Written in response to the many requests for a practical and accessible guide to exercise for scoliosis sufferers, "Pilates for Scoliosis" combines the insights of Annette Wellings, who has major scoliosis, with Alan Herdman, the UK's leading Pilates practitioner. This clear and concise book explains in accessible terms what scoliosis is, its symptoms, and its physical and psychological aspects. It includes a series of Pilates exercises, specially-designed by the authors to promote flexibility, posture and muscle strength in scoliosis sufferers as well as information on what exercises to avoid. It also offers basic strategies and practical tips for living with the condition, including useful advice on diet, rest, sitting, carrying and how to dress. Written with the full range of scoliosis sufferers in mind, "Pilates for Scoliosis" highlights the importance of gentle exercise for keeping the body as healthy and flexible as possible. "Pilates for Scoliosis" will be indispensable to individuals with scoliosis and their families as well as to physical therapists, Pilates instructors and other professionals who advise scoliosis patients on exercise and lifestyle options.

Table of Contents

Part 1. Understanding and Awareness.; Chapter 1. What is Scoliosis?; Chapter 2. Wide Variation of Types.; Chapter 3. Four Main Patterns.; Chapter 4. The Psychology of Scoliosis.; Chapter 5. Mind and Body Link.; Part 2. Exercises for Flexibility and Posture.; Chapter 6. Introduction.; Chapter 7. Principles of the Exercises.; Chapter 8. Posture and Alignment.; Chapter 9. Exercises.; Part 3. Strategies for Living with Scoliosis.; Chapter 10. Diet.; Chapter 11. Rest.; Chapter 12. Sitting.; Chapter 13. Sitting.; Chapter 14. Carrying.; Chapter 15. Standing.; Chapter 16. Exercise.; Chapter 17. Dress.; Chapter 18. Health Care Plan.

About the Author

Annette Wellings is a Pilates instructor who suffers from major scoliosis. She began exploring different ways of keeping her body flexible and healthy whilst working as a linguist and artist in Australia. Subsequently, she retrained in rehabilitation Pilates. Alan Herdman is the UK's leading practitioner of Pilates. After introducing Pilates to the UK in 1970, he went on to establish studios both here and in several other countries. He continues to adapt and develop new exercises to address the needs of every client he consults with. He currently teaches doctors, professional dancers and sportsmen and women, as well as people with a wide variety of physical disabilities.