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Yoga for Scoliosis

A Path of Awareness, Embodiment, and Empowerment

“Scoliosis is part of my story.

Yoga has been my path to healing and wholeness.”

​I was diagnosed with scoliosis at 13. What began as a medical condition has become a lifelong teacher. Yoga has guided me into balance, strength, and acceptance—and continues to evolve with me.

 

“Yoga for scoliosis is not about correction

— it is about embodiment, awareness, and evolution.”

What Is Scoliosis?

The word scoliosis comes from the Greek skolios, meaning “twist” or “turn.” It describes a lateral curvature of the spine, often with rotation.​​

  • Functional Scoliosis: Primarily caused by muscular imbalances and poor postural habits, such as inefficient body use, poor posture, asymmetrical activities, or injury-related compensation. If left unaddressed, functional scoliosis can worsen, potentially leading to more significant structural changes.

  • Structural Scoliosis: Involves a physical deformity within the spine's skeletal structure, often resulting from uneven vertebral growth, neurological conditions present from birth, rare chromosomal disorders, or other yet-unknown medical causes. These curves are more fixed, yet there is considerable potential for improving overall function and comfort with mindful somatic practices.

Why Yoga Helps

Yoga does not “straighten” the spine. Instead, it offers a process of somatic embodiment—a way of becoming deeply attuned to your patterns and possibilities.

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  • Improving Posture and Alignment: Yoga exercises strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and increase body awareness, helping individuals with scoliosis become more mindful of their posture and make subtle adjustments to improve spinal alignment.   

  • Enhanced Muscle Strength and Flexibility: Specific yoga poses can target weakened or shortened muscles, creating a more balanced muscular support system.   

  • Pain Relief: Yoga can alleviate pain associated with scoliosis by improving flexibility, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation.   

  • Improved Breathing: Many yoga poses encourage deep, diaphragmatic breathing, which can enhance lung function and overall well-being.

  • Stress Reduction: Yoga often incorporates mindfulness and relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can significantly contribute to pain and discomfort.   

  • Recalibrating Proprioception: Yoga practices can help to recalibrate proprioception, which is the body's sense of self-awareness in space. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with scoliosis, as it can help them to become more aware of their body's alignment and make subtle adjustments to improve their posture.

  • Renewing the Relationship with Self: Through mindful movement and self-reflection, yoga can help you to cultivate a more positive and accepting relationship with your body, despite the challenges of living with scoliosis.

 

“The gift of practice is not a straighter spine,

but a deeper relationship with yourself.”

My Approach to Supporting You

My approach emphasizes:

  • Individualized Care: Recognizing that each individual's experience with scoliosis is unique, I tailor my guidance to your specific needs and goals.

  • Mindful Movement: Creating a safe and supportive space where you can explore your body with compassion and awareness.

  • Empowerment: Empowering you to understand your condition, develop self-awareness, and take an active role in your own healing journey.

  • Holistic Well-being: Addressing not only the physical aspects of scoliosis but also the emotional and mental dimensions of the condition.

  • Re-educating the muscular function, reorganizing the organ environment, and re-calibrating the proprioceptive sense and center of gravity.   

  • Developing a positive relationship to working with scoliosis rather than ‘correcting’ as though there is a problem with the existing body.   

  • Unveiling the full potential of what is inherent within an individual.

“Healing is not a destination

— it is an ongoing practice of re-patterning and rediscovery.”

Yoga After Spinal Fusion or Surgery

Yoga can support recovery and long-term well-being even after surgical interventions, with guidance and medical clearance.​

Focus areas may include:

  • gentle mobility above and below fused segments,

  • rebuilding safe core stability,

  • breathing practices to enhance lung function,

  • Restorative poses to ease stress and nervous system strain.

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What Students Experience

Through consistent, mindful practice, many students notice:

  • less discomfort and stiffness,

  • improved posture and balance,

  • freer, deeper breathing,

  • more energy and resilience,

  • a kinder relationship with their bodies.​

“Scoliosis is not something to be fixed

— it is something to be lived with, understood, and honoured.”

​A Note from Adelene

Scoliosis does not define you. With awareness, practice, and compassion, yoga offers a way to repattern not only your body, but also your relationship with yourself.

 

Living and practising with scoliosis for the past decades, I understand the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of this condition and strive to create a compassionate and supportive environment for my students.

 

Join me on a journey of self-discovery and embrace a more harmonious relationship with your body.

 

Disclaimer: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your healthcare professional of any medical conditions.​​

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