Yoga and Scoliosis: An Introduction with Dr. Loren Fishman and Liz Larson
Scoliosis, a three-dimensional curvature of the spine, affects 2-3% of the population, translating to millions of individuals globally. While traditional treatments often involve bracing or surgery—both carrying significant physical, emotional, and financial costs—yoga offers a conservative, empowering alternative.
PYI Faculty Dr. Loren Fishman and his co-teacher Liz Larson have pioneered yoga practices tailored for scoliosis, showing remarkable results in improving spinal alignment and enhancing quality of life.
Understanding Scoliosis
Dr. Fishman explains scoliosis as “a three-dimensional curvature of the spine.” This means that the spine not only curves sideways but also rotates, causing a visible bulge on one side of the body.
Scoliosis can stem from various causes, including congenital malformations, degenerative changes, or idiopathic origins—a term Dr. Fishman humorously describes as “a doctor’s way of disguising ignorance.”
Traditional treatment options, such as bracing and surgery, often come with drawbacks. Braces can be uncomfortable, cosmetically awkward, and limit lung capacity, while surgery frequently results in reduced flexibility and complications requiring additional procedures.
As Dr. Fishman notes, “A more conservative and preservative therapy would be welcome,” and yoga fills this gap effectively.
Yoga: A Conservative Alternative
Dr. Fishman’s yoga approach for scoliosis focuses on strengthening the weaker side of the spine—typically the concave side—to restore balance and reduce the curve. Among the most effective poses is the side plank, a deceptively simple posture with powerful results.
“That single pose is the most successful of all of them,” says Dr. Fishman, adding that it’s “almost a lead-pipe cinch” for reducing lumbar scoliosis.
The method involves:
Identifying the weaker, concave side of the spine
Practicing targeted poses like the side plank, half-moon, and modified warrior poses
Encouraging consistent practice—three times a day—to see significant improvements
Dr. Fishman shared compelling case studies illustrating the efficacy of these practices. For instance, one participant’s spinal curve decreased from 19 degrees to 4 degrees in just five months.
The Role of Yoga Professionals
Yoga therapists play a crucial role in implementing these techniques safely and effectively. Dr. Fishman emphasizes the importance of meeting students at their level, whether they’re starting with simple floor exercises or advancing to more challenging postures.
By empowering individuals to actively participate in their own treatment, yoga transforms scoliosis management into a collaborative and dynamic process.
Why Certification Matters
For professionals eager to specialize in therapeutic yoga, obtaining certification is essential.
Programs like the PYI Yoga Therapeutics Essentials course provide a comprehensive understanding of functional anatomy, condition-specific modifications, and evidence-based approaches. This training not only equips instructors to guide clients with scoliosis but also deepens their overall expertise in yoga therapy.
By blending science, compassion, and movement, yoga offers a brighter future for those living with scoliosis.
As Dr. Fishman reminds us, “We strengthen the muscles on the weaker side—that’s it. All the poses you’re going to see, and there aren’t very many, that’s what they do.”
Start your journey today and make a difference in your practice and beyond.
Visit our main page for more information on our programs. Consider enrolling in the annual PYI Yoga Therapeutics Essentials course to expand your professional skill set and make a lasting impact on your clients’ well-being.
Therapeutic Yoga Sequencing Considerations: A Guide for Yoga Teachers
Therapeutic yoga sequencing is more than just arranging poses; it’s about creating a meaningful and safe experience for practitioners. For professionals aiming to become certified in yoga methods, understanding the “why” behind sequences is as important as mastering the “how.” This knowledge ensures classes are not only effective but also minimize the risk of injury.
Let’s delve into key considerations that professionals should keep in mind when designing therapeutic yoga sequences.
1. The Importance of Knowing the “Why”
A well-structured sequence stems from a deep understanding of biomechanics and the needs of diverse practitioners. For example, hip-related cues such as “open hips,” “closed hips,” and “neutral hips” can vary significantly in application depending on the body type and experience level of students.
