ScoliPod

In this season finale, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura reflect on the first season and share expert takeaways from the SOSORT 2026 Congress in Turin, Italy.

This episode highlights emerging research in scoliosis care, including early onset scoliosis, bracing, scoliosis-specific exercise, adult bracing, quality of life, AI-assisted prediction tools, and conservative care for curves traditionally considered surgical.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Season 1 matters and how listener feedback will help shape Season 2
• Key updates from the SOSORT pre-conference on early onset and juvenile scoliosis
• How bracing and scoliosis-specific exercise may help reduce progression and avoid surgery in some cases
• New research on adult bracing for pain, alignment, and stability
• How physical activity can be protective for pain in adults with scoliosis
• Emerging AI and imaging research aimed at improving prediction and reducing radiation exposure
• Current conversations around brace type, brace wear schedules, and brace weaning
• Why conservative scoliosis care continues to be an important and evolving field

In summary:
Scoliosis care is moving toward more individualized, evidence-informed conservative treatment. Bracing, scoliosis-specific exercise, physical activity, and interdisciplinary care continue to play a major role in helping people with scoliosis improve function, quality of life, and long-term outcomes.

Resources & Next Steps:

• SOSORT: International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment
• SOSORT 2026 Congress Abstracts
• SOSORT Membership Information
• SOSORT Donation Site

Connect with us:
Send us your questions, topic ideas, and feedback for Season 2. Your voice helps shape the future of our podcast! Email us at [email protected]

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth.

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show:
If this podcast has helped you, please leave a review, share the episode, or support the show through the website homepage.

**Disclaimer: Although Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth are SOSORT members, the opinions expressed are their own and do not represent the official views, positions, or endorsements of SOSORT. SOSORT® is referenced for identification only. This content is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or officially affiliated with SOSORT. This podcast reflects their independent interpretation of the conference.**

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth sit down with special guest Eli Yeung, a model based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who shares his deeply personal journey living with scoliosis and undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

Eli opens up about discovering his scoliosis as a teenager, navigating diagnosis with limited awareness, and ultimately facing a rapidly progressing curve that led to surgery in early adulthood. While he initially brushed off the emotional impact, he reflects on how unprocessed feelings around body image and self-worth resurfaced later in life—especially as he entered the modeling industry.

This conversation dives into the often-overlooked mental and emotional side of scoliosis, particularly for men. Eli shares candidly about the challenges of comparison, confidence, and visibility—what it feels like to live in a body that doesn’t match perceived ideals, and how that shaped his identity both personally and professionally.

Through modeling and sharing his story on social media, Eli began a journey of self-acceptance—learning to embrace his body, scars, and asymmetries rather than hide them. He discusses how vulnerability became a tool for healing, and how speaking openly about scoliosis helped him reconnect with parts of himself he had long ignored.

The episode also explores:

• Life after spinal fusion, including recovery, pain, and long-term adaptation
• The role of movement and fitness in maintaining strength and confidence
• The nuanced conversation around whether scoliosis or spinal fusion is considered a “disability”
• The importance of representation—especially for men with scoliosis
• How staying active and finding enjoyable forms of exercise can support long-term quality of life

Eli leaves listeners with a powerful message: scoliosis does not define you. Through self-compassion, creativity, and movement, it’s possible to build a strong, fulfilling life—on your own terms.

Whether you’re living with scoliosis, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for an honest conversation about body image and resilience, this episode is both inspiring and deeply relatable.

Follow Eli for his relatable and hilarious spinal fusion and scoliosis content @oops_itseli on Instagram. 

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

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Is running actually bad for scoliosis—or is that just a myth?

Join Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura for a fascinating conversation with repeat guest Dr. Jenn Warren on what we really know about running with scoliosis. Dr. Jenn is a scoliosis- specific physical therapist and running specialist, joining once more to drop some knowledge on what we know, and what you should know as a runner with scoliosis (or someone who works with them).

From teen athletes on the track team to adults returning to running later in life, this conversation tackles one of the most common fears in the scoliosis community: Is it safe to run?

You’ll learn:

• Why running is not inherently dangerous for people with scoliosis
• Key considerations for teen athletes, especially during growth and puberty
• What Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is—and why it matters for runners
• How to spot red flags like fatigue, recurring injuries, or under-fueling
• The role of strength training and cross-training in protecting your spine and improving performance
• How to approach running after spinal fusion
• Why listening to your body matters more than following rigid rules

Together let's unpack the importance of mindset, resilience, and giving yourself permission to move with confidence.

Bottom line: Your body is adaptable, capable, and stronger than you think.

