On a family trip to Puerto Rico, I ended up with more than 80 mosquito bites because I waited to use repellent until I was already miserable. Scoliosis and back pain often work the same way: problems creep in quietly, and by the time you really notice them, things feel overwhelming. General exercise is helpful, but it is like sunscreen for mosquitoes – it does not specifically protect you from scoliosis. Scoliosis specific exercise, including PSSE and the Schroth Method, can help you address your unique spine and reduce future “bites.” Starting early, and with a plan tailored to you, can save a lot of suffering down the road.
A Vacation, 80 Mosquito Bites, And One Big Lesson
Right now, I am writing this from Puerto Rico.
The beaches are beautiful, my kids are loving every second, and we have seen some amazing sea life and jungle creatures.
But there is one thing that is not so fun: mosquito bites.
They absolutely love me.
At this point, I probably have more than 80 mosquito bites.
I itch at night. I itch during the day. I wake up scratching, and I go to bed scratching.
What is frustrating is that most of this could have been avoided.
I had access to mosquito repellent. I knew mosquitoes existed. But when I got bit the most, I did not really notice there were that many around – until it was too late.
Now I am being very diligent with the repellent because I am miserable.
And as I sit here trying not to scratch, I keep thinking about how similar this is to what I see every day with scoliosis and back pain in my clinics in Lehi and St George, Utah.
Scoliosis And Back Pain Are A Lot Like Mosquitoes
With mosquitoes, you rarely notice the danger right away.
You feel fine, you are focused on the view, the water, the kids, the moment.
Then later, the itching starts. And keeps going.
Scoliosis and many spine problems often work the same way.
Strength does not suddenly disappear overnight.
Posture does not suddenly collapse in one day.
Scoliosis can start and slowly progress with very few symptoms at first.
If you are a parent of a child with scoliosis, you may remember that moment when someone finally pointed it out – a shoulder higher on one side, a rib hump, a curve on an X-ray you had not expected.
Or if you are an adult, you might look back and think, “I guess my back has been getting stiffer and more tired for years, but I just pushed through.”
By the time the pain, fatigue, or visible changes really grab your attention, you may already feel like you are covered in “bites.”
Why Generic Exercise Is Like Sunscreen For Mosquitoes
Here in Puerto Rico, I was very diligent about sunscreen.
I did not want to burn, and that was on my mind from the beginning.
So my skin is doing pretty well.
But sunscreen did absolutely nothing to stop the mosquitoes.
I needed something specific for that problem: mosquito repellent.
This is exactly how I think about scoliosis treatment and back pain.
General exercise is like sunscreen.
It is good for you. It matters. It protects you in important ways.
But when you are dealing with scoliosis – or a specific spine problem – general exercise alone often is not enough.
I have had many people tell me:
- “I have been doing Pilates for years, but my curve is still getting worse.”
- “I work out 5 days a week, but my back still hurts.”
- “My child is in sports and very active, but the scoliosis is progressing.”
Movement is medicine, but for scoliosis and certain types of back pain, you need the right medicine.
That is where scoliosis specific exercise comes in.
What Is Scoliosis Specific Exercise (PSSE)?
Physiotherapy Scoliosis Specific Exercises, or PSSE, are a category of exercises designed specifically for people with scoliosis.
They are not random core exercises, and they are not just stretching.
They are targeted, 3D corrective movements that match the exact pattern of your curve.
One of the best-known PSSE approaches is The Schroth Method.
In the Schroth Method, which we use at Align Therapy in both Lehi and St George, we focus on:
- How your spine curves and rotates in 3D
- How your ribs and trunk shift
- How your breathing can support better alignment
- How to build a “muscle corset” around your unique shape
The goal is not to force you into a perfect, straight spine.
Instead, we work to help you:
- Reduce the risk of progression (especially in growing kids and teens)
- Decrease pain and muscle fatigue
- Improve posture and body awareness
- Build confidence in how you move and stand
Many reputable health sources estimate that about 2 to 3 out of every 100 adolescents have scoliosis.
Not all of them need surgery.
But very few benefit from a “one size fits all” exercise plan.
PSSE is like choosing the correct repellent for the exact mosquitoes that are biting you.
