The Scoliosis Experience

Kyra Condie is a professional rock climber who had a spinal fusion as a teen to stop a rapidly progressing scoliosis curve.  On this episode, Kyra discusses what it was like to have scoliosis progress to needing surgery when her climbing career was starting to take off.  Fast forward to the Tokyo Olympics and Kyra is the first athlete to compete in the Olympic Games with a spinal fusion.   She shares a great story about the first surgeon she went to telling her that climbing wasn't going to be a big part of her life, so she should just not worry about it.  She ended up having a second opinion from a surgeon who took her goals into account when doing the surgery.   One of the huge takeaways from this episode is to advocate for yourself...even if you are a teenager discussing with your parents.  If you are looking at surgery for scoliosis, Kyra also recommends getting a second, and maybe even a third, opinion.   You can find out more about Kyra's journey and story by following her on Instagram: @Kyra_condie or on her website: www.kyracondie.com Kyra continues to do some awesome things in climbing, so watch for her on the world stage.  She was also such a cool person to get to know on this podcast.  Thanks Kyra! 

This month we did a workshop on Scoliosis and Spine on YouTube Live with 3 specific things you can do to reduce back pain and improve posture.   Check out the Video HERE We discuss many things with scoliosis and spine treatment along with some specific things you can do to relieve your back pain and improve your posture.  Below you will find the supplies you will need to help you do them.  Upright Go 2 - https://amzn.to/3J1Sj89 KT Tape - https://amzn.to/3FeiwPz  

Each month we do a scoliosis workshop in the second week of the month.  This month we discuss many topics related to scoliosis, including how to determine what the best treatment is for you.  We also talk about scoliosis specific exercise and bracing.  This was also on YouTube live, and you can check it out below.  https://youtu.be/Gi7_OlihSeU

This year we decided that every month we would have workshop where we can talk about scoliosis, answer questions, and help those dealing with this diagnosis learn what to do for treatment.   In this episode we talk about what causes scoliosis, when to get help, what to do, and what size of curves are treated in what way.  Check it out and see what you can learn.  To view this on YouTube, click on the link below.  https://youtu.be/yt-z5PsCdT8  

This was an amazing episode to record.  Terry and Rachel share some fantastic information for all those with scoliosis.   Terry is the author of Straight Talk Scoliosis which is a great resource book for those living with and dealing with scoliosis.  She has done extensive research on the effective treatments for scoliosis and is a huge patient and parent advocate.  Rachel's scoliosis story is truly amazing.  From being diagnosed when she was very young, to wearing a brace for years, to then reducing her curve by 50% after she reached skeletal maturity using the Schroth Method....she is amazing!   There are many things we can learn from this episode.  Not being afraid to try something new if what you are trying isn't working.  Speaking up when you have questions, and being diligent in your exercises.  These are just a few things learned from this episode.   Straight Talk Scoliosis is a book you can purchase to give you more information on what things to ask, what things to do, and how to get support for yourself or your child.   The Curvy Girls Support Group is an amazing group to help support those diagnosed with scoliosis.  If you are not a part of that group, you can check it out here.  

One of the best things for those diagnosed with scoliosis is to have support from someone who knows what they are going through.  Madeline is an amazing teen who is looking to do just that.   She is competing in Miss Northern Utah Outstanding Teen, and has decided her Social Impact Initiative is supporting teenage girls who have been diagnosed with scoliosis.   She shares her story of having scoliosis herself, being braced, and getting through the challenging times.  Her attitude toward scoliosis is amazing and she has a strong desire to help others dealing with the same thing.   Madeline's mother, Jenifer, also talks about her experience with scoliosis, since she comes from a long line of women with scoliosis.  She also discusses the need for support groups, not just for teens, but for parents as well.  This is an awesome episode and we can all learn how to not judge others based on what we see on the outside, because they are dealing with things on the inside as well.   We wish Madeline the best of luck with her competition later this year for Miss Outstanding Teen of Northern Utah.  We know she is going to do amazing! 

