The Scoliosis Warrior Podcast

Hello everyone, here is a long overdue podcast about my birth story and experience postpartum- kindly interviewed by the amazing Erin Myers.  My wish is that my story brings hope to all the scoliosis and spinal fusion ladies who wish to become a mother, or are currently expecting. You can do hard things! 

Welcome back Scoli Friends :)  Today I am having an informal chat with my good friend and scoli sister Erin Myers on the topic of Scoliosis and Pregnancy.  As I am currently in the 35th week of my first pregnancy, and Erin has been blessed with two healthy and happy teenage boys- we thought it would be interesting to share our experiences of being pregnant with Scoliosis.  In this episode delve into topics such as  The fear of getting pregnant while having Scoliosis The fear of your child getting Scoliosis Does pregnancy make your scoliosis/pain worse?  Labour and Scoliosis How to manage back pain in pregnancy when you have Scoliosis

To find out more about the ScolioStrong coaching program mentioned in this episode, click this link - HTTPS://M.ME/SCOLIOSTRONG - then send a message with the world SCOLIOSTRONG. 

Hello my friends!  Today on the podcast I had the great pleasure of speaking to one of my favourite scoliosis women- Erin Myers from Spiral Spine Pilates.  This is one of my favourite podcast style formats- a casual chat between two ladies in the scoliosis industry. Some of the topics we cover today include: 1. How to regulate your energy when you have Scoliosis.  2. The power of functional medicine and Scoliosis. 3. How to age gracefully with Scoliosis . 4. How to start running as a beginner with Scoliosis. 5. Finding the joy in movement when you have Scoliosis.   Find Erins new book 'I have Scoliosis. Now what'? on Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/I-Have-Scoliosis-Now-What/dp/B0B1FXXLGW Free virtual lesson:  https://spiralspine.com/virtual-lessons/

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”- Viktor Frankl Hey guys and dolls,  Sorry it's been so long since i've recorded an episode!  I wanted to start the podcast back with my own personal experience dealing with anxiety, and the different ideas, tools and techniques I have used over the years to help overcome it.  I must preface this episode by saying that I'm not a trained mental health professional. I am just a person who has personally dealt with anxiety, and these are the most effective ways I have found of overcoming it.  If you need to talk to someone, below are a number of helplines you can contact for confidential non-judgemental support. Aware:  Freephone 1800 80 48 48 (available 7 days, 10am-10pm) Pieta House: T: 1800 247 247

Hello, my friends! Today on the show we have my client, 20-year-old Laura Heneghan bringing us through her journey with Scoliosis and Spinal Fusion. This episode may be of particular benefit to those who are of a similar age and contemplating spinal fusion surgery.  If you would like to get in touch with Laura: https://www.instagram.com/lauraheneghan99/

Back today with another solo cast from Eva! Today I am answering 2 questions that came in on my Instagram page this week  1. What is the best type of exercise for __________ type of Scoliosis?  2. What is your favourite thing about having Scoliosis?  If you guys have a wee second, I would really appreciate if you leave the podcast a review on I-tunes- thankyou so much xx

Welcome to another episode, my friends! A lot of people with Scoliosis struggle with poor body confidence and low self-esteem. Today we are going to talk about my top 5 actionable tips to help you become more comfortable and confident in your own skin :)  1. Stop obsessing over how your body looks (actionable tips in the episode)  2. Wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and flatter your shape  3. Spend less time on social media and more time out in nature  4. Reflect on all the awesome things your body is capable of doing (that has nothing to do with how you physically look) 5. Remember that feeling comfortable in your body is a journey and takes time to develop 

Today on the show I chat with the owner and operator of online studio Build and Breathe Pilates - the lovely Emily Hale. Emily was first introduced to Pilates to complement her rehab from spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis. She gained her Level 3 Matwork Pilates qualification to better understand her own body and give her the confidence to get back to being active and strong. Emily loves working to help clients who are on a similar journey, growing their ability and connecting with their body. To find out more about Build and Breathe Pilates:  Website: https://buildbreathe.co.uk/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buildbreathepilates  

Buy The Scoliosis Handbook- Safe and Effective Exercises Pre and Post Fusion:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scoliosis-Handbook-Effective-Exercises-Surgery/dp/1781611661 Contact Caroline:  Email: info@scoliosishandbook.com Website: info@scoliosishandbook.com 

Welcome to another episode of the show my friends! Today we have my good friend and client Mr John Warda on the show. John shares his experience of overcoming the mental obstacles of growing up with physical limitations such as scoliosis and muscular dystrophy.  "The person that you are is not determined by your height, weight or disability- try to stay focused and try to be the best person you can possibly be" 

