ScoliPod

Many people believe that once you’ve had a spinal fusion, scoliosis-specific exercises—like Schroth therapy—are no longer useful or even possible. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura debunk that myth.

Drawing from both clinical experience and personal lived experience with a multi-level spinal fusion, Dr. Laura explains why scoliosis doesn’t simply “disappear” after surgery—and why targeted exercises can still play a powerful role years or even decades later. The conversation explores how scoliosis-specific exercises can help with breathing mechanics, rib cage mobility, postural asymmetries, residual curves above or below the fusion, and confidence in movement.

The episode also addresses common fears around movement after fusion, concerns about adjacent segment degeneration, and the confusion many people feel after surgery when they’re told either “don’t move” or “go live your life” without guidance. Beth and Laura discuss how scoliosis-trained therapists can bridge that gap—helping people safely return to daily activities, exercise, and long-term spine health.

Whether you had a fusion 40 days ago, 4 years ago, or 40 years ago, you should know: there is still so much you can do to support your body, reduce fear, and move forward with confidence.

Need help exercising after surgery?

Both Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally. 

Resources & next steps:

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’re planning to have scoliosis surgery, you might assume physical therapy comes after the operation—but did you know you could also benefit from seeing one before?

In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth explain why seeing a scoliosis-specific physical therapist prior to spinal fusion surgery can level up both the outcome of the surgery as well as your recovery afterward.

While “prehab” is standard for many orthopedic surgeries like knee or hip replacements, it’s still rare in the scoliosis world. Listen in to learn why that needs to change—and how the right preparation can help patients feel more confident, informed, and prepared going into surgery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What “prehab” is and why it matters before spinal fusion
• Why scoliosis PT is often overlooked prior to surgery
• How improving spinal flexibility can optimize surgical correction
• When mobility and stretching are appropriate for scoliosis
• The role of strength, endurance, and core training before surgery
• How breathing training supports rib mobility, lung health, and recovery
• How it feels when your spine is suddenly corrected—& how to prepare for it
• Practical pre-op education surgeons often don’t have time to cover
• Nutrition tips, protein intake, hydration, & digestion prep (yes, even poop)
• Learning how to move safely: getting in/out of bed, chairs, and daily activities
• Planning your home setup, stairs, and assistive equipment ahead of time

Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura also share insights from their own clinical experience working with teens and adults preparing for spinal fusion, along with lessons learned from real post-op recoveries.

If you’re facing scoliosis surgery—or supporting someone who is—this episode will help you understand how preparing your body and mind ahead of time can lead to a smoother, more confident recovery.

Need Help Preparing for Surgery?

Both Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally. 

Resources & next steps:

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

What does scoliosis management really look like—even for the experts?

In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura get personal. Instead of talking theory or protocols, they share their own lived experiences with scoliosis, pain flare-ups, injuries, and the ongoing process of managing a curved spine in real life.

Despite years of training, professional expertise, and consistent movement practices, they discuss how pain can still show up—and how they’ve learned to respond to it with awareness, adaptability, and compassion rather than fear.

In this episode, they cover:

• Why having scoliosis doesn’t automatically mean constant pain—and why flare-ups can still happen
• Laura’s experience managing recurring neck pain, headaches, and tension after spinal fusion
• Beth’s journey with weightlifting, injury, recovery, and learning when to pull back
• How stress, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and fatigue can influence pain levels
• The emotional side of pain, including fear, frustration, and sensitivity after injury
• Why pain doesn’t always mean damage—and how the nervous system plays a role
• The importance of building a personal toolbox for flare-ups
• Why X-rays don’t tell the whole story—and how people can feel better even when their curve doesn’t change
• The role of movement, strength training, and daily activity in long-term spine health

This episode is a reminder that scoliosis care is primarily about learning how to listen to your body, respond thoughtfully, and keep moving forward, even when progress isn’t linear.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing something wrong if I still have pain?”—this conversation is for you.

Resources & next steps:

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 share key takeaways from the Columbia University Pediatric Scoliosis Symposium, one of the leading interdisciplinary scoliosis conferences in the country.

They break down the most impactful sessions, emerging research, and evolving approaches to scoliosis care—spanning pediatrics, adults, surgery, bracing, physical therapy, mental health, and community support. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at where scoliosis care is headed and what clinicians and patients alike can learn from it.