When You Already Know You Have Scoliosis Or A Spine Issue
Back to my mosquito story for a moment.
Right now, because I am miserable, I am finally doing what I should have done earlier.
I am applying repellent carefully.
I am wearing long sleeves at the worst times of day.
I am avoiding areas where I know the mosquitoes are swarming.
If you already know you have scoliosis, or you have recurring back pain, this is like the stage you are in.
You are aware something is going on.
Maybe you have an X-ray that shows a curve.
Maybe you have tried a few things, but nothing feels specific enough.
This is the time to get intentional.
It is not about being fearful.
It is about being prepared.
For many of my patients, scoliosis specific exercise becomes their version of daily “repellent”:
- A short routine they know how to do on their own
- Positioning strategies for sitting, studying, driving, or working
- Breathing drills that help with rib and trunk alignment
- Strength work that targets the side of the trunk that has been doing too little for too long
These small, consistent steps create real change over time.
Why Early Action Matters (But It Is Never Too Late)
I wish I had started using mosquito repellent on day one of this trip.
If I had, I would probably be a lot more comfortable right now.
The same is true for scoliosis and many spine conditions.
When we start early – especially with kids and teens who are still growing – we often have more options:
- We can work with the growth, not just react to its effects.
- We can build habits before pain and fear take over.
- We may help slow or reduce the risk of curve progression in some cases.
At the same time, I want to be very clear:
It is never too late to work on your back health.
In my clinics in Lehi and St George, I work with adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who have:
- Long-standing scoliosis
- Degenerative changes in the spine
- Postural issues from years of desk work
- Chronic back pain that they have “just lived with” for years
When we finally match the treatment to the actual problem – instead of hoping that generic exercise is enough – many people feel more in control again.
Maybe the curve does not magically disappear.
But their pain, confidence, and daily function can change in very real ways.
How We Personalize Scoliosis Treatment At Align Therapy
When someone comes in to see us for scoliosis or back pain, we do not start with a generic sheet of exercises.
We start with you.
That usually includes:
- A detailed history of your symptoms, fears, and goals
- Looking at how your spine curves and rotates in 3D
- Assessing how you stand, sit, bend, lift, and breathe
- Identifying which muscles are doing too much and which are doing too little
From there, we build a scoliosis specific exercise plan that may include:
- PSSE and Schroth Method based exercises tailored to your curve
- Specific postural corrections for daily life (work, sports, sleep)
- Gentle strengthening and endurance work for your trunk and hips
- Education that empowers you to understand what you can control
If you are a parent, we also spend a lot of time helping you understand the “why” behind what we are doing, so you feel confident supporting your child at home.
You deserve to move with confidence, not constant worry.
Taking The First Step: Curiosity, Not Panic
One thing I remind my patients is this: curiosity is much more helpful than panic.
Instead of thinking, “Is it too late? Did I miss my chance?” try asking, “What is one step I can take now to protect my spine for the future?”
A few ideas:
- Pay attention to how your back feels at the end of the day, not just the beginning.
- Notice if one side of your body always feels tighter or more tired.
- If you or your child has a scoliosis diagnosis, learn what type of curve it is.
- Explore solid, trustworthy education, not random internet advice.
If you want a starting point, you can explore our scoliosis resources here: https://aligntherapyutah.com/scoliosis-portal/.
Small, consistent steps are powerful.
The key is making sure those steps are specific to your spine.
Ready To Protect Your Spine From Future “Bites”?
As I sit here in Puerto Rico, finally covered in mosquito repellent, I keep thinking about how much more comfortable this trip could have been if I had prepared earlier.
I do not want you – or your child – to look back years from now and wish you had taken action sooner with scoliosis or back pain.
Movement is medicine for your body and mind.
When that movement is specific to your spine, it becomes even more powerful.
If you are in Lehi, St George, or the surrounding Utah areas and you are ready to learn what scoliosis specific exercise and a personalized plan could look like for you, we would love to talk.
Schedule a Free Discovery Visit to learn more about how we can help you understand your curve, protect your back, and move forward with more confidence.
You do not have to navigate this alone.
Schedule a Free Discovery Visit to learn more or call us at 8019800860, and let’s take the next step together.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.