Jennifer Lee is a licensed Drama Therapist in Boston and took the time to discuss her own experience with scoliosis, as well as how she helps those struggling with scoliosis and chronic pain.   She also gives some really helpful insights into what providers can do better when talking to their patients.  Most of the time, this can be a very influential interaction and we need to do better with making it a positive one.   Jenn touches on how she uses Drama Therapy along with other treatment techniques to address the psychological side of scoliosis along with how she currently addresses her own scoliosis.  This would be a great episode for anyone with scoliosis, but especially adolescents who are just diagnosed.  It would also be great for any provider who treats scoliosis to learn some important things from the patient perspective.  To learn more about how we treat scoliosis, check out our website at www.aligntherapyutah.com

Skylar Stratemeyer shares her experience with scoliosis and being diagnosed at a young age.  She was 10 years old when she was diagnosed with scoliosis and spondylolisthesis.  The fear and uncertainty surrounding this diagnosis was challenging and she talks about how she addressed this in her own life.  Skylar is a Drama Therapy student as well, and she describes how Drama Therapy can help those with scoliosis.  Sometimes, the psychological trauma that occurs early in life with scoliosis can continue into adulthood.  When this happens, what do you do?  Check out this episode to hear some ideas of how you can help live better with scoliosis and to hear Skylar's awesome attitude and story.   To find more information on scoliosis, check out our Scoliosis Portal at https://aligntherapyutah.com/scoliosis-portal/

Treatment of adult spinal deformities (scoliosis, kyphosis, spondylolisthesis, etc) can be complex and confusing.  Many patients are just told to wait until it is bad enough for surgery, and then something can be done.  Dr Steinhaus and Dr Brewster of the Intermountain Spine Institute take a different approach to treatment spinal deformities in adults.   In this episode, they talk about the techniques they do surgically to relieve pain and improve function, but they also talk about those they recommend.   One of my favorite discussion points in this episode is they do the LEAST amount of surgery necessary to improve as much function as possible.  This is really helpful when you think they are not looking to do a large surgery if it is not needed.   These are two surgeons who are improving the way adult spinal deformities are treated.  If you are looking for more information on them, you can check out the Intermountain Spine Institute's Website at https://www.intermountainspine.com/   You can also call their office at 801-314-BACK (2225). To see more information on adult scoliosis and spinal deformity treatment, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/adult-scoliosis/

In this episode I talk to Cindy Marti, who is one of my main mentors in scoliosis treatment.  I first met Cindy as a student in one of her courses with the Barcelona Scoliosis Physical Therapy School (BSPTS).  In that course I spend 10 days listening to her teach and was amazed with her knowledge and insights.   I finally got the opportunity to talk to her on the podcast and she shares some crucial insights into scoliosis, scoliosis treatment, the Schroth Method, and how to get the most out of treatment.  One of my favorite things she says is "Why not try and see?" in reference to trying conservative treatment for scoliosis.  This is in contrast to the common thought of lets "wait and see if it gets worse" that is so common these days.   Cindy is an instructor with the BSPTS and you can learn more about getting training in the Rigo Method by going to BSPTS.org, or you can go to https://www.schroth-barcelonainstitute.com/ to learn more as well.   If you want to contact Cindy directly, her email is cmarti@sdwpt.com. To learn more about scoliosis specific treatment, and how we do this in Lehi, Utah, check out https://aligntherapyutah.com/ . 

In this episode, Skylar shares her story and experience on scoliosis surgery during college. She also describes what it is like living with spinal fusion.  Being a PT student at Rocky Mountain University in Provo, UT, she has learned about the body and spine and requested an internship at my clinic.  She wanted to learn more about scoliosis treatment.  She shares some great insight into the education PT's receive about scoliosis and specifically treatment, as well as her experience with PT after surgery.   Skylar is a great example of working hard and not letting a large scoliosis curve, or fusion, get you down.  She is still a runner and athlete and has learned how to address her scoliosis as well.  This is a great episode for anyone who is diagnosed with scoliosis or who has had surgery and is wondering what their outlook will be.   One of the main things she talks about that helped her was to get in touch with others who also have scoliosis or who have been through surgery.  Hopefully this episode helps those going through similar things.  To learn more about scoliosis treatment at Align Therapy, check out https://aligntherapyutah.com/

Most scoliosis is termed "Idiopathic" which means "of unknown cause".  Sometimes though, scoliosis is caused by other things that we do know.  In this episode, I talk to Izzy and her mother, Julie, about scoliosis that came on after a neurological cause.   Izzy was diagnosed with a Chiari Malformation which caused her scoliosis.  Her experience and journey through brain surgery and then scoliosis treatment is inspiring.    Even with brain surgery and faithfully bracing, Izzy is now looking at having VBT surgery to reduce the size of her curve as she continues to grow.  In this episode you can hear how she has stayed motivated and optimistic.  Her advice is to stay positive and ask questions.  Listen to the rest of her story to learn more about what you can do to help your own curve.     You can learn more about scoliosis in children by going to our website at  https://aligntherapyutah.com/child-teen-scoliosis/