Resources & next steps:

If you're interested in a deeper dive on this topic, check out this blog:

• What is the pelvic floor?

RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport):

• Learn about RED-S (Stanford FASTR)
• RED-S overview & educational resources (Stanford FASTR)

Helpful Overview Articles:

• Medical overview of RED-S symptoms & causes
• Mayo Clinic: RED-S and injury risk in athletes

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

 Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth.

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth welcome their guest, Dr. Kate Bacigalupo, PT, hypermobility specialist and co-founder of the Elements Collective, for a powerful conversation about the often-overlooked connection between scoliosis and hypermobility.

Dr. Kate shares how her career began with a single patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which has shaped her clinical focus for the past decade. Now practicing at Physio Elements in Long Island and co-leading the virtual Elements Collective, she bridges the gap between connective tissue disorders, chronic pain, pelvic health, and scoliosis care.

Listen in to learn:

• Why hypermobility is more common in people with scoliosis (and vice versa)
• The challenges of diagnosing hypermobility using tools like the Beighton Score
• How chronic pain and nervous system sensitivity complicate treatment
• Why traditional “tighten everything” rehab approaches may backfire
• The critical role of proprioception and breathwork in restoring stability
• How scoliosis-specific exercise needs to be adapted for hypermobile patients
• Why some patients feel worse after traditional scoliosis therapy
• The importance of collaborative, nuanced, individualized care

Dr. Kate introduces the Elements Collective, a 12-week virtual program designed to help hypermobile individuals build strength, trust their bodies, and break the chronic pain cycle through mindful movement and nervous system-informed training.

This conversation is essential listening for:

• People living with scoliosis and hypermobility
• Parents of hypermobile kids and teens
• Providers treating complex spine conditions
• Anyone who has felt unseen or misunderstood in traditional rehab settings

In summary, if you have both scoliosis and hypermobility, your treatment must reflect both. Education, advocacy, and individualized care are game changers.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Kate Bacigalupo, PT, specializes in hypermobility, chronic pain, and connective tissue disorders. She practices in Long Island at Physio Elements and co-founded the Elements Collective, a virtual wellness platform focused on nervous system-informed movement and hypermobility education.

Work with Dr. Kate:

• Virtually via The Elements Collective
• Locally via PhysioElements 

Connect with Kate on Instagram: @thehyperphysio_kate

Tune in for an eye-opening discussion about why hypermobility and scoliosis may be more connected than we think — and how better awareness can change outcomes for so many.

 Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

Support the show

This special bonus episode contains audio from the Columbia University Annual Pediatric Scoliosis Symposium, where Dr. Laura was invited to present on her lived experience, from being a fearful young girl in a doctor's office, to becoming an expert in the field advocating for others with spinal conditions. 

Diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at age 10 and undergoing spinal fusion surgery at 11, Dr. Laura opens up about the emotional weight of that experience — the fear, uncertainty, and lasting impact of navigating a major diagnosis as a child. She reflects on what care looked like then, how treatment options have evolved, and why so many families still receive inconsistent guidance today.

Drawing from both lived experience and clinical expertise through the Rigo Concept and PSSE (Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises), Dr. Laura discusses the urgent need for collaborative, evidence-based, team-centered care — and why emotional and psychological support must be part of the treatment conversation.

She also shares what it’s like now raising a child showing early signs of scoliosis, how early intervention and bracing have progressed, and why language matters when discussing this condition.

Themes of this discussion:

• Dr. Laura’s personal story of scoliosis diagnosis and spinal fusion
• The emotional experience of being diagnosed as a child
• The importance of early referral and proactive treatment
• Common misconceptions about bracing and PSSE
• The role of collaborative care: physicians, PTs, orthotists, mental health providers, and peer support
• The psychological impact of scoliosis in adolescence
• Raising a child with early scoliosis signs and following current research
• The importance of neutral, patient-centered language
• How kids with scoliosis become adults with scoliosis — and what that means for long-term care
• Building online community, advocacy, and accessible resources for families

Resources Mentioned:

• Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
• SOSORT
• Curvy Girls – Peer-led support for girls with scoliosis
• Higgy Bears – Virtual support and education resources

Key quote:

"Scoliosis can be both our origin story, and our superpower."

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

 Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

Support the show

Living with scoliosis or spinal fusion can sometimes feel isolating—especially when you grow up without knowing anyone else who shares your experience. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura talk about the importance of finding your community living with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

They reflect on their own journeys, including how neither of them knew many people with scoliosis growing up and how social media eventually helped them connect with others who truly understood their experiences. They also discuss how sharing stories, comparing experiences, and learning from others can be incredibly validating and healing.