Happy Scoliosis Awareness Month Everyone!  Back on the show today we have the wonderful Niamh McGowan: clinical spinal specialist physiotherapist at the Scoliosis Academy in Beacon Hospital Dublin, Ireland. Some of the topics covered include:  1. Breath and rib cage expansion to de-rotate the thorax 2. Niamh's top advice for Scoli patients during Covid19 3. The importance of hamstring lengthening and strengthening   To find out more about Niamh and the Scoliosis Academy:  info@scoliosisacademy.com

Welcome back to another episode! Today on the show I am interviewing Dr Domingo Molina- a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon based in Springfield, Ohio.  Some of the topics covered on the show include:  1) Dr. Molina's Philosophy 'Less is more'- what can I do for a patient that is the least invasive?  2) Pain neuroscience education- why is your brain telling you you are in pain, and how to raise a patients pain threshold? 3) Dr Molina's best advice for managing scoliosis

“Feel better, move stronger, thrive longer” Dr. Reid Briglia is a physical therapist who helps adolescents, athletes and adults with scoliosis, kyphosis and other spine-related disorders get back to the physical ventures they love…all while avoiding the use of pain medication and unwanted surgeries. Website: https://www.spinestrongpt.com/ Email: Reid@spinestrongpt.com Facebook Group: Scoliosis Exercise for pain and performance 

Today on the show I have EFT Coach, Life Coach and Energy Healer Tania Lopez-Cepero. She was diagnosed with Scoliosis at age 12. Her back pain left her often for days in bed. At age 13 she had 2 Harrington rods fused along her spine. For the following 20 years, she had pain on and off. She tried different things like physical therapy, massages, medication etc, but then she would have back pain return.  One day she found out about Emotional Freedom Technique aka tapping. Initially, Tania used EFT for her anxiety but quickly saw that it was helpful for pain as well. As Tania released the emotional components related to her back pain, she saw that her flare-ups were occurring less frequently and with less intensity. Since finding EFT, she rarely gets back spasms as she used to.  Tania liked this technique so much that she is now an EFT coach. She helps people finding the emotional causes of their pain and helps them release their stuck energy so they can enjoy fulfilling lives. If you want to check out her page, her website is www.tanialopezcepero.com If you want to check out her Instagram: Say_Yes_To_Your_Best_Life 

Today I have the fabulous Spinal Spine Founder Erin Myers back on the show for a chat. Topics we cover include   1) How Society Perceives Scoliosis in the East Vs. The West. 2) The Powerful Effect of Positive Reinforcement for your Scoliotic Children. 3) Is Your Scoliosis a Physical or Emotional Issue?  4) Why You Should Create a Scoli Management Schedule & How to Find Your Dream Team

Today on the show I am answering 2 of your top Scoliosis Questions: 1) Dating & Scoliosis: How and when to you tell the person you are dating you have Scoliosis 2) How to find the safest and most effective exercises for your Scoliosis

Today on the show I am chatting with Registered Dietitian & Health Write Harriet Smith. Harriet shares her journey with Scoliosis and spinal fusion, as well as her experience managing other chronic health conditions such as joint hypermobility syndrome.  .  To find out more about Harriet, check out her website www.surreydietitian.co.uk . Other websites mentioned on the show: Healthline: www.healthline.com  The British Dietetic Association: www.bda.uk.com 

Today on the show we are discussing a topic very near and dear to my heart: how to have confidence when you have scoliosis. My top 5 tips include: 1) Do things outside of your comfort zone. 2) Focus on the things that you can rather than can't do. 3) Rejoice in the positive traits you have to offer the world. 4) Know that you are not alone on your scoliosis journey. 5) Don't take your scoliosis so seriously.

Hello Everyone! In this episode, we talk to trainer Teresa Teuscher. She was a delight to have on the show. Here's a list of some of the topics covered: * How heat can ease pain * Periods during surgery * Listening to teenagers with scoliosis and supporting them * The importance of putting in the work * Listening to your body * Self-image   Have a good Monday!

Hello Everyone! Mary Powell is a yoga teacher based in Banbury, England who specializes in the Ashtanga Method of yoga. Ashtanga is a structured class focused on purifying the body and mind.  "Bringing mobility around the shoulder blades helps build stability, mobility, and control. If you can build flexibility and strength here it'll relieve tightness the muscles around the upper curve and help you to hold your shoulders in a more functional position"

Hello Everyone!   Today on the podcast, we have Karena Thek here to talk to us about the importance of movement, elongation of the spine, and pilates.   She's a Scolio-Pilates instructor, author, and founder based in Southern California.   'You really need to listen to what your body can handle. You need to dive inside and have a conversation with yourself.'   For those of you who'd like to contact her on her socials, you can find her on Twitter (@karenathek), on Instagram (@karena_thek), and on Youtube (Karena Thek).