In this episode, I talk to Garrett Batty who is a Film Producer/Director.  He has an amazing story of perseverance through challenges related to scoliosis.   Garrett was born with a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot resulting in multiple surgeries.  He was also born with scoliosis which progressed to where he needed scoliosis correction surgery as a teen.   During this surgery, he was paralyzed because of a spinal cord injury.  This is a very rare complication of scoliosis surgery.  Even though his doctors told him he would be in a wheelchair for the rest of his life, he decided to push through and eventually walked out of the hospital 40 days later.   Since that surgery he has still had some issues with weakness and limping and recently was seen in my office for treatment involving the Schroth Method for scoliosis.  He has seen some awesome results from this and has worked hard to improve his back.  This is a great episode for anyone who has challenges that they feel "limit" them.  He shows a great determination to overcome obstacles.  His advice to all who listen to this episode is to not limit yourself.  You care capable of so much more than you think.   You can learn more about scoliosis specific exercise by going to https://aligntherapyutah.com/adult-scoliosis/

Scheuermann's Kyphosis is a deformity of the spine where the vertebrae develop a wedge shape which causes more of a forward curve of the back.  It can cause pain because the muscles are overloaded in the forward posture.  Heather is a great example of living life even with back pain and spinal deformity.  She has seen great results with the Schroth Method for posture correction as well as manual therapy.  She mentions being treated with Dry Needling, which has been very helpful in controlling and reducing her pain.  This episode would be great for anyone with Scheuermann's Kyphosis, or even with any back pain or problem.  Heather is a great example of not letting pain control your life.  To learn more about treatment specific to Kyphosis, check out our Kyphosis Page on the website.  https://aligntherapyutah.com/kyphosis/

Ever since Strat was diagnosed with scoliosis, he has been fighting against it.  He has a great story of staying motivated and consistent in doing what he needs to do.  His mother, Heather, is a great example of a parent who supports her child in this challenging diagnosis.   One thing you will hear about in this episode is what Heather has done to help motivate Strat to do his exercises and wear his brace.  She even went as far as to do his exercises with him.  If you are a parent with a child who has scoliosis, she gives some great ideas.   Strat was diagnosed at age 10, which left him a lot of time to grow.  He also has significant height in his family, both of which make it more likely that he will progress.  Despite this, he has a great attitude and stays motivated to attack scoliosis.   You can follow his journey on Instagram under stratattacksscoliosis.   To learn more about adolescent scoliosis treatment, check out our scoliosis page.  https://aligntherapyutah.com/child-teen-scoliosis/

In this episode, we talk to Lisa who is an amazing example of being active and strong even with being braced and having multiple surgeries and back pain.  Lisa was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager, like most of those with scoliosis, and her curve progressed to where she has needed a brace, then surgical fusion, and then a fusion later in life because of some nerve issues.   She has learned to stay strong and listen to her body and shares how she has found success with scoliosis specific exercise using the Schroth Method.   Check out more information on Adult Scoliosis at https://aligntherapyutah.com/adult-scoliosis/

In this episode, Kristen shares an amazing story of her daughter's journey with scoliosis.  Here are a few highlights of her story: What she did at diagnosis to advocate for her daughter. How she was able to stay consistent with bracing and scoliosis specific exercise.  How bracing went and challenges.  How they dealt with progression to surgery when they thought she was out of the woods.  How they handled complications after surgery. Lessons learned during this journey.  This would be a great episode for anyone who has a child diagnosed with scoliosis, or looking at being braced, or even looking at surgery.   One of the main messages that Kristen brings is to consistently advocate for your child.  If you have a question or concern, SPEAK UP!   You can find more information on scoliosis treatment at https://aligntherapyutah.com/schroth-method/