Aspiring instructors should move beyond replicating sequences learned during training and instead focus on why certain alignments and transitions are beneficial or potentially harmful. As our Founder Dana Slamp says, “Once you know the why, you can change the how.” For instance: If you are including a warm-up section in a general slow flow class, you are doing so to prepare both the muscles and the joints for deeper movements, holds, and/or balance asanas while also teaching mindful breathing. If you are teaching chair yoga, you can still teach a warmup that accomplishes these intentions that is created specifically for students using chairs.
2. Prioritizing Safe Transitions
Repetitive stress injuries can arise from improper weight-bearing poses over the years - particularly in the hips. A nuanced understanding of anatomy helps avoid issues such as sacral derangement caused by over-stretching or hypermobility in certain practitioners. This is especially critical for students who may already have vulnerabilities due to age, lifestyle, or previous injuries.
Transitions between poses are often overlooked but play a pivotal role in maintaining safety. For instance, transitioning from Warrior I to Warrior II can be done safely - but over years of practice may strain the connective tissues in the hips.
To mitigate this, consider the following approaches:
Introduce a high lunge: Before transitioning to Warrior II, a high lunge allows the back foot to adjust, reducing strain on the hips and knees.
Straighten the front leg: This action helps reset alignment and alleviates pressure on the hips, making the transition smoother and safer.
By emphasizing proper transitions, instructors ensure that the practice remains sustainable for students over the long term.
3. Catering to Biodiversity in Movement
Every body is unique, and therapeutic yoga sequencing must honor this biodiversity. While some students may excel in poses that require significant flexibility, others might struggle. Encourage students to listen to their bodies, offering modifications and equipment to support their individual needs.
For example:
Twists and lumbar safety: Since the lumbar spine has limited rotational capacity (25-50 degrees), it’s vital to focus twists in the thoracic spine. Encouraging axial extension—creating space between vertebrae—enhances safety and prevents discomfort.
Allowing movement in the hips: Contrary to rigid cues, permitting slight mobility in poses like twisted chair can protect the sacroiliac (SI) joint from overstrain, especially in hypermobile students.
4. Balancing Strength and Flexibility
Therapeutic yoga isn’t just about achieving flexibility; it’s about fostering a balance between strength and mobility. Overworking smaller muscle groups, like those in the hips or shoulders, can lead to exhaustion or injury.
Encourage a holistic approach by:
Focusing on larger muscle groups: Prioritize engaging major muscle groups for stability and support.
Incorporating strength-building transitions: For instance, moving from a low lunge to a plank pose engages the core and prevents over-reliance on smaller, more vulnerable muscles.
5. Encouraging Lifelong Practice
Therapeutic yoga emphasizes sustainability. Instructors should design sequences that allow practitioners to continue their practice safely throughout their lives. This means avoiding patterns that may feel good in the short term but contribute to long-term wear and tear.
For instance, transitioning between open and closed hip postures should be done sparingly to avoid overstressing the connective tissues.
Final Thoughts
Therapeutic yoga sequencing requires mindfulness, anatomical understanding, and a commitment to student well-being. By prioritizing safe transitions, respecting individual differences, and fostering balance, certified yoga professionals can create transformative and lasting experiences for their students.
Aspiring instructors, remember: therapeutic yoga isn’t just about the poses; it’s about the journey. With thoughtful sequencing, you can empower your students to practice yoga for years to come—safely and joyfully.
Ready to take your practice and teaching skills to the next level? Enroll in our annual PYI Yoga Therapeutics Essentials course. You can also visit our website for more courses.
How to Create Inclusive Wellness Spaces
Creating inclusive wellness spaces is more than just a goal; it’s a responsibility for wellness professionals. Yoga and other healing practices have deep roots in diverse cultural traditions, yet these origins are often overlooked or misrepresented in Western contexts.
As professionals seeking certification in yoga and wellness, it is essential to honor the past, recognize present disparities, and actively work towards fostering environments where everyone feels safe and respected.
