Scoliosis & Dancing: Our Success Stories

Here at Scoliosis SOS, we pride ourselves on our ability to provide a specifically tailored treatment plan, which addresses each individual case for the best possible results. For this reason, we have attracted a high number of patients with very specific concerns relating to their physical abilities and quality of life, including many individuals from the dance community.

For those who enjoy various disciplines of dance, being diagnosed with a spinal condition can be prove to be doubly worrying, due to the possible implications that this could have on their physical ability. Whether dance is simply a much-loved hobby, or even a choice of career, the thought of being unable to follow their passion is often more concerning for dancers with scoliosis, than the medical implications associated with a curved spine. As a form of activity which places great emphasis on posture and physical flexibility, the prospect of having these restricted by the condition itself, or by the effects of surgery, can make the period following initial diagnosis a particularly confusing and overwhelming time for dancers. Often, it can seem like a no-win situation, with the prospects of permanent surgery and the progression of the condition, sometimes seeming equally daunting. 

For these reasons, many dancers seek out an effective alternative to the more commonly prescribed scoliosis treatments, in a bid to prevent the progression of their spinal issues, without resorting to surgery. This is what has led many dancers to Scoliosis SOS, where they have managed to find a lasting treatment which places specific emphasis on movement and flexibility, for a result that is liberating, not limiting.

Emily was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 15, after noticing her uneven shoulders in a mirror, and visiting her GP. After receiving an X-ray, Emily was told that she had a Cobb angle of 34 degrees, as well as spinal rotation which caused her pain and restricted breathing. After having the possible impact of surgery explained to her, Emily felt torn, as the physical implications of both her condition and surgery, weighed heavily upon on her mind.

Soon after, Emily was brought to our clinic by her father, and began her 4 week, intensive treatment programme. Following her treatment, Emily not only found that her lung capacity had increased, but that her Cobb angle had fallen to just 12 degrees. This meant she not only gained a huge amount of confidence due to the aesthetic results of her treatment, but also peace-of-mind, as she was able to return to the dance studio!

Like many of the dancers we have treated, Amy Hossain began dancing at a young age, competing in ballroom competitions across Europe. In spite of her talent and determination, her ability to progress as a dancer was soon called into question, after she was diagnosed with scoliosis, and confronted with the possibility of surgery. This was made even worse, when she was told that her Cobb angle had progressed to 40 degrees. 

In a bid to reduce the pain and physical imbalances cause by her condition, Amy began receiving treatment at our clinic, which has allowed her to return to the dancefloor. It has not only led to a reduction in the pain that Amy was experiencing, but has also provided lasting knowledge about her condition, which she has used to maintain the results of her treatment. To find out more about Amy’s story, read her newspaper feature here.

With a passion for breakdancing, Mia performs moves which would be highly challenging for anyone, let alone an individual diagnosed with scoliosis. When she was first diagnosed at the age of 11, she was told, that surgery would be the only option to correct her two 45 degree curves (thoracic & lumbar). The prospect of undergoing major surgery at such a young age was worrying for both Mia herself, and her parents, who began performing online research in the hope of finding an alternative.

For Mia and her family, the possible restrictions and risks of surgery were a daunting and unappealing prospect, which is what brought her to our clinic. With the help of our dedicated therapists, Mia was able to correct and manage the symptoms of her condition without resorting to surgery, and without restricting her desired flexibility.