If you or someone you love lives with scoliosis, “wait and see” is no longer the only option. By retiring the old passive approach, choosing scoliosis-specific exercise like PSSE and The Schroth Method, and working with a therapist who truly specializes in scoliosis, you can move into 2026 with less pain, more confidence, and a clear plan.
A new year, a new way to think about scoliosis pain
I often meet adults who say something like, “I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a teenager and they told me to just wait and see.”
Now they are in their 30s, 40s, or 50s, and the story sounds similar:
- More stiffness in the back and hips
- Pain after sitting or standing too long
- A growing worry that things are slowly getting worse
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone.
Scoliosis affects an estimated 2 to 3 percent of adolescents, and research suggests that scoliosis and age-related spinal curves become significantly more common as we get older, especially after 50. For many of the adults I work with at Align Therapy in Lehi and St George, Utah, the most frustrating part is feeling like their only plan has been to “watch and wait”.
The good news: that approach is outdated.
In this new year, I want to walk you through three practical, realistic steps that can help you create a different story – one where you feel informed, proactive, and supported.
Tip 1: Retire the “wait and see” approach
For years, many people with scoliosis were told, “Your curve is not bad enough for surgery, so we will just watch it.”
What this really meant was, “Come back in a year so we can see if it got worse.” There often was not much focus on what you could do in the meantime to feel better, move better, and protect your spine.
Today we know that movement, education, and targeted scoliosis exercise can make a real difference in how you feel. Scoliosis Non Surgical Treatment and Scoliosis Non-Operative Treatment options are more developed than ever.
Why “wait and see” does not work well for adults
As we get older, several things tend to happen:
- Muscles lose strength and endurance if they are not challenged
- Joints and discs can get stiffer and less resilient
- Pain can become more sensitive the longer it is ignored
If scoliosis is in the picture on top of this, the spine is already working harder to keep you balanced. Waiting without a plan often means:
- More pain after long days
- Increased fatigue
- More fear about what the future might look like
You deserve better than that.
A small mindset shift for 2026
Instead of, “There is nothing I can do,” try shifting to, “There are small, specific things I can start working on.”
That might look like:
- Learning which positions and movements are helpful for your curve
- Building a gentle daily routine of scoliosis exercise
- Improving your breathing and posture awareness
- Getting support from a therapist who actually understands scoliosis
You do not have to overhaul your life to make progress. But you do need more than “wait and see”.
Tip 2: Choose scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) over generic workouts
Many people I see have tried to help their scoliosis pain with general stretching, random YouTube workouts, or generic core exercises. While some of that can be helpful, it is usually not enough on its own.
Scoliosis is a 3D curve of the spine. The muscles, ribs, and posture compensations around that curve are also 3D. That means the most effective scoliosis exercise is not one-size-fits-all – it is tailored specifically to your curve pattern.
That is where PSSE and The Schroth Method come in.
What is PSSE?
PSSE stands for Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis Specific Exercises.
In simple terms, PSSE is:
- A structured approach to Scoliosis Non-Operative Treatment
- Designed around your curve type, not a generic diagnosis
- Focused on posture correction, breathing, strength, and control
Rather than just “strengthen your core,” PSSE techniques help you:
- De-rotate and lengthen the curved areas of your spine
- Use specific muscle groups to support a more balanced posture
- Train your body to hold better alignment during real-life activities
Where The Schroth Method fits in
The Schroth Method is one of the most well-known types of PSSE.
It combines:
- 3D postural corrections
- Specific breathing patterns that help open up the concave side of the ribcage
- Muscle activation to hold those corrections
Over the years, I have seen Schroth-based programs help many people:
- Reduce their pain
- Improve posture and symmetry
- Feel more in control of their scoliosis instead of afraid of it
At Align Therapy, we believe strongly in scoliosis-specific exercise. We are sending Janessa, one of our therapists, for more advanced Schroth training this coming month because we are committed to being the premiere clinic for scoliosis and other spinal deformities in our region.
We want every person who walks into our clinic to know: there is more you can do than just hope your curve does not change.
