Yoga and somatic therapy for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: adult case report

Abstract

Objective To describe the use of Iyengar Yoga therapy and move-ment reeducation techniques in the management of a forty-six-year-old woman with idiopathic scoliosis. Study design Case report of a subject diagnosed with idiopathic scolio-sis and recommended for spinal fusion during her early adolescent years. Methods The subject instead chose to work with conservative ther-apy sessions during a one year period. These approaches included somatic movement reeducation techniques, pri-marily Body Mind Centering, Feldenkrais, and Iyengar Yoga. Results The subject has been studying and teaching on a daily basis Iyengar Yoga classes reinforced with notions of movement reeducation. The Yoga regimen has helped the patient to stabilize weak muscles, enhance the range of respiration, postural tone, as well as strengthen and lengthen the spine through specific postures used as trac-tion. The integration of concepts of movement reeduca-tion based on bio mechanics and motor development has helped the improvement of proprioception, sensibility, and awareness of functional movement. Conclusion The addition ofIyengar Yoga therapy regimen with the integration of movement reeducation based on Body Mind Centering and Feldenkrais techniques can be very useful to help the well being and function of victims of scoliosis regardless of age.