What does scoliosis management really look like—even for the experts?

In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura get personal. Instead of talking theory or protocols, they share their own lived experiences with scoliosis, pain flare-ups, injuries, and the ongoing process of managing a curved spine in real life.

Despite years of training, professional expertise, and consistent movement practices, they discuss how pain can still show up—and how they’ve learned to respond to it with awareness, adaptability, and compassion rather than fear.

In this episode, they cover:

• Why having scoliosis doesn’t automatically mean constant pain—and why flare-ups can still happen
• Laura’s experience managing recurring neck pain, headaches, and tension after spinal fusion
• Beth’s journey with weightlifting, injury, recovery, and learning when to pull back
• How stress, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and fatigue can influence pain levels
• The emotional side of pain, including fear, frustration, and sensitivity after injury
• Why pain doesn’t always mean damage—and how the nervous system plays a role
• The importance of building a personal toolbox for flare-ups
• Why X-rays don’t tell the whole story—and how people can feel better even when their curve doesn’t change
• The role of movement, strength training, and daily activity in long-term spine health

This episode is a reminder that scoliosis care is primarily about learning how to listen to your body, respond thoughtfully, and keep moving forward, even when progress isn’t linear.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing something wrong if I still have pain?”—this conversation is for you.

Resources & next steps:

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth share key takeaways from the Columbia University Pediatric Scoliosis Symposium, one of the leading interdisciplinary scoliosis conferences in the country.

They break down the most impactful sessions, emerging research, and evolving approaches to scoliosis care—spanning pediatrics, adults, surgery, bracing, physical therapy, mental health, and community support. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at where scoliosis care is headed and what clinicians and patients alike can learn from it.

Highlights of the episode:

• Why the Columbia Symposium is a leader in scoliosis education and research
• The value of an interdisciplinary approach (surgeons, PTs, orthotists, mental health professionals)
• Updates on pediatric and adolescent scoliosis treatment
• A growing focus on adult non-operative management
• Innovations and ongoing questions around adult bracing
• Current perspectives on spinal fusion vs. tethering
• Surgical planning advances, including AI and custom rod shaping
• Insights into spondylolysis and rehab protocols for young athletes
• New research on muscle activation asymmetry in scoliosis
• Bone health considerations, including vitamin D and long-term risks
• The expanding role of mental and emotional health in scoliosis care

Community & Connection

• Reflections on the importance of scoliosis community and shared experience
• Highlights from the inaugural Spine & Wine community meetup
• Why connection and storytelling matter for long-term well-being

Key Takeaways

• Scoliosis care continues to move toward patient-specific, holistic treatment
• Adult scoliosis research and treatment options are expanding
• Mental health, education, and community are essential—not optional—parts of care
• Collaboration across specialties leads to better outcomes

Resources:

• Columbia University's Lunch And Learn series
• Watch the recording of the Scoliosis Symposium here

Join the Conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist?
Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to rate & share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

Virtual Scoliosis Support – What You Need to Know

In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura explore the growing role of virtual treatment and coaching for scoliosis. For many people, access to a scoliosis-informed physical therapist or movement professional is limited—this conversation breaks down how virtual care can bridge that gap.

The hosts discuss how scoliosis-specific assessments, movement analysis, and education can be done effectively online, and why virtual care often empowers clients to become more independent and confident in their movement routines.

Highlights of this episode:

• Why access to scoliosis-trained providers is still a major challenge
• How virtual scoliosis assessments work (without hands-on treatment)
• What clinicians can learn from posture, movement, and functional testing online
• The importance of clear cueing, communication, and client awareness
• How virtual sessions promote independence and better carryover at home
• Benefits of being assessed in your real-life environment
• Common barriers to in-person care—and how virtual care removes them
• How group coaching and community support enhance outcomes
• Why scoliosis-specific expertise often matters more than in-person access

Dr. Laura’s virtual coaching approach:

• Detailed intake and history before sessions
• Visual posture and movement analysis
• Functional movement assessments
• Emphasis on communication, cueing, and body awareness
• Helping clients understand what they feel and see in their own bodies

Dr. Beth’s virtual coaching & group model:

• Individual scoliosis education and curve-specific assessments
• Customized programs delivered through the Strength & Spine app
• Ongoing monitoring and real-time exercise modifications
• Group coaching for affordability, accountability, and community
• Live Q&A sessions and peer support

Why virtual scoliosis support works:

• Removes geographic barriers
• Fits into real life and real spaces
• Encourages long-term independence
• Provides scoliosis-specific guidance many don’t receive locally
• Builds connection with others living with scoliosis

Who Virtual Care May Be Right For:

• People without access to scoliosis-trained providers
• Those seeking curve-specific guidance
• Anyone overwhelmed by traditional PT limitations
• Individuals wanting flexibility, education, and community

Resources & next steps:

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Next episode: A live recap from the SOSORT Conference — all the latest scoliosis research, simplified.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show