How specialty scoliosis exercise looks in real life
In a typical PSSE or Schroth session, you might:
- Learn how your specific curve behaves in standing, sitting, and bending
- Practice positions that gently lengthen and de-rotate the spine
- Add in breathing patterns that help expand tight areas in your ribs
- Gradually build strength and endurance so you can hold your corrections longer
You leave not just with a list of exercises, but with a personalized strategy for how to sit, stand, lift, and live in a way that supports your spine.
This is scoliosis exercise that works with your unique body, not against it.
Making it realistic for busy adults
If you are juggling work, family, and everything else life throws at you, the thought of adding a complicated exercise program can feel overwhelming.
When I work with adults, we focus on small, realistic steps, like:
- 10 minutes of targeted Schroth or PSSE work on weekdays
- A few posture breaks built into your workday
- A short walking routine to keep the rest of your body moving
Small, consistent steps create real change. The goal is not perfection – it is steady progress.
Tip 3: Work with a therapist who truly specializes in scoliosis (PSSE / Schroth)
Not all physical therapy is the same, and not every therapist is trained to work deeply with scoliosis.
For something as complex as a 3D spinal curve, specialization matters.
A therapist trained in PSSE and The Schroth Method will:
- Understand different curve patterns and how they behave
- Look beyond your X-ray and pay attention to how you move and feel
- Teach you corrections you can use during daily life, not just in the clinic
Why specialization is essential to effective scoliosis treatment
I often tell my patients: if you had a very specific problem with your heart, you would want to see a cardiologist, not just any doctor.
Scoliosis is similar.
A therapist who specializes in scoliosis and spinal deformities can:
- Help you avoid exercises or positions that might overload your curve
- Focus on the muscles and movement patterns that actually support your spine
- Give you a clear, long-term plan instead of short-term symptom chasing
This is where scoliosis exercise, Scoliosis Non Surgical Treatment, and personalized care all come together.
Our commitment at Align Therapy
At Align Therapy, scoliosis is not a side note – it is a central part of what we do every day.
We have made a clear commitment to becoming the premiere clinics in Utah for scoliosis and other spinal deformities. Sending Janessa for more Schroth Method training is one example of that commitment.
Our team works with:
- Adolescents who are just learning what scoliosis means for them
- Adults who have lived with scoliosis for decades
- People facing new spinal changes as they age
We combine PSSE, Schroth-based care, and practical education so you walk away with tools you can use for life.
If you want to dig deeper into scoliosis education and options, you can explore our scoliosis resources at https://aligntherapyutah.com/scoliosis-portal/.
Even if you do not live near Lehi, Utah, I strongly encourage you to look for a PSSE or Schroth-trained therapist in your area. You deserve guidance from someone who truly understands your spine.
Imagining your 2026: what changes if you start now?
Take a moment and imagine what could be different by the end of 2026 if you start taking small, focused steps today.
Maybe it looks like:
- Fewer pain flare ups after a long day
- More confidence standing in photos or trying new activities
- Better sleep because your back is not screaming at you every night
- A sense of control and understanding about your scoliosis
None of this requires perfection or a completely pain-free spine. It just requires moving away from “wait and see” and toward a simple, personalized plan.
A simple starting plan for the new year
Here is a realistic way to get started:
- Retire the old story. Decide that 2026 will not be another year of waiting and hoping.
- Learn about your curve. Understand your specific pattern and how it affects your posture and movement.
- Start scoliosis-specific exercise. Begin PSSE or Schroth-based work, even if it is just 10 minutes a day.
- Build your support team. Find a therapist who specializes in scoliosis and will walk this journey with you.
Movement is medicine – for your body and your mind. And you do not have to figure it out alone.
If you are near Lehi or St George, Utah, and ready to take the next step, we would love to help you map out a plan that fits your life and your goals.
You deserve to move with confidence. Let’s take the next step together.
Sign up for a Discovery visit to talk through your scoliosis, your pain, and your goals for 2026:
- Online: Sign up for a Discovery visit
- Call: 8019800860
We will listen, answer your questions, and help you decide if scoliosis-specific therapy is right for you.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