In this episode, I talk to Eva Butterly from Dublin.  When I first started this podcast, I noticed there weren't many other scoliosis podcasts, but one kept popping up when I would search.  Eva started The Scoliosis Warrior Podcast to share what she has learned from her experience with scoliosis.  Eva was diagnosed with a fast progressing scoliosis curve as a young teenager. After 6 months of mismanagement, she had progressed to the point of needling surgery with a curve OVER 90 DEGREES!  She underwent surgery to stop the progression of the curve, and then 6 months later needed to have the rods removed because of an infection.  She then spent quite a bit of time in a hard cast to make sure her spine was stable.   Despite these trials, Eva is a great example of working hard to achieve your goals. She is a weight lifter, fitness instructor, and recently has taken up ultra marathon running.  She talks about her experience with scoliosis specific exercise, staying healthy and strong, and IT band and back pain.  One of the main takeaways from this episode is to "Move Your Body!".  She is a great advocate of movement and being active.  Whether you have scoliosis or not, that is great advice.  If you have scoliosis, it is even more important.   You can connect with Eva at: Instagram:  @evabutterly Facebook: @evabutterlyfitness You can also learn more about conservative management before, and even after, scoliosis surgery at https://aligntherapyutah.com/schroth-method/  

One of the hardest things for those diagnosed with scoliosis is being in a rigid scoliosis brace.  Most of the time, they feel alone, like they are the only one with scoliosis.   In this episode, Megan Glahn, who is a certified orthotist shares with us a way these kids can get connected with a mentor/friend who also has experience with bracing.  Being connected with someone who knows what you are going through is very powerful.   Her website is https://www.bracingforscoliosus.org/ and you can go on there to register your child to be set up with a mentor.   Not only is the website a good place to go to find a mentor, but it is also an amazing resource for scoliosis.  You can find things on there about pretty much anything.  There are also some great support groups represented there.  If you are a provider of scoliosis treatment, she even has a good resource for you to support your patients in their fight against scoliosis.  Megan's email is bracingforscoliosus@gmail.com To learn more about scoliosis treatment, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/

Many of those living with scoliosis wonder what they are still able to do.  Alayne Wadsworth is a great example of reaching for the stars, even though you have the diagnosis of scoliosis.  She was diagnosed as a teenager and wore a scoliosis brace for 5 years! After coming out of the brace, she continued to dance and used this as a way to escape from the diagnosis of scoliosis.   During that time, she was on Dancing With The Stars.  Through this time, she had back pain due to her scoliosis and noticed her curve was getting worse.  She was then told by a surgeon that if she did not have surgery to "fix" the scoliosis, she would end up puncturing her lung.   She had scoliosis fusion surgery and was told she would be done with her dance career.  Amazingly, she was able to return from surgery and began dancing 7 months later.  She eventually became a World Champion in ballroom.  Alayne is currently a model, actor, and still dances!  She is a great example of someone not willing to give up on their dreams and a fighter with scoliosis.  This would be a great episode for those looking at being braced, having surgery, or wanting to still achieve their goals, despite having scoliosis.   If you want to contact Alayne, you can go to her website at  https://alaynewadsworth.com/ email her at: alaynewadsworth@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lannie_lane/  where you can read about her story and see a great video of her.   To find more information on scoliosis specific treatment, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/ 

Bracing is a very large component of many people's journey and experience with scoliosis.  Because of this, the orthotist is a key member of the team in treating scoliosis.  Jared Larson is an orthotist in Salt Lake City at Hanger Clinic.  He does more scoliosis braces than almost any other orthotist in Utah.  In this episode he discusses the process of bracing and what patients go through as they are getting braced.  He also talks about the different kinds of scoliosis braces and goes in depth on how they work.  He also talks about specific things to do to get the best results from bracing.   Check out our website for more information on what you can do for scoliosis treatment. https://aligntherapyutah.com/

Lauren is the owner and founder of Higgy Bears.  This amazing brand and company was born out of an amazing scoliosis experience.  In this episode, Lauren shares her story of scoliosis and what led her to start Higgy Bears.   Higgy Bears is a company whose goal is to help kids who are braced, mostly with scoliosis, feel like they are not alone.  The bears have braces custom made to match the brace the child wears and is a huge comfort during this trying time of life.  The pattern and style of the brace is matched exactly and they can even be made with rods for after surgery.  Lauren shares her experience of having multiple scoliosis surgeries, how she dealt with chronic pain, and what finally helped her to get better, both physically and emotionally.   She is an amazing example of staying strong during the challenge of a scoliosis diagnosis and treatment, and helping others to feel like they are not alone.   If you are looking for a Higgy Bear, or just want to learn more, you can email Lauren at lauren@higgybears.com.  You can also visit her website at https://higgybears.com/ for more information and to place an order.     To find out more information on what you can do for scoliosis, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/.   