Hello everyone! Happy Scoliosis Awareness Month! In this episode, we talk to Paige Fraser, a professional dancer from The Bronx who tells us of her experience with scoliosis and how it affects and influences her life as a dancer.   "By sharing my story, it's allowed me to be free and accept who I am even more because I'm not hiding it and I'm not allowing it to hold me back in any way."

Happy Scoliosis Awareness Month everyone! Today on the show I have an incredibly moving interview with Holly Minihane, a Scoliosis and Cerebral Palsy Warrior. 

Today I have invited my Scoliosis sister Carlyn Porter back on the show to have an open conversation about living with Scoliosis. Some topics of conversation include 1) Accepting discomfort as a part of everyday living with Scoliosis 2) Awkward yoga positions when you have Scoliosis 3) Scoliosis as a motivator to avoid the doctor's office 4) Anxiety, meltdowns and keeping the online Scoliosis positivity 5) The fear of motherhood when you have Scoliosis 

Today on the show I have Bodybuilder, Crooked Viking and all-round awesome guy- Shano Rasmussen. Shano has had a pretty phenomenal physical transformation over the last few years- what originally started out as a weight loss journey, also become a powerful way to manage his Scoliosis. Shano also shares his mindset towards Scoliosis and how he manages pain when it strikes. 

Today on the show I have Scoliosis and backcare specialist, Rachel Jesien. Rachel is the founder of holistic backcare company 'My Scared Spine'. Some of the topics covered on the show today include 1) How to listen to your bodies individual needs, 2) How to adapt your Scoliosis management protocol around your hormonal cycle, 3) How to manage your Scoliosis throughout the summer season. 

Today on the show I have a friend and spiritual teacher, Triratna Buddhist Order member Atulyamita. She shares her experience of how mindfulness and meditation helped her in the management of chronic pain and illness. At the end of the episode, Atulyamitra leads a wonderful short meditation for the alleviation of pain. 

Today on the show I have an inspiring personal trainer from NYC named Teresa Teuscher. Not only did Teresa receive a full spinal fusion at age 12, but she is also the mother of a daughter with Scoliosis. Some of the topics covered on the show today include 1) Teresa's amazing Scoliosis story 2) Tips for modifying exercise with spinal fusion 3) Pregnancy and Scoliosis 4) Advice to parents on the Scoliosis journey, plus many more golden nuggets! 

Back on the show by popular demand, I have the fabulous Erin Myers. We have a raw and honest open conversation about our experiences dealing with Scoliosis. Some topics covered on the show include 1) Using Scoliosis as an excuse to move every day 2) How to emotionally & physically own your Scoliosis 3) Dealing with body dysmorphia 4) Managing Scoliosis through counselling 5) What is your Scoliosis recipe? 6) How our DNA tell us what we should eat & how we should care for our bodies

Today on the show I am chatting with Dr. Peter Newton: chief of the division of Orthopedics & Scoliosis at Rady Children's Hospital in San Diego and a clinical professor at UC San Diego School of medicine. Topics discussed on the show today include What is Vertebral Body Tethering (VBT)?, Who is the right candidate for treatment?, How effective is VBT for Scoliosis?, What are the advantages of VBT over Spinal Fusion, Tips for managing chronic pain and fatigue, and tips for managing a Scoliosis S Curve & hypermobile joints. 

Today on the show I am joined by the amazing Deirdre McDonnell- the first adult in the world to receive the revolutionary MAGEC rod operation. It involves screwing magnetic rods into the spine which can be controlled externally to correct the curvature and straighten the spine. Deirdre shares her incredible story on the show today. 

Today on the show I have Scoliosis Yoga Practitioner Christine Jauregiuberry, owner of Yogaberry Scoliosis. Christine opens ups about her personal struggle with Scoliosis, how yoga helped alleviate her back pain, her top tips for beginning a Scoliosis yoga practice, as well as the most important lesson she has learned on her journey so far: taking responsibility for your Scoliosis.

Today on the show I have coach Graeme Maher: Sports Conditioning specialist and owner of 'Graeme Maher Personal Training'. In this episode, Graeme talks about his own experience recovering from a severe back injury, what his recommendations are for clients in a similar position, how to get strong & why hard work and patience are ultimately the key factors in achieving success. 