Acknowledging the History of Exclusion
Yoga, a practice with thousands of years of history in South Asia, has been commodified and reshaped into a global industry. This was thanks in part to prominent South Asian teachers spreading the teachings to Western students - and in some cases encouraging them to teach. While its growth in the West has made yoga accessible to many, this transnational movement has in some cases erased or denigrated the credit that should go to South Asian cultures. Sadly, it’s possible to find yoga students who are unaware that yoga derives from South Asia at all.
Historically, exclusionary policies, such as the 1924 U.S. Immigration Act, barred many Asian practitioners from sharing their traditions. Meanwhile, many Westerners adapted and commercialized yoga without proper acknowledgment of its origins.
Today, many wellness spaces still lack accurate representation of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Publications and media often showcase able-bodied, white, and young individuals as the “face” of yoga, perpetuating stereotypes and alienating those who don’t fit this mold.
Recognizing this history is the first step toward creating more inclusive spaces.
Understanding the Importance of Representation
Representation matters. Seeing diverse bodies, identities, and cultural practices in wellness spaces not only validates individual experiences but also broadens the accessibility of these practices.
For example, featuring teachers and practitioners from underrepresented groups can challenge biases and create a welcoming environment for all.
Inclusivity also involves recognizing intersectionality—the interconnected nature of social categorizations such as race, class, gender, and ability. Understanding how these identities overlap helps create spaces that address the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities. As we “unlearn” the mistakes made by our predecessors, we can work clean up our shared spaces. The suggestions below can be a start of action and inquiry for the yoga professional.
Practical Steps for Creating Inclusive Spaces
1. Honor the Cultural Roots
Respect the origins of practices: Use traditional names for yoga poses and learn correct Sanskrit pronunciation. Avoid renaming poses or practices for marketing purposes. Should you be teaching in a trauma-sensitive manner that involves teaching solely in the student’s native language, still choose one concept you can share in Sanskrit each session or class.
Acknowledge the source: Mention the cultural origins of practices during sessions to educate participants and honor the traditions.
2. Foster Safe and Welcoming Environments
Go beyond tolerance: Strive to create safe spaces where participants feel welcomed and free from judgment or discrimination.
Request consent: Always ask before providing physical adjustments during yoga sessions. Trauma-informed practices are essential for respecting participants’ boundaries.
Use inclusive language: Ensure that your instructions and communication do not alienate or exclude anyone based on their identity or abilities.
3. Address Accessibility
Financial accessibility: Offer sliding scale fees, scholarships, or discounts for marginalized communities. However, remember that BIPOC is not synonymous with poverty; provide options without making assumptions.
Physical accessibility: Ensure your spaces are accessible to individuals with disabilities by providing adaptive equipment and accommodations.
4. Challenge Bias and Prejudice
Reflect on personal biases: Examine and address unconscious biases that may influence your behavior or decision-making. Notice how these biases manifest in interactions with different groups.
Call out harmful behavior: Lovingly and firmly address instances of racism, sexism, ableism, and other prejudices within your community. Encourage open dialogue and mutual learning.
5. Promote Reciprocity
Support marginalized communities: Partner with organizations, host fundraisers, or donate resources to communities from which wellness practices originate. This creates a cycle of mutual benefit and respect.
Amplify diverse voices: Use your platform to highlight the contributions and concerns of underrepresented groups in wellness spaces.
Moving Towards a Collective Healing Space
The practice of yoga is deeply rooted in Ahimsa (non-violence), which calls us to actively reject harm in all forms. Inclusivity aligns with this principle by addressing systemic inequalities and fostering environments where all individuals can heal and thrive. As yoga professionals, embracing social justice as part of our practice is not optional but necessary.
Creating inclusive wellness spaces requires ongoing effort, reflection, and learning. By honoring the cultural roots, fostering accessibility, and challenging biases, we can ensure that wellness truly becomes a space for everyone.
Ready to deepen your understanding and practice of yoga therapeutics?
Visit our main page to explore our offerings. For professionals eager to make a meaningful impact, don’t miss our annual PYI Yoga Therapeutics Essentials course. Together, let’s build a more inclusive and compassionate wellness community.