What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis is the technical term for a side to side curve of the spine. We all have a natural s-curvature to our spine, but scoliosis happens when the tissue on one side of the spine contracts and pulls the vertebra sideways.
Medical professionals postulate various causes of scoliosis, from spinal injury to differences in leg length and even nutrition, but the majority of scoliosis cases are idiopathic, meaning no one knows why they happen. Some people believe that mental or emotional states could be a factor, though these claims have not been clinically substantiated. More recently, a study conducted in the Netherlands showed a direct correlation between scoliosis and inaccurate body image due to perceptual weakness. Basically, the mind isn’t connected to where the body is in space.
Rolfing and Scoliosis
Rolfing can absolutely help people with scoliosis to diminish pain and restore balance to their spines. Rolfing releases the fascia, or connective tissue, that is pulling the bones out of alignment, allowing the body to come back into balance. In one study, myofascial release along the multifidius muscles of the shortened side of the scoliosis yielded significant results. Additionally, scoliosis, while it is most apparent in the back, is a whole body problem. Nothing exists in isolation in the human body; addressing the fascia of the arms, legs, hips, arms and torso will help to alleviate the pain from scoliosis.
Additionally, Rolfing can help to remap the brain’s image of the body, giving the brain a better understanding of where it is in space. Per the current research, this internal remapping prevents future regeneration and correct the scoliosis that is already present. One of my scoliosis clients was a horseback rider. She complained that her horse would never turn to the left when she was riding, but after she received three Rolfing sessions, she reported that her horse was now turning quite easily! Horses can be a very good reflection of the range of motion in the rider’s body.
Get Rolfing for Scoliosis Today
Scoliosis isn’t a life sentence. You can restore your range of motion and reduce or eliminate the pain you experience as a result of scoliosis with Rolfing treatment. Schedule your first appointment today using our convenient online scheduling system.
Still Curious?
Click here to read a Rolfing and scoliosis Q&A.