Long thought to be a congenital condition, Scoliosis can be treated quite effectively by Somatic Education in most cases. However, individuals with scoliosis seeking Somatic Education can bring up questions with complicated and potentially confusing answers. Below are some thoughts compiled from experienced Practitioners. When providing this information to potential clients, try to reflect an understanding of the current medical treatments, which can be invasive, painful, and limiting of their mobility. Mention that Somatics does not involve forcing the body into any positions or movements which are painful or uncomfortable, nor does it involve any invasive procedures. Also keep in mind the emotional and social frustrations, especially since this diagnosis is most often found in teenagers and generally entails giving up certain athletic activities and/or wearing a brace.
Scoliosis, or a lateral curvature of the spine, is generally caused by chronically tightened muscles in the back, which end up pulling the spinal column out of alignment. Current medical treatments, which depend primarily on x-rays to diagnose scoliosis and therefore only see the spinal curvature, include back braces, Herrington Rods (Steel rods which are bolted to the spine, keeping it straight and rigid), and vertebral fusion. Other treatments can include Chiropractics and Massage Therapy, although these methods have not been shown to be effective for extended periods of time.
For individuals who have NOT had Herrington Rods or Vertebral Fusion treatments for scoliosis:
These individuals are prime candidates for Somatic Education. There have been many cases where HSE clients have had a complete reversal of their curvature in ten sessions or less, depending on their level of commitment to their exercises. If met with skepticism, explain that their spine does not move of its own accord, that bones are moved by muscles, and if certain muscles are chronically tight, they will pull bones out of alignment.
If their doctor has recommended surgery:
Make sure they understand that we are not doctors, but attempt to impress upon them the effectiveness of this technique. Possibly ask practitioners for case studies they may have on hand to illustrate this fact. Once alterations have been made to the spinal column, they may experience limited mobility or compensatory pain from the trauma of surgery itself. (Marilyn has a horror story about her cousin, who had a vertebral fusion in the 1940s, back braces, casts, and finally Herrington Rods in 2001. Within a few weeks, the contractions of her muscles were so strong that the Herrington rods actually snapped.)
For individuals with Herrington Rods or Verterbral Fusion:
As mentioned above, these individuals will only be able to move a limited amount. Somatics will do little, if anything, to help with the curvature, unless they can/will remove the rods. However, they may experience alleviation of compensatory pain from chronically tight muscles. If they do want a session, make sure you schedule them with an experience practioner.
If they ask for Exercise Sets, recommend the Delicate Backs program, and be sure to stress that they NOT force any movement. They should not experience pain at any point during these exercises.
Somatics works with the nueromuscular system to bring back conscious and voluntary control to muscles that are in a state of unconscious and involuntary contraction. In a person without surgical implantation of spinal stabilization hardware, this process MAY allow scoliosis to correct itself, especially if the client follows through with the somatic movement routine to remind the muscles to work and function normally after corrective sessions.
