by Lesley Powell
There has been some interesting comments to my post Uneven Shoulders. When a problem arises on a body level, a teacher should look below or above the issue.
The other issues is about what is scoliosis.
This is the definition of scoliosis in Wikipedia.
Cause
In the case of the most common form of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is no clear causal agent [6]. Various causes have been implicated, but none has consensus among scientists as the cause of scoliosis. Scoliosis is more often diagnosed in females and is often seen in patients with cerebral palsy or spina bifida,[citation needed] although this form of scoliosis is different from that seen in children without these conditions. In some cases, scoliosis exists at birth due to a congenital vertebral anomaly. Occasionally, development of scoliosis during adolescence is due to an underlying anomaly such as a tethered spinal cord, but most often the cause is unknown or idiopathic.[citation needed] Some therapists like the referenced Hanna Somatic therapist believe that trauma to an adult can cause, not just asymmetry but an actual curve to the spine visible on x-ray, although no documentation is offered in her article. [7] Scoliosis often presents itself, or worsens, during the adolescence growth spurt.[8]
In April 2007, researchers at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children identified the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, CHD7. The medical breakthrough was the result of a 10-year study and is outlined in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.[9]
Even when a client comes in for a session, many do not record on their intake forms if they have scoliosis. The other issue with clients with a scoliosis diagnosis is how was it determined. Many did not have any medical imaging tests like MRI’s or Xrays.
When I begin an assessment of their posture, I look at how they organized their bodies in standing, lateral and forward pelvic shifts and standing on one leg. A client with a “C” or “S” curve of the spine, I then assess where they are tight and weak. With building a lesson plan of releases, strengthening and movement awareness, I look how their bodies respond.
If their bodies make immediate positive changes (this is also determined on their fitness and awareness levels), I will lean to looking at a muscular imbalances as a diagnosis. If the spine does not make changes, I will put on my back burner that there might be underlying causes for their spinal issues.
When I teach movement to everyone, I allow the client to find movement within their comfort zone. I will make them aware for instance if one side is lateral flexing to one side better than the other. By making them aware of their habits, they will make more positive change.
When I do my Hanna class with Laura Gates at Movements Afoot, the beginning of the class is making us aware of our posture and how we walk. I can see my pelvis is rotated and one shoulder is higher. Through the gentle movements of Hanna Somatics, I feel my spine unraveled. It is better than an adjustment. At the end of the class, I can see my posture has improved as well as my walking.
by Lesley Powell
There has been some interesting comments to my post Uneven Shoulders. When a problem arises on a body level, a teacher should look below or above the issue.
The other issues is about what is scoliosis.
This is the definition of scoliosis in Wikipedia.
Cause
In the case of the most common form of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is no clear causal agent [6]. Various causes have been implicated, but none has consensus among scientists as the cause of scoliosis. Scoliosis is more often diagnosed in females and is often seen in patients with cerebral palsy or spina bifida,[citation needed] although this form of scoliosis is different from that seen in children without these conditions. In some cases, scoliosis exists at birth due to a congenital vertebral anomaly. Occasionally, development of scoliosis during adolescence is due to an underlying anomaly such as a tethered spinal cord, but most often the cause is unknown or idiopathic.[citation needed] Some therapists like the referenced Hanna Somatic therapist believe that trauma to an adult can cause, not just asymmetry but an actual curve to the spine visible on x-ray, although no documentation is offered in her article. [7] Scoliosis often presents itself, or worsens, during the adolescence growth spurt.[8]
In April 2007, researchers at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children identified the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, CHD7. The medical breakthrough was the result of a 10-year study and is outlined in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.[9]
Even when a client comes in for a session, many do not record on their intake forms if they have scoliosis. The other issue with clients with a scoliosis diagnosis is how was it determined. Many did not have any medical imaging tests like MRI’s or Xrays.
When I begin an assessment of their posture, I look at how they organized their bodies in standing, lateral and forward pelvic shifts and standing on one leg. A client with a “C” or “S” curve of the spine, I then assess where they are tight and weak. With building a lesson plan of releases, strengthening and movement awareness, I look how their bodies respond.
If their bodies make immediate positive changes (this is also determined on their fitness and awareness levels), I will lean to looking at a muscular imbalances as a diagnosis. If the spine does not make changes, I will put on my back burner that there might be underlying causes for their spinal issues.
When I teach movement to everyone, I allow the client to find movement within their comfort zone. I will make them aware for instance if one side is lateral flexing to one side better than the other. By making them aware of their habits, they will make more positive change.
When I do my Hanna class with Laura Gates at Movements Afoot, the beginning of the class is making us aware of our posture and how we walk. I can see my pelvis is rotated and one shoulder is higher. Through the gentle movements of Hanna Somatics, I feel my spine unraveled. It is better than an adjustment. At the end of the class, I can see my posture has improved as well as my walking.