Highlights of the episode:

• Why the Columbia Symposium is a leader in scoliosis education and research
• The value of an interdisciplinary approach (surgeons, PTs, orthotists, mental health professionals)
• Updates on pediatric and adolescent scoliosis treatment
• A growing focus on adult non-operative management
• Innovations and ongoing questions around adult bracing
• Current perspectives on spinal fusion vs. tethering
• Surgical planning advances, including AI and custom rod shaping
• Insights into spondylolysis and rehab protocols for young athletes
• New research on muscle activation asymmetry in scoliosis
• Bone health considerations, including vitamin D and long-term risks
• The expanding role of mental and emotional health in scoliosis care

Community & Connection

• Reflections on the importance of scoliosis community and shared experience
• Highlights from the inaugural Spine & Wine community meetup
• Why connection and storytelling matter for long-term well-being

Key Takeaways

• Scoliosis care continues to move toward patient-specific, holistic treatment
• Adult scoliosis research and treatment options are expanding
• Mental health, education, and community are essential—not optional—parts of care
• Collaboration across specialties leads to better outcomes

Resources:

• Columbia University's Lunch And Learn series 
• Watch the recording of the Scoliosis Symposium here

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 rate & 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

Virtual Scoliosis Support – What You Need to Know

In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura explore the growing role of virtual treatment and coaching for scoliosis. For many people, access to a scoliosis-informed physical therapist or movement professional is limited—this conversation breaks down how virtual care can bridge that gap.

The hosts discuss how scoliosis-specific assessments, movement analysis, and education can be done effectively online, and why virtual care often empowers clients to become more independent and confident in their movement routines.

Highlights of this episode:

• Why access to scoliosis-trained providers is still a major challenge
• How virtual scoliosis assessments work (without hands-on treatment)
• What clinicians can learn from posture, movement, and functional testing online
• The importance of clear cueing, communication, and client awareness
• How virtual sessions promote independence and better carryover at home
• Benefits of being assessed in your real-life environment
• Common barriers to in-person care—and how virtual care removes them
• How group coaching and community support enhance outcomes
• Why scoliosis-specific expertise often matters more than in-person access

Dr. Laura’s virtual coaching approach:

• Detailed intake and history before sessions
• Visual posture and movement analysis
• Functional movement assessments
• Emphasis on communication, cueing, and body awareness
• Helping clients understand what they feel and see in their own bodies

Dr. Beth’s virtual coaching & group model:

• Individual scoliosis education and curve-specific assessments
• Customized programs delivered through the Strength & Spine app
• Ongoing monitoring and real-time exercise modifications
• Group coaching for affordability, accountability, and community
• Live Q&A sessions and peer support

Why virtual scoliosis support works:

• Removes geographic barriers
• Fits into real life and real spaces
• Encourages long-term independence
• Provides scoliosis-specific guidance many don’t receive locally
• Builds connection with others living with scoliosis

Who Virtual Care May Be Right For:

• People without access to scoliosis-trained providers
• Those seeking curve-specific guidance
• Anyone overwhelmed by traditional PT limitations
• Individuals wanting flexibility, education, and community

Resources & next steps:

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.

Next episode: A live recap from the SOSORT Conference — all the latest scoliosis research, simplified.

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 empowering episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth sit down with their brilliant colleague and friend Dr. Jenn Warren, a fellow scoliosis-specialized physical therapist as well as an endurance athlete who’s on a mission to dismantle one of the most damaging messages people with scoliosis still hear:

“Don’t move — it might make your curve worse.”

Dr. Jenn shares why this fear-based approach is outdated, unsupported by research, and often harmful. Through stories from her own clinical experience, she explains how movement — whether it’s walking, running, weightlifting, or simply exploring what feels good — is not only safe for people with scoliosis but profoundly beneficial for bone health, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

Together, the trio dive into:

• Why fear of movement is so common (and why it’s rarely justified)
• How to help teens and adults choose activities they enjoy
• The powerful role of gentle exposure, mindfulness, and graded movement
• How identity, community, and sport play into recovery
• What to do when a previous provider has said “never run” or “don’t lift weights”
• The surprising truth about running, impact, and bone density
• Why strength training becomes essential after age 30
• How clinicians can help patients feel safe — not scared — in their bodies

This conversation is equal parts science, compassion, and myth-busting. If you or someone you love has scoliosis and has ever been told to “just avoid that,” this episode will give you the confidence — and the evidence — to move forward.