The conversation highlights the growing scoliosis community both online and in person—including local meetups and the upcoming BioniCon, a first-of-its-kind conference designed specifically for adults with scoliosis and spinal fusion. Learn more about the Bionic Project and its founder, Meredith Montana. 

If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating scoliosis alone, this episode is a reminder that there is a community out there—and that connection can make a powerful difference.

Topics in This Episode

• Why scoliosis can feel isolating—especially at the time of diagnosis
• Growing up without knowing others with scoliosis
• How social media helped build a global scoliosis community
• The value of sharing experiences with others who “get it”
• In-person meetups and events like Spine & Wine
• The healing power of community connection
• An introduction to BioniCon, a new conference for adults with scoliosis and spinal fusion
• What attendees can expect at the event (education, movement sessions, and community activities)

BioniCon – April 17–19 | Philadelphia, PA

Tickets available until March 31st!!!

BioniCon is a new conference created for adults living with scoliosis and spinal fusion. The event will include:

• Educational talks from scoliosis professionals and advocates
• Movement sessions including yoga, Pilates, and strength training
• Community activities and social events
• Opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences

Dr. Beth will be presenting on getting started with strength training for scoliosis and spinal fusion, and Dr. Laura will be presenting on the connection between scoliosis and the pelvic floor, along with a session on pregnancy with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

Connect With Us

If you’re planning to attend BioniCon, send us an email at [email protected] —we’d love to meet you in person!

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

Support the show

In this third installment of the pelvic floor series, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth welcome pelvic health specialist Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski for an in-depth conversation about pelvic organ prolapse:

• What it is
• Why it happens
• Most crucially, why it doesn’t have to mean the end of lifting, movement, or feeling strong in your body.

Dr. Margo shares her personal story of being diagnosed with prolapse after the birth of her first child. Though she was already a pelvic floor physical therapist, she craved connection & community with others managing this diagnosis. As a young mom in search of support, she found mostly discouraging information geared toward much older women. That gap led her to create education and resources specifically for younger, active women navigating postpartum recovery.

Together, they discuss:

• What pelvic organ prolapse actually is (and what it feels like)
• Why symptoms like heaviness, leaking, or back pain can occur
• The difference between being diagnosed with prolapse and having symptoms
• Why lifting weights does not cause prolapse — and may actually be protective
• How proper pressure management and core coordination matter more than avoiding heavy loads
• The “retirement account” analogy for pelvic health and menopause
• The role of genetics, hypermobility, and vaginal delivery as risk factors
• The possible connection between scoliosis and pelvic floor dysfunction
• How fear of movement can worsen symptoms over time

One major takeaway of this discussion is the use of pessaries as a treatment option— supportive medical-grade silicone devices that can act like a “sports bra for the pelvic floor.” Dr. Margo explains how pessaries can reduce symptoms, improve muscle activation, and allow women to return to lifting and exercise with more confidence — without replacing the need for strength training and rehab.

Dr. Margo shares her own experience managing scoliosis, working with Dr. Laura and how improving spinal alignment and rotational balance has positively impacted her pelvic floor function and lifting performance.

In summary, prolapse is common and manageable. Most importantly, having a pelvic organ prolapse does not mean you have to stop lifting, moving, or living fully. With the right tools, education, and support, women can build strength, confidence, and long-term resilience.

About Our Guest

Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski is a pelvic floor physical therapist based in Ventura, California and founder of P4Moms. She specializes in helping postpartum women manage pelvic organ prolapse, return to lifting, and feel strong and confident in their bodies again.

Find her at:

• Website: P4Moms.com
• Instagram: @postpartum_pop_pt

If you or someone you know has scoliosis, has had a baby, or struggles with pelvic floor symptoms, do not miss this one!

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

 Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Lis

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This week, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth continue the series on scoliosis and the pelvic floor by diving deeper into how scoliosis can directly influence pelvic floor function—and what symptoms may signal that it’s time to seek help.

Building on last week's episode, Laura explains how scoliosis-related rotation, asymmetry, and postural shifts can create imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles (much like what we already recognize in the spine, ribs, & trunk). Because the pelvis is directly connected to the spine, scoliosis significantly affects how the pelvic floor contracts, relaxes, & coordinates.

Listen in as we explore common—but not normal—symptoms, including:

• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Leaking with exercise, lifting, or impact
• Difficulty with bowel movements or gas control
• Pain with intimacy, pelvic exams, or tampon use
• Feeling pressure, tightness, or difficulty taking a deep breath

Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth discuss why these symptoms are frequently normalized or dismissed—especially after pregnancy, with aging, or during hormonal transitions—and why they are common but not normal. They also explain why pelvic floor issues often go undiagnosed for years and how scoliosis can further complicate the picture.

