Working with Asymmetry
According to HealthHub Singapore - Scoliosis is a condition where the normally straight spine curves to form an “S” shape. When viewed on an X-ray, the spine of a person with scoliosis appears like an “S” or a “C” shape rather than a straight line.
Scoliosis is actually a 3-Dimensional Transformation of the Spine. But how it is commonly diagnosed is a 2-Dimensional picture of the spine via an X-ray.
Each of us are unique - our own histories, life experiences, hobbies, sports, training.. Even the way we perceive the world. Our daily habits, training and life experiences have an effect in shaping our minds and our bodies; a classically trained dancer will have a body adapted to dancing versus a powerlifter, yet both are athletes conditioned to excel in their respective sports.
While I don’t have scoliosis, I found myself developing a passion for working with individuals who have scoliosis. I recognise that what they are seeking is to understand their bodies better, and why a cookie cutter program does not work because of how each spine is unique.
A session with each of my clients with scoliosis always starts with an assessment. This helps me understand the directions of the rotations, and also how their body has responded to the homework exercises given to them.
The goal of the program is not to cure Scoliosis, but to develop better neuromuscular control over posture and joint stabilisation (since these are affected), thereby reducing any pain, developing better motor control, body awareness and preventing further progression of the curves.
My client J, who does Pilates with me twice a week and strength training with a PT twice a week.
Left: x-ray of my 13 year old client in March 2024, on the right is her x-ray done in October 2023. She has been training with me since she was 8/9 years old.
The Role of Body Schema
Besides exercise approaches (as in mobility training in the traditional sense), a big part of the program includes Sensory Training using products by Naboso Technology.
What is Body Schema? Body schema is our own internal model of our body, including the position of all our limbs. It is the sensorimotor representation of the body in the space and of the configurations of all its parts in relation between each other and the world (de Vignemont, 2010; Head & Holmes, 1912). Hence, body schema has a fundamental role in setting body movements and in posture control mechanisms (Picelli et al., 2016).
A recent finding was published in the Straits Times indicating that Idiopathic Scoliosis starts in the brain (read the article here). Researchers found that patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis have differences in certain wiring in the brain that plays an important role in controlling posture and balance.
“Balance is based off Body Schema” - Dr Emily Splichal (Human Movement Expert, Podiatrist and Founder of EBFA Global)
How does your body derive its Body Schema?
Eyes (visual)
Vestibular
Joints (proprioceptors)
Hands & Feet (Mechanoreceptors)
Try this at home. Stand in front of the mirror and close your eyes. Raise an arm to what you believe is a 90 degree angle/parallel to the floor. Open your eyes and does what you see in the mirror match your mind’s perception of your arm in space when your eyes were closed?
Movement Precision is a hallmark of Pilates, which is why it is such a great exercise methodology to develop better motor control and body awareness. The Reformer provides resistance needed to stimulate the body to develop the control (working with different resistance challenges different aspects of this exercise). Combining it with the Foot wedge from Naboso - the texture stimulates the nerve endings in the feet.
Beyond Cookie Cutter exercises
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” - Leonardo Da Vinci
This is not a reductive view, but by understanding deeply the science of movement and the challenges and nuances that each of our clients have, we can distill our approaches to key essentials with maximum outcomes.
If you would like to know more about the Sensory aspect of movement, check out this FREE webinar by Dr Emily: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftiRvYGLg1g
Or deepen your knowledge by taking up the Specialist Certification:
https://www.bodytreeacademy.com/ebfa-neurosensory-specialist
(yes it is also easy enough to understand by non movement professionals!)
In my next entry, I will talk more about Asymmetry and Fascia. Fascia has 6-10 times more sensory nerves than muscles. One of the building blocks of fascia is collagen which forms, thick twisted bands of densely packed fibres that support our movements and posture.