Follow Dr. Jenn and her content on Instagram: @drjennpt

... and in case you aren't already, make sure you're also following Dr. Beth @strengthandspine and Dr. Laura @laura.g.dpt. 

Also, 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 today's episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth dive into a topic that affects many people living with scoliosis—kinesiophobia, or the excessive fear of movement. This fear often stems from past pain, well-intentioned but inaccurate advice, or long-held beliefs about what people with scoliosis “should” or “shouldn’t” do.

Laura and Beth unpack how kinesiophobia develops, why it’s especially common among adults with scoliosis, and how misinformation or overly cautious guidance can unintentionally shrink someone’s world over time. They discuss how avoiding movement can lead to deconditioning, increased sensitivity, and a frustrating cycle that reinforces fear and pain.

They share practical strategies for breaking out of that cycle, including:

• Mindset shifts to retrain the brain’s overprotective patterns
• Graded exposure—starting with gentle, supported movements and gradually building confidence
• Functional activity-based approaches like walking more, taking the stairs, or increasing daily movement
• Community and professional support, including group fitness, scoliosis-informed physical therapy, and even mental health counseling
• Compassion, patience, and realistic timelines, recognizing that unlearning long-held fears takes steady, consistent effort

They also highlight the importance of staying active for long-term health and why strength training and movement are not just safe for people with scoliosis—they’re beneficial.

Before signing off, Beth and Laura give listeners a fun piece of “homework”: create your own scoliosis mantra to help interrupt negative self-talk and remind yourself that your spine—and you—are strong, capable, and resilient.

Tips to set yourself up for success:

• If possible, work with a scoliosis-trained professional — but even small steps toward strength can make a big difference. Remember you can work with each of us virtually as well!
  • Work with Dr. Laura
  • Work 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

Many people with scoliosis feel constant stiffness and assume they need more stretching. But as Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth explain, tightness doesn’t always mean short muscles — sometimes it’s a sign of fatigue, overwork, or instability. While stretching can offer temporary relief, it often doesn’t address the underlying cause of muscle tension.

Together they discuss why stabilization and strength training tend to be more effective and often lead to longer-term relief and improved posture — especially when done with scoliosis-specific principles & techniques. They describe how building up deep stabilizers and strengthening underactive muscles (often on the concave side of a curve) can reduce tightness naturally over time.

What you should know:

• Stretching feels good—but may not solve the problem. Muscles that feel tight may actually be overworked or protecting unstable joints.
• Stability first. Learning to find and maintain a more neutral spine position is the foundation for building strength safely.
• Strength reduces tightness. When muscles are strong enough to support the spine, the nervous system can relax, easing that “constant tension” feeling.
• Personalization matters. Every scoliosis curve is unique; there’s no one-size-fits-all “right” muscle to strengthen.
• Progress at your pace. Start small, focus on consistency, and remember — movement is medicine.

Pro Tips from Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth:

• Take photos or videos of your posture to better understand your body’s alignment.
• Pair your stretches with active elongation or dynamic warm-ups rather than static holds.
• If possible, work with a scoliosis-trained professional — but even small steps toward strength can make a big difference. Remember you can work with each of us virtually as well!
  • Work with Dr. Laura
  • Work with Dr. Beth
• Don’t fear strength training! With the right form and awareness, it’s one of the most beneficial tools for scoliosis management.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Strength and Spine's Stretching with Scoliosis Course
• The Curves In Motion Masterclass: Mastering Exercise With Scoliosis & Spinal Fusion by Dr. Laura

Bottom line: If you’ve been relying on stretching alone, we hope this episode encourages you to add stabilization and strength training to your routine. Your future body will thank you for it!

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

 Live from Dubrovnik — Summarizing the Latest Research in Scoliosis Care

Click here to watch this episode on YouTube with the beautiful backdrop of Dubrovnik!

