Today (5 February 2020) is National Girls & Women in Sports Day in the United States. Now in its 34th year, NGWSD celebrates the girls and women who participate in all sorts of different sporting activities, from rugby to roller derby.
Here at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic, it’s been our privilege to help many young women with scoliosis overcome their back problems and keep playing the sports they love. Our exercise-based scoliosis treatment programme is a great alternative to surgery that has demonstrated its effectiveness time and time again. Here are just some of our success stories…
Marina Callis | Tennis
“My scoliosis caused me excruciating pain on a daily basis, and I often struggled to get out of bed in the morning. I really did believe I would be in pain forever. I now have the skills to control my own condition and that, for me, is priceless.”
Read Marina’s Story >
Lottie Taylor | Running
“When I was told that running would put pressure on my spine and could cause me a lot of damage, I was devastated. Running and keeping physically fit is important to me: I would be lost without my trainers. I am so glad I found these exercises – they have completely turned my life around, and I’m now looking forward to a bright future. I cannot wait to run the marathon one day.”
Read Lottie’s Story >
Emma Raisin | Swimming
“I am really excited about how these exercises have put me back in control. Back pain can cause so much stress and so many problems, but I am looking forward to getting everything back on track. My hopes are to continue to avoid the surgery and to keep my condition under control.”
Read Emma’s Story >
Melissa Allan | Cheerleading
“I love dancing and moving around, and having to sit still and rest was just not me. Losing my flexibility would have meant the end of my dreams – I could not bear to think how unhappy it would have made me. The exercises were not easy, but the Scoliosis SOS therapists made them fun and I feel like I am back in control.”
Read Melissa’s Story >
Latisha Johnson | Biking
“I feel better even after the first few days. I really do feel like I have a new back. I love the thrill of getting on a bike and forgetting about everything, and I was devastated at the thought of having to give it up. I feel happy and alive again for the first time in years.”
Read Latisha’s Story >
Ella Coulton | Horse Riding
“Scoliosis completely rocked my world. I have always been so passionate about riding, but when I started feeling tired and getting pain down my back, it was really hard to stay motivated. I am ecstatic that I have been able to avoid surgery – my back looks amazing and I have my energy back. My confidence has soared, and I am so excited about getting back to riding.”
Read Ella’s Story >
Here at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic, we use a scoliosis-specific physiotherapy programme to reduce spinal curvature and help our patients enjoy a better quality of life. View upcoming treatment dates here.
More Sporty Success Stories Book a Scoliosis Consultation
The Rugby World Cup is currently taking place in Japan, and as a result, global interest in rugby is running high.
Success in the Rugby World Cup often translates to an increase in the winning country’s participation figures, as more and more people look to explore the sport in the wake of the tournament.
But is rugby a wise sport to take up if you have scoliosis?
Can You Play Rugby with Scoliosis?
Rugby is one of the impact sports that scoliosis patients are often advised to avoid, primarily due to the physical nature of the game.
After all, a game of rugby can be pretty hard on even the healthiest body, let alone one that’s hindered by the effects of a spinal curvature.
However, with determination and a sensible approach, even high-impact sports like rugby needn’t necessarily be off-limits for people with scoliosis.
Childhood Scoliosis and Rugby
In the five years after England won the Rugby World Cup in 2003, participation figures for 7 to 13-year-olds skyrocketed by an incredible 78%.
The impressionable 7-13 age group coincidentally overlaps with the age at which scoliosis is usually diagnosed (most cases of idiopathic scoliosis are diagnosed between the ages of 10 and 15).
Children and teenagers can be very receptive to sporting trends, and some parents may find themselves in a tough spot if their child wants to take up rugby yet also suffers from scoliosis.
Many scoliosis parents, in the interest of protecting their child, would simply forbid them from participating entirely. However, this isn’t necessarily the only feasible course of action.
In fact, depending on the extent of the child’s spinal curve, they may well be able to enjoy a fully active lifestyle, even if their preferred activity is a contact sport like rugby.
Case Studies: Our Rugby-Playing Patients
At Scoliosis SOS, we’ve encountered numerous rugby enthusiasts who were faced with the unenviable proposition of giving up their beloved sport due to scoliosis. Here are some of their stories…
Marcus Pond, 20
“I knew I didn’t want the surgery and was terrified of losing my flexibility at such a young age…why would you have major risky surgery if you can just do a few simple exercises?”
Read Marcus’s Story >
Hannah Chapman, 15
“Since being at the clinic I have benefited immensely. My pain has decreased and I know how to stand with a corrected posture.”
Read Hannah’s Story >
Patrick O’Kane, 37
“I feel stronger and more confident about how my back looks, and I am looking forward to getting my life back on track. My pain has gone and I have been able to go back to playing rugby, something I never thought would be possible.”
Read Patrick’s Story >
Patient Video: Ben from Australia
Ben Stanton, another keen rugby player, came to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic from Sydney in 2016. Watch the video to find out what he had to say about his Scoliosis SOS experience.
Scoliosis Treatment with Scoliosis SOS
Whether you’re a young aspiring sportsperson longing to take to the field or an older veteran of the sport eager to keep playing, the Scoliosis SOS Clinic has a proven track record for helping rugby lovers with scoliosis and other curvatures of the spine.
