Find relief from chronic tension and discomfort, improve your breathing and ribcage alignment, and address spinal alignment and proprioception with targeted neuromyofascial bodywork for Scoliosis.

Structural Integration for Scoliosis

Marla uses an extremity-based approach as a starting point for work with Scoliosis and other alignment patterns involving spinal curvature and vertebral rotation issues. In many cases, she views the smaller misalignments in the pelvis and curvatures in the lumbar region and at L5/S1 as the “primary curves” in relation to gravity. Accordingly, curves further up the spine can be seen as compensations or counterbalances that the body creates in response to standing and seated misalignments in the extremities, pelvis, and sacrum. Alternately, subtle alignment issues in the jaw and cranial bones can be major contributing factors (sometimes related to past orthodontic work).

In addition to detailed work with the extremities and core utilizing both Thai Structural Bodywork and Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI), Marla also utilizes movement-based neuromyofascial and neuromuscular techniques as well as alignment-based Yoga/Reusi Dat Ton (Thai Hermit Yoga) breathwork to free up superficial and deep intercostal/ribcage restrictions that can potentially reinforce or perpetuate core misalignment patterns over time. Exercises based on Pilates principles, emphasizing two-way stretch and core stabilization, help to lengthen and strengthen the body in its improved alignment, aiding in reducing discomfort and improving breathing patterns over time. Small pillows and props are utilized to optimize alignment during sessions.

Why start with the extremities?

Our work is unique in that we often take an extremity-based initial approach to issues whose symptoms manifest primarily in the core. Scoliosis can be conceptualized as a complex series of spirals—a set of rotations and curvatures through the spine and ribcage, accompanied by alternating counter-rotations radiating outward through the joints of the extremities, jaw, and cranium. From a fascial alignment-based perspective, it is a system-wide pattern in the body. Even if that pattern originally started in the spine, these fascia-based tension patterns that connect into the extremities are often-overlooked factors that can potentially influence and perpetuate the pattern in a somewhat hidden way. By first working to re-align your base of support in relationship to gravity, we can gain deeper access to the root of the problem. With a clearer view of the various tensional forces in play, we can make greater progress toward your goals as we progress through each session.

Walk Through A Scoliosis Series...

Structural Bodywork

Step 1 - Foundational Work & Upper Extremities

Scoliosis creates a complex multi-layered support network throughout the body to counterbalance for spinal rotations and curvatures, so many layers of tissue must be addressed in detail for work to be effective in the long-term. Structural Integration techniques release extremity- and core-based restrictions in the superficial fascia and cutaneous nerve layers, and Thai techniques are utilized to free up deeper myofascial and nerve restrictions in the upper extremities. Freedom in the arms, shoulders, and superficial neuromyofascia throughout the body paves the way for deeper work, can potentially reduce pain symptoms, hypersensitivity related to past bracing or other interventions, and begins to improve alignment.

Step 2 - Lower Extremity Work

Misalignments in the joints of the lower extremities, alignment-based leg length inequalities, and pelvic torsions can be contributing or perpetuating factors in Scoliosis. Using Thai techniques for deep differentiation of fascial septa and peripheral nerve mobilization, deeply held imbalances in the lower body can release and re-align. Structural Integration techniques fine-tune alignment, balancing the pelvis and legs in gravity. This step can help balance the tissues around the lumbar convexity, and serves as a foundation for creating positive change further up the body in the torso and spine during steps 3 and 4.

Step 3 - Address Ribcage/Core Restrictions

Once a stable and well-aligned base of support is established in the lower body, simplifying the tensional variables in play, more effective work on the intricate layers of tissue surrounding the spine and ribcage becomes possible. Deep abdominal work, Thai nerve work along the spine and sacrum, and movement-assisted intercostal work aid in re-balancing alignment throughout the entire torso. One’s ability to experience deep, three-dimensional, balanced breathing increases. Tension and discomfort may also decrease as spinal/ribcage alignment improves.

Step 4 - Integrate Extremities With Spine & Core

Detailed work on the head and neck, including intraoral/intranasal work, begins the integration process. Segmental spinal rotation issues are attended to. Further techniques to balance the extremities with the core in gravity, including standing and seated movement-based bodywork techniques and viscerofascial work, are also utilized. By the end of a series, with less compression through the spine and ribcage, and improved whole-body postural and functional alignment in gravity, it’s possible that one will not only feel taller, but be taller.

Movement Integration

Step 1 - Cultivating Two-Way Stretch & Elongation

Thai Yoga traction-based stretches and a variety of alignment-based movement explorations help to develop a sense of two-way stretch and the ability to elongate through the spine, utilizing the concept of the body’s myofascia, bones, and joints as a tensegrity structure.

Step 2 - Alignment-Based Breathwork

Yoga and Reusi Dat Ton (Thai Hermit Yoga) breathing exercises focus the breath, addressing specific areas of myofascial and intercostal nerve restriction that are not directly accessible via bodywork, from the inside out. Breathwork practices are highly customized, factoring in one’s individual spinal and ribcage alignment issues.

Step 3 - Strengthening While Lengthening

Full-body exercises that emphasize two-way stretch help to stabilize the spine and encourage support in an elongated, aligned state. Utilizing a variety of props and equipment, previously inhibited or fascially “locked down” muscles, including segmental spinal stabilizers (Multifidi), are targeted. Exercises are based on Pilates principles and may incorporate a variety of movement modalities.

Some Movement Integration work is offered during each bodywork session.
60-minute Movement Integration sessions are also available.
 

Each body is unique and we will work with you to figure out the best program for your individual goals and needs. Contact us to schedule a free consultation regarding series-based work for Scoliosis.