In this special episode of ScoliPod, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura check in from Dubrovnik, Croatia after spending four days immersed in the latest scoliosis research and clinical insights at the 2025 SOSORT Conference.

They break down their biggest takeaways from each day, covering everything from new approaches to adult scoliosis to the evolving understanding of exercise, bracing, and screening.

The main topics covered include:

• Adult Scoliosis Research: Updated insights into the three main types of adult scoliosis (de novo, adolescent-onset, and secondary), plus new data showing exercise can improve quality of life and even reduce curves modestly.
• Adult Bracing Advances: Exploration of soft and rigid brace designs for adults — a growing area of study focused on pain reduction and posture improvement.
• Scoliosis-Specific Exercise (PSSE): A practical session comparing different schools of scoliosis-specific physical therapy and the importance of self-correction and stabilization training.
• General vs. Specific Exercise: Research showing that while scoliosis-specific exercise best improves Cobb angles, general fitness still plays a major role in enhancing quality of life for teens.
• Surgery and Quality of Life: New findings suggesting that individuals with curves up to 60° can still have excellent quality of life — potentially reshaping when surgery is considered.
• Emerging Technology: Advances in telehealth assessments, 3D-printed braces, and low-radiation imaging techniques.
• Hypermobility and Scoliosis: How flexibility can actually improve exercise and bracing outcomes when paired with proper stabilization work.
• Global Collaboration: The importance of unified screening standards and multidisciplinary teamwork across PTs, orthotists, and surgeons worldwide.

Overall Impression:

Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth enjoyed the conference programming, as always, leaving feeling energized by the progress in conservative scoliosis care and the growing collaboration across professionals from doctors to therapists to orthotists (the professionals who make scoliosis braces). If you are a professional working with scoliosis, they recommend exploring SOSORT membership to stay engaged in the evolving research shaping scoliosis treatment today, as well as make amazing connections with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Resources Mentioned:

• SOSORT (The Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment)
• Strength & Spine Group Programs — accountability & support for scoliosis-specific exercise.

More Resources:

• Follow us on Instagram: 
  • @laura.g.dpt
  • @strengthandspine
• Learn more about our services:
  • https://www.drlauraglazebrook.com/
  • https://www.strengthandspine.com/
• Related blogs by Dr. Laura:
  • Learn More About Scoliosis & Scoliosis Exercise
  • Highlights from SOSORT 2024 in Boston

Listen in to hear how the latest global research is shaping the future of scoliosis care — from Croatia straight to your speaker.

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Support the show

Welcome back to ScoliPod — the show rewriting the rules about living with a curved spine.

Join Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth as they dive into the path to becoming a physical therapist and how some PTs go on to specialize specifically in scoliosis care.

This episode is for you if you’ve ever wondered:

• What kind of training physical therapists go through
• How scoliosis-specific certification works
• What to look for when choosing a PT for scoliosis or spinal fusion recovery

What We Cover:

• The journey to becoming a physical therapist in the U.S.
  → What a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) includes
  → Licensure and specialization options
• What makes a scoliosis-specific therapist different
  → The main international training schools (Rigo Concept, SEAS, SSOL, and more)
  → What a Level 1 scoliosis-specific course looks like
  → Why case studies and continued education matter
• How scoliosis research continues to evolve
  → The latest findings on exercise, sports participation, and curve management
  → Why it’s essential to work with practitioners who stay current with research
• A preview of the upcoming SOSORT Conference, where Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura will bring back the latest scoliosis research updates

Key Takeaways:

• Not all physical therapists have scoliosis-specific training — and that’s okay, but it’s important to know the difference.
• Scoliosis-specific schools require hands-on experience, case studies, and ongoing education.
• Current research supports activity and movement — there’s no single “bad” sport for scoliosis.
• The field is growing rapidly, and staying connected to research keeps care up to date and effective.

 Resources Mentioned:

• Find a local scoliosis specialist here: 
  • Rigo Concept - Spanish school of scoliosis
  • ISICO/ SEAS - (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis)
  • SSOL - Scoliosis and Spine Online Learning
  • PSSE-Schroth - Greek based training
• SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment)
• 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.

Next episode: A live recap from the SOSORT Conference — all the latest scoliosis research, simplified.

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