We don’t believe that scoliosis should be a life sentence that banishes you to the sidelines. While it may be an obstacle, it can often be overcome if you tackle it head-on with the help of Scoliosis SOS.
Our Treatment Method Contact Scoliosis SOS
Celebrating the benefits of an active lifestyle, National Fitness Day takes place annually to help promote the benefits of physical fitness.
National Fitness Day 2019 falls on Wednesday 25 September. People across the UK will be encouraged to get active and commit to get fit in pursuit of healthier lives.
Organised by UK Active, this event aims to highlight the importance of keeping fit and staying active, regardless of your age and ability.
Staying fit with scoliosis
People with scoliosis sometimes find it difficult to take part in sports and other forms of strenuous exercise.
But scoliosis doesn’t have to dictate how you live your life, and it needn’t stop you from participating in activities you enjoy.
It’s a somewhat common misconception that sporting activity can make scoliosis worse. This myth has been debunked by medical professionals.
In fact, some sports can actually help to boost your flexibility and strengthen your core – particularly swimming, cycling and even football.
Usain Bolt has scoliosis!
For proof that people with scoliosis can achieve sporting glory, look no further than Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt.
Despite being born with scoliosis, the Jamaican youngster with the spinal curve never let it hamper his dreams, defying the odds to become one of the most celebrated Olympians in history.
Bolt overcame his spinal curvature and became known as the fastest man on Earth, shattering records in the 100m, 200m and 4 x 100m relay (and winning countless medals along the way).
Success stories from Scoliosis SOS
But Usain Bolt isn’t the only scoliosis sufferer who’s made his sporting dreams a reality. In fact, many of the patients we’ve treated here at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic have managed to triumph over adversity and remain active despite their spinal issues.
Through their dedication and hard work, these people have been able to overcome the pain of scoliosis with the help of our non-surgical treatment courses, allowing them to continue to participate in the activities they love.
View some of our sporty success stories >
If you’re struggling with scoliosis and you’d like to book a consultation with the Scoliosis SOS Clinic, please contact us today.
It can be absolutely crushing when your health prevents you from doing the things you love. Here at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic, we frequently treat people who have found themselves in that demoralising position, and we’ve met a number of people whose passion is bowls (also known as lawn bowls).
Bowls is a very social sport, and when the symptoms of scoliosis – primarily back pain – threaten to stop you playing, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing friends as well as your favourite pastime.
Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are the stories of two people who came to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic and, with the help of our ScolioGold treatment programme, overcame their pain to get back on the green.
Dora Howard
from Barnet, North London
“When playing bowls, you often get slightly sore on one side, but the pain I was experiencing was entirely different – and much more painful – than anything I’d experienced before. I genuinely thought I was going to have to give up my bowls, and for me that would have been devastating. So I am delighted with the outcome of my treatment.”
Read Dora’s Story >>
Gloria Templeton
from Coventry, West Midlands
“Living life as ‘Gloria with scoliosis’ has not been easy, and I was devastated when I had to give up playing bowls. But the Scoliosis SOS consultants have been great – I have been able to start playing again, and have made a great new group of friends from the clinic.”
Read Gloria’s Story >>
If your scoliosis is threatening to keep you from doing what you love, Scoliosis SOS may be able to help you. Call our clinic on 0207 488 4428 or use the links below to find out more.
About Our Treatment Courses Book an Initial Consultation
The 2019 Wimbledon Championships are in full swing right now, and even if you’re not usually interested in tennis, it’s hard not to get swept up in all the excitement and prestige. This year’s tournament has already made headlines – the first round saw 15-year-old Grand Slam newcomer Cori Gauff defeat five-time champ Venus Williams – and there are no doubt plenty of thrills still to come.
Here at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic, we’ve treated a number of avid tennis players whose curved spines were threatening to force them off the court for good. Here are some of their stories:
Abigail Bendall
“Scoliosis completely rocked my world…I really felt like my world had fallen apart, and I didn’t know how to cope with all the emotions that were going around in my head. I cannot wait to get back to the specialists at the hospital and show them what I have achieved.”
Read Abigail’s Story >>
Louise Alexander
“I was amazed by what I had achieved in a relatively short time. To see the improvements that I had made from before and after the course was unbelievable. I am no longer dreading the possibility of surgery and I can concentrate on my tennis again.”
Read Louise’s Story >>
James Taylor
“When my parents told me about the treatment, I was ecstatic. I love sports, so doing exercises to keep my back in good condition and to avoid surgery was not a problem. I’m looking forward to the summer as I missed out on so many tennis games last year.”
Read James’s Story >>
Rebecca Larett
“The staff at the clinic were amazing, they made me feel normal again. I cannot wait to get back to playing tennis. I am also so excited about life again.”
Read Rebecca’s Story >>
Sarah Nunn
“When I was told that I had scoliosis, I didn’t really understand to start with. No one ever sat me down and explained what was going on until I got to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic.”
Read Sarah’s Story >>
Stephanie Wood
“After completing the therapy, my life completely changed. My back looks a million times better, and I feel stronger.”
Read Stephanie’s Story >>
The Scoliosis SOS Clinic is a non-surgical scoliosis treatment centre in London, UK. Learn about our treatment methods here, or please get in touch if you’d like to arrange a consultation.