Today on the show I have the lovely Carlyn Porter: the creator of popular Scoliosis blog 'The Curvy Truth'. Caryln shares her wisdom about a number of Scoliosis related topics including Functional Nutrition, Nutritional Deficiencies, Bone Health, Body Acceptance,  Releasing Expectations, Self Love, and how to live your best life with Scoliosis. 

Today on the show I have Carrickfergus based mum Karen Fleming here to tell the tale of her inspirational daughter- professional dancer in the making, Megan Fleming.  As a young teenager, Megan was diagnosed with such a severe case of Scoliosis, doctors in Britain were hesitant to operate. She was flown over to Istanbul, Turkey to receive an invasive 14-hour spinal fusion operation.  Since then, Megan has made a remarkable recovery & has gone on to dance competitively with her troupe on international stages all over the world.  Megan is also the founder of Scoliosis Children's charity, Megan's Wish.

Today on the show we are talking all things Scoliosis related with Prof. Damian McCormack: Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Temple Street Children's Hospital & The Mater Hospital in Dublin, Ireland. 

Today on the show I have Masha Balovlenkov, the Founder of Stand Tall International- which is an amazing organization that funds and supports children in East Africa with spinal deformities to receive life-saving operations. If you would like to find out more or get involved, head on over to www.standtallinternational.org

Today on the show I have a psychologist and soon to be clinical neuropsychologist Adam Vujic to share his Scoliosis story, as well as his perspective on mental and physical health. Adam has a particular interest in using mindfulness and values-driven action as his therapeutic approach. Today we discuss simple ways you can look after your mental health using these methods. 

Today I am joined on the show by international Scoliosis presenter, author and founder of Spiral Spine Pilates Studio in Nashville, TN- the wonderful Erin Myers. Topics covered include how to analyze and treat your Scoliosis, how to move correctly when you have a spinal fusion, how to deal with the emotional and psychological impact of Scoliosis and many more juicy topics. So many golden nuggets in this episode, it is a must listen! 

Today on the show I am chatting with Scoliosis Warrior and Fitness Entrepreneur Anna Martin about her Scoliosis Journey. Anna runs group exercise classes including Clubbercise, Hyper Dance, Zumba & Rave tone. Topics covered on the show include Anna's training regimen, her top tips for glute activation, how to manage your mindset around Scoliosis, the importance of sports massage & physio. 

Today on the show Czech based Scoliosis Warrior Veronika shares her story about how she was about to stabilize her double curvature of 42 & 32 degrees through non-surgical treatments such as Spiral Stabilization & Iyengar Yoga. 

SAUK is a patient support organization that provides advice, support and information for people affected by Scoliosis. In this episode, we chat about What is Scoliosis? How can you support someone who has Scoliosis? What treatments are available for Scoliosis? How to cope with the physical and mental struggle of Scoliosis? As well as a wide range of other topics.  To contact the SAUK Helpline: 020 8964 5343 or email info@sauk.org.uk

Today on the show I interview world-class spinal surgeon and researcher- the amazing Dr. Ahmet Alanay. Topics include Dr. Alanays medical background, his special interest in treating complex spinal disorders, advances in surgical technologies for Scoliosis, top tips for patients pre and post op, preventative Scoliosis measures, Dr. Alanays favourite part of his job, and the future of Scoliosis surgery. 

Today on the show I review the 6 most valuable lessons I learned about Scoliosis in 2018. Topics Include -Everyone has a unique tolerance level for pain -Scoliosis is an invisible condition -Scoliosis is just as much a mental struggle as it is physical -Pain is often the thing that stops people with Scoliosis from working out -People with Scoliosis are afraid to lift weights -People with Scoliosis can do some pretty impressive stuff

Today on the show I chat with NYC based Scoliosis Warrior Denise Barker. Denise received an Anterior fusion in 1999 in the form of, and since then has had 2 more fusions at age 17 & 29. Denise advocates the importance of cultivating a kind relationship towards your body throughout the Scoliosis journey, and ways you can incorporate that into your life. 

In today's episode I am talking to Personal Trainer, Yoga Instructor, Paralegal, Non-Profit Founder & Spinal Fusion Warrior- the multi-talented Natalie Bowman. We discuss the most effective way to practice yoga when you have a curved or fused spine, Natalie's journey as an athlete with Scoliosis, the mental health implications of having Scoliosis, and Natalie's wisdom in dealing with these obstacles. 

Today on the podcast I speak with Maria Larkin from Limerick, who was diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Scoliosis at age 6. Due to the complexity of her spine, Maria has received 11 invasive spinal operations from the age of 11-24. This is her story