In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth share key takeaways from the Columbia University Pediatric Scoliosis Symposium, one of the leading interdisciplinary scoliosis conferences in the country.

They break down the most impactful sessions, emerging research, and evolving approaches to scoliosis care—spanning pediatrics, adults, surgery, bracing, physical therapy, mental health, and community support. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at where scoliosis care is headed and what clinicians and patients alike can learn from it.

Highlights of the episode:

• Why the Columbia Symposium is a leader in scoliosis education and research
• The value of an interdisciplinary approach (surgeons, PTs, orthotists, mental health professionals)
• Updates on pediatric and adolescent scoliosis treatment
• A growing focus on adult non-operative management
• Innovations and ongoing questions around adult bracing
• Current perspectives on spinal fusion vs. tethering
• Surgical planning advances, including AI and custom rod shaping
• Insights into spondylolysis and rehab protocols for young athletes
• New research on muscle activation asymmetry in scoliosis
• Bone health considerations, including vitamin D and long-term risks
• The expanding role of mental and emotional health in scoliosis care

Community & Connection

• Reflections on the importance of scoliosis community and shared experience
• Highlights from the inaugural Spine & Wine community meetup
• Why connection and storytelling matter for long-term well-being

Key Takeaways

• Scoliosis care continues to move toward patient-specific, holistic treatment
• Adult scoliosis research and treatment options are expanding
• Mental health, education, and community are essential—not optional—parts of care
• Collaboration across specialties leads to better outcomes

Resources:

• Columbia University's Lunch And Learn series
• Watch the recording of the Scoliosis Symposium here

Join the Conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist?
Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to rate & share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

Virtual Scoliosis Support – What You Need to Know

In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura explore the growing role of virtual treatment and coaching for scoliosis. For many people, access to a scoliosis-informed physical therapist or movement professional is limited—this conversation breaks down how virtual care can bridge that gap.

The hosts discuss how scoliosis-specific assessments, movement analysis, and education can be done effectively online, and why virtual care often empowers clients to become more independent and confident in their movement routines.

Highlights of this episode:

• Why access to scoliosis-trained providers is still a major challenge
• How virtual scoliosis assessments work (without hands-on treatment)
• What clinicians can learn from posture, movement, and functional testing online
• The importance of clear cueing, communication, and client awareness
• How virtual sessions promote independence and better carryover at home
• Benefits of being assessed in your real-life environment
• Common barriers to in-person care—and how virtual care removes them
• How group coaching and community support enhance outcomes
• Why scoliosis-specific expertise often matters more than in-person access

Dr. Laura’s virtual coaching approach:

• Detailed intake and history before sessions
• Visual posture and movement analysis
• Functional movement assessments
• Emphasis on communication, cueing, and body awareness
• Helping clients understand what they feel and see in their own bodies

Dr. Beth’s virtual coaching & group model:

• Individual scoliosis education and curve-specific assessments
• Customized programs delivered through the Strengthen Spine app
• Ongoing monitoring and real-time exercise modifications
• Group coaching for affordability, accountability, and community
• Live Q&A sessions and peer support

Why virtual scoliosis support works:

• Removes geographic barriers
• Fits into real life and real spaces
• Encourages long-term independence
• Provides scoliosis-specific guidance many don’t receive locally
• Builds connection with others living with scoliosis

Who Virtual Care May Be Right For:

• People without access to scoliosis-trained providers
• Those seeking curve-specific guidance
• Anyone overwhelmