Combine this with specialised treatment programmes and we have the Dorsi Method: the only clinic in the UK offering a full spectrum non-surgical programme.

Dorsi’s Integrated Programmes

At Dorsi Spinal Institute, brace wear is coordinated with:

• Regular ScoliBalanace exercise one-to-one sessions.
• Home exercise programmes tailored to each curve pattern.
• Specialised treatments.
• Education about posture in daily activities.

This ensures that every hour in or out of the brace contributes to long-term success.

Patient Engagement and Motivation

Exercises also give patients a sense of control and agency, turning them from passive recipients of care into active participants. This psychological shift supports adherence and resilience.

Next Steps

If you’ve heard mixed messages about bracing versus exercise, Dorsi Spinal Institute can clarify your options and design a combined programme that plays to the strengths of both.

Related reading: see our blogs on scoliosis-specific exercises, ScoliBrace technology, and curve correction outcomes.

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Back pain and scoliosis often get mentioned in the same breath, but the relationship is not always straightforward. Some people with significant curves have little pain; others with modest curves can be in real distress. Understanding the causes allows for better, more targeted relief.

Why Scoliosis Can Cause Pain

Possible pain drivers include:

• Uneven loading on discs and facet joints leading to wear.
• Muscle fatigue from constantly working to keep the body balanced.
• Nerve compression where the curve narrows nerve passageways.

Children vs Adults

Children and teenagers with scoliosis are often pain-free or experience only mild, activity-related aches. Adults, especially with degenerative changes, are more likely to experience ongoing pain that needs active management.

Assessment at Dorsi Spinal Institute

We evaluate:

• Exact pain location and pattern.
• Curve type and severity.
• Muscle strength, flexibility, and posture.
• Signs of nerve involvement in legs or arms.

Imaging (x-ray, MRI) is used when necessary to pinpoint structural causes.

Treatment Options

Dorsi’s multidisciplinary pain plans may include:

• Scoliosis-specific physiotherapy.
• Adult bracing for support and load reduction.
• Manual therapy and massage.
• Activity modification and ergonomic advice.

We coordinate with NHS pain clinics for medication or injections when needed.

When to Seek Help Urgently

Immediate review is recommended if pain is accompanied by:

• Leg weakness, numbness, or loss of control.
• Changes in bladder or bowel function.
• Fever or unexplained weight loss.

Next Steps

If scoliosis and back pain are affecting your daily life, Dorsi Spinal Institute can identify what’s causing the pain and build a clear, realistic plan for relief.

Related reading: see our blogs on adult scoliosis pain, neurological symptoms, and exercise approaches.

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Coronavirus work from home advice from a chiropractor

Here is the video created by Dr Matthew Potts a chiropractor at the Dorsi Spinal Institute Nottingham. He discusses how you can create a work from home workstation setup that is good for your spine. Plus a few other golden nuggets of advice.

We have also included a few images of how to set up your workstation for reference below.

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