Curves, Twist and Bends: A Practical Guide for Pilates for Scoliosis [Paperback]

I am a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) and have suffered from gradually worsening scoliosis for the last 20 years or so. Therefore, I am looking at this book not only as a patient but also as a doctor. I feel that it would be helpful for introducing patients to simple exercises to help relax and strengthen their back and core muscles, but it is certainly no replacement for Physical Therapy or, in extreme cases, surgery. The pictures are very simplistic and sometimes misleading. For example, on page 22 there is an illustration of kyphosis, lordosis, and flat back, and the labeling is confusing because apparently the kyphosis and lordosis conditions are combined in a single figure, and the normal back is not labeled at all. Another example is on page 35, where "energy flow and muscle connection" are supposedly illustrated, but the point of the pictures is very unclear. Some of the illustrations are confusing simply because the pictures are apparently drawn freehand, so exactness is not really there, even when the point of the picture is to show uneven lengths, and the lengths that are supposed to be even are not just because the drawing is not exact (e.g., leg lengths in a picture showing alignment of shoulders and hips, page 37).

I also question the use of the term "Pilates" in the subtitle of this book, because it seems to me that there are very few actual Pilates exercises, as Pilates is normally thought of, in the book. For example, the standard Pilates equipment (the reformer) is barely mentioned and not shown. Granted, perhaps this is because the book is intended to be an introduction and to feature exercises that can be done at home with little equipment. But this also means no supervision by a trained Pilates teacher, which, it seems to me, is essential to do Pilates correctly and safely.

All that said, many of the suggestions regarding attitude, clothing, sleeping positions, posture while sitting and standing, carrying loads, and especially what exercises to avoid, are valuable. This little book could be very helpful for someone with a new diagnosis who has little understanding of scoliosis. But it's not perfect.

Just for reference, I was a professional Pilates instructor for seven years, three years full-time: a lot of my clients had rehabilitative issues; major parts of my practice were devoted to helping clients with specific injuries, although I've not actually worked with large populations of people who have scoliosis.

This isn't a Pilates book that uses the classic mat exercises, or the Pilates equipment. Instead, this is a collection of exercises that are pre-Pilates, or 'body patterning' exercises designed to help people with scoliosis. The book also has case histories of people with scoliosis and addresses how to live with, and even dress with scoliosis.

The book is divided into three sections: 1.) Understanding and Awareness, 2.) Exercises for Flexibility and Posture, and 3.) Strategies for Living with Scoliosis.

The actual exercises are listed in the middle of the book, in sections with titles like, "Pelvic Stability", and "Letting go of the Bossy Muscle." The majority of the exercises are basic pre-Pilates or Pilates physical therapy exercises that are used for virtually any Pilates rehabilitation.

Who would find this helpful:

Pilates teachers, either new or old, who have clients taking Pilates for therapeutic or rehabilitative purposes.

Students of Pilates that have imbalances in strength from one side to the other--which is true of most people with a dominant hand.

People who actually have scoliosis.

Who may be frustrated by this book:

This isn't a Pilates book except in the most arcane sense--there are no classic matwork exercises or even any mention of Pilates equipment. In fact, the only reason that I knew that these were 'real' Pilates exercises is that I was fortunate enough to take from some master teachers.

Overall, though, if you are trying to achieve real balance in the level of strength from one side of the body to the other, and/or you are trying to rehabilitate scoliosis, this is a good book to pick up; these exercises are not taught outside of very established, therapeutically-oriented Pilates studios.

Pilates for Scoliosis / 978-1-84819-025-2

Whether or not you find this book to be helpful is going to depend on a lot of factors. After much thought, I decided to give it three stars for myself, but mileage is definitely going to vary on this one.

How long have you know you've had scoliosis? How much research have you done on the topic? Pretty much the first third of this book is a sort of "Intro to Scoliosis" and much of the material is pretty much old hat to someone like me, who was diagnosed some 14 years ago. On the other hand, this material would probably be great for someone who was recently diagnosed and wanted to learn how to respond healthily. And while a lot of it comes off as 'filler' to old-timers like myself, there still is a reiteration of a lot of good exercise and living information (like avoiding high impact exercises like jogging).

Similarly, the last third or so of the book involves case studies and lifestyle habits. If you've lived with scoliosis for a long time, you probably understand that carrying a heavy handbag is a no-no and that tight, restrictive clothing isn't going to work with your body. On the other hand, the advice is good, the section is relatively short with lots of "wear this, not that" pictures, and it never hurts to be reminded of these things, if only so that you can show it (again) to your well-meaning family and friends who won't accept why you can't join their jogging club and you can't wear that tight sheath dress.

As for the actual exercises: I've seen some reviewers state that these exercises aren't really 'Pilates' exercises, but I've never done Pilates so I can't really speak accurately for that. If you're just looking for scoliosis exercises, there's definitely a lot of them here. What's even *better* is that almost all of these exercises are safe for surgery-corrected and non-surgery-corrected suffers - a rarity, really, given all the "surgery-correcteds need not apply" scoliosis yoga videos on the market. Wellings really shines here, as each exercise carefully explains what is meant to be strengthened, what to avoid, and what conditions might preclude you from that specific exercise. I do wish, however, that the stick figures had been augmented with "real" pictures, or perhaps video - some of the instructions are a bit confusing.

Most of these exercises are very 'low impact' in terms of what you're strengthening - you're not going to feel terribly tired or worked out after a session with this book. The exercises are more like a "daily muscle maintenance" workout, which is definitely what *I* need, because I have a great deal of pain daily and would be unable to sustain a difficult workout regimen. Also, I've been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, so wearing myself out is not really an option. Scoliosis patients with a more active lifestyle and a less pronounced curve, however, may find these exercises to be a little too easy. A lot of the dieting and healthy lifestyle material, too, may seem redundant, but if this is meant to be an introduction for scoliosis sufferers it is rather valid to note that excess weight will massively exacerbate the condition and daily pain AND that the usual weight loss exercises aren't going to be helpful to you (most are too high impact).

So, really, if you've had scoliosis for a long time and already know about healthy eating habits, a lot of this book won't be a revelation. I definitely fit in those categories, but I was pleased with the gentle exercises. I probably would have given it four stars, in fact, if it had just had better instructions and pictures on all the exercises. But even the redundant information is worthwhile if you just need ammo to explain (again)(even to yourself) why you can't sign up for this week's charity run. It's important to remember your limits and not push yourself into injury just because you can, and Wellings drives that home carefully without edging into self-pity. And I appreciate that.

NOTE: This review is based on a free Advance Review Copy of this book provided through Amazon Vine.

~ Ana Mardoll

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 46 reviews  3.7 out of 5 stars