This is an awesome episode talking to Kristen Davis about Yoga Therapy, specifically for scoliosis.  For those who don't know what Yoga Therapy is, it is a way to use Yoga to do individualized treatment for scoliosis while improving the mind body connection.  She explains more about this and also about her own journey with it.  To contact Kristen, you can email her at bomiwellness@gmail.com to find out more information about it.   Check out https://aligntherapyutah.com/ for more information on what you can do to treat your scoliosis. 

In this episode, we talk to one of our amazing adult scoliosis patients, Kristen Davis.  She is a great example of taking control of your health and your scoliosis while exploring different treatment options.  She discusses her experience as an adolescent as well as an adult and helps to shed some light on how to manage scoliosis throughout life.  She is also a Yoga Therapy instructor working specifically with scoliosis and patients with trauma.  Great episode for anyone!  For more information on scoliosis treatment, check out https://aligntherapyutah.com/. 

In this episode, Dr John Smith shares his background with scoliosis, what made him interested in treating the spine, and what surgery is like.  He is an amazing surgeon and is well-known in the US.  He specifically explains who is appropriate for Vertebral Body Tethering, and what that surgery is like.  He also gives some great insight into spinal fusion for scoliosis correction.  Great episode for those just diagnosed, approaching surgery, or those considering VBT.  To learn more about what can be done conservatively for scoliosis, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/. 

As with most things in life, consistency is key for getting results with scoliosis treatment.  In this episode, I interview Isaac, who had a great result with scoliosis specific exercise.  He was diagnosed later in his teenage years, but was able to bring a progressive curve down from 25 to 18 degrees in a few months. The key to his success was being consistent! Check out his experience in this episode. To see more information on scoliosis specific exercise, check out our page on the Schroth Method. https://aligntherapyutah.com/schroth-method/

A common question I get recently is about VBT surgery.  Zaylei went through VBT surgery recently because of a progressive curve and she shares her experience of surgery, Schroth Therapy, and bracing, along with just the experience of being diagnosed with scoliosis.  This is a great episode for anyone diagnosed with scoliosis, as well as anyone considering surgery.  To find out more information about conservative ways to treat scoliosis, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/schroth-method/ 

Juvenile Scoliosis is not quite as common as Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.  In this episode I talk to Ava, who was diagnosed at age 6 and her father Ryan.  She gives us some great insights into what it is like to have to deal with scoliosis for many years.  She also talks about her experience with bracing and scoliosis specific exercise.  If you, or someone you know, have scoliosis, this is a great episode to check out!    To learn more about conservative treatment for scoliosis in children, check out our scoliosis page at https://aligntherapyutah.com/child-teen-scoliosis/

Most scoliosis cases in kids are diagnosed by their pediatrician. In this episode, we talk to Dr Scott Mumford, a pediatrician at Utah Valley Pediatrics in American Fork, Utah.  He helps shed some light on his thought process when seeing a patient for a well child check.   One BIG take-away is to make sure to have your kids go to their well child checks every year.  Dr Mumford gives some great advice on what goes into the diagnosis as well.  For more information on conservative treatment of scoliosis, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/

Being a Physical Therapist myself, I tend to look for conservative ways to treat spinal problems. Scoliosis Specific Exercise is a research-backed conservative treatment approach for scoliosis.  In this episode, we talk to Korey Derocher, DPT, who is a certified Schroth Therapist at Align Therapy.  We discuss what Scoliosis Specific Exercise, such as The Schroth Method and the SEAS Approach, means along with who it can benefit.   Scoliosis specific exercise is very different than regular physical therapy.  Just like anything that is specialized, more training is required to treat scoliosis.   At a regular physical therapy office, you will most likely be treated with core strengthening and maybe some stretching if you have scoliosis.  Sometimes they will try to stretch the concave side, and strengthen the convex side as well, but this is a very incomplete view and approach.   Scoliosis MUST be treated in a 3 dimensional way, and without creating any progression the curve above or below.   The scoliosis specific exercise techniques we use at Align Therapy are the Schroth Method, as well as the SEAS Approach.   You can learn more about scoliosis and how it is treated conservatively at https://aligntherapyutah.com/child-teen-scoliosis/

In this episode, David Butler describes why he decided to start a podcast based around the experience of those with scoliosis. His experience in treating those with scoliosis plays a large role in his passion for conservative treatment for spinal deformities. The goal of this podcast is to help inform and empower those living with scoliosis and other spinal deformities. To see more information on how we treat scoliosis at Align Therapy in Lehi Utah, check out our website at https://aligntherapyutah.com/