For clinicians, trainers, and movement professionals, the episode highlights the importance of screening and open conversation. Dr. Laura introduces the Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screen, a simple 10-question tool that can help identify when pelvic floor support may be needed and open the door to care.

The episode also touches on:

• Why scoliosis-specific exercises are often the first step—even when pelvic floor symptoms are present
• How spinal fusion and reduced mobility influences pelvic floor function
• The current gaps in research and why clinical patterns still matter
• The power of education, curiosity, and non-judgmental conversations

Whether you’re someone with scoliosis or spinal fusion, a clinician supporting this population, or simply noticing changes in your body and wondering if they matter, this episode helps clarify what’s normal, what’s common, and when support could help.

Resources & next steps:

• Dr. Laura's blogs:
  • Does Scoliosis Impact my Pelvic Floor?
  • How Your Spinal Fusion Impacts Your Pelvic Floor
  • How to Support Your Pelvic Floor with Scoliosis or Spinal Fusion
  • The Truth About Kegels
• Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screening Protocol
• Virtual pelvic floor & scoliosis support with Dr. Laura
• Pregnancy, postpartum coaching with Dr. Laura
• Return to exercise support with Dr. Beth

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth kick off a new series on a topic that’s often overlooked—but incredibly important: the connection between scoliosis and the pelvic floor.

Dr. Laura, a pelvic floor physical therapist with a decade of experience as well as advanced scoliosis training, breaks down what the pelvic floor actually is, what it does, and why good pelvic health is important for everyone—regardless of: 

• Gender
• Age
• Pregnancy history
• Fitness level

It's important to understand how the pelvic floor functions. From bladder and bowel control to breathing, core stability, sexual function, and lifting heavy weights, the pelvic floor plays a much bigger role in movement and daily life than most people realize.

Listen in as we explore typical seasons of life in which pelvic floor issues commonly show up (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, athletics, hormonal changes), and why symptoms like leaking, pain, or pressure have been wrongly “normalized”. 

But "common" doesn't mean "normal", and these issues are treatable—even if you’ve been dealing with them for years. Dr, Laura & Dr. Beth also discuss how scoliosis and spinal fusion can influence core mechanics and pelvic floor function, especially during major life transitions.

Together let's build awareness, define what’s normal versus what’s common, and help listeners recognize when pelvic floor support may be needed. Whether you have scoliosis, a spinal fusion, or have simply been told “that’s just part of getting older,” this episode opens the door to better understanding—and better options for care.

Make sure you’re listening in for part 2 in which Dr. Laura breaks down how scoliosis really impacts the pelvic floor - and what you can do about it. 

Resources & next steps:

If you're interested in a deeper dive on this topic, check out this blog:

• What is the pelvic floor?

More to come next week!

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

 Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

If you move with intention, you are an athlete. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura get personal about what it really looks like to train as athletes with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

From Olympic weightlifting to triathlon racing, Beth and Laura share how they support their spines while pursuing demanding athletic goals—and why scoliosis or fusion doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing the sports you love.

Beth opens up about returning to competitive weightlifting, navigating a recent back injury, and preparing for both state and world championships. She explains how scoliosis-specific strength, stabilization, and postural work are integrated directly into her training—not as an afterthought, but as a key part of long-term performance and resilience.

Laura shares her experience training and competing in triathlons with a long spinal fusion, breaking down how endurance athletes can manage breathing mechanics, rib mobility, trunk rotation, and muscular imbalances. She also discusses how spinal fusion can influence running mechanics—and why that doesn’t mean running is off-limits.

It's time to debunk the most common myths, including:

• Whether overhead lifting is “dangerous” with scoliosis
• If spinal fusion automatically limits athletic potential
• How bone density, strength training, and long-term spine health are connected
• The difference between actual limitations and self-imposed ones

The episode also explores bigger-picture topics like ego in sport, disability labels, adaptive athletics, and the importance of having the right coaching and support team—especially when your spine works a little differently.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a recreational mover, or someone who’s been told to “be careful” just because of your spinal condition, this conversation reinforces one key message: progress is possible, training is individual, and you don’t have to limit yourself more than your body truly requires.

Resources & next steps:

• Group strengthening and scoliosis-specific programs
• Online learning options for athletes and beginners with scoliosis or spinal fusion
• Working with scoliosis-informed coaches, PTs, and trainers

If you’re an athlete—or want to become one—with scoliosis or spinal fusion, listen in and rethink what’s possible! Reach out to us to discover where to start.

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth: 

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

 Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth 

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show