Alignment and reality in relativity: Scoliosis

After a recent visit by a client with scoliosis, I have been contemplating the notion of alignment. Prior experience with scoliosis reminded me that a small amount of change can be very potent. Instead of being oriented to an external level, a person with scoliosis is aligned to their curves. This is to say that what they are accustomed to is not what measures as “level.”

During the session, I was cautious to provide very little structural work in order to "balance" her structure. Knowing that her reality is not one of symmetry but one of curves and rotations which move both anterior/posterior and bilaterally. During the intake, she remarked that she had strong previous "rejections" of therapy, a reminder again, that a little structural change leads to a significant alteration in perception of "reality" or "alignment." Had I set about to work with her entire spine and balanced it according to what she presented with on the table into symmetry, she would most likely have faced much discomfort and pain.

When faced with a client who has scoliosis, ask them what modalities they have had success with and ascertain their goals. Do they want to be "level" and are they prepared for the journey there. Such a journey may not be easy or comfortable, as they have to leave a form of their body that they are accustomed to, in order to change their structure.

Such a transition may not be possible. One possible cause of a scoliosis is a vertebra that is not “square”, causing a lateral distortion in relation to the superior vertebra. It is important to ask the client what information they know about their curvatures (Direction of curves, degree of curvature), anatomy and history of treatment.

In closing, when a client with scoliosis comes to your table, be cautious. Their body may not respond favorably to “level” since it is not what is “normal” to their body. If you undertake structural work with them, ensure that they are prepared for emotional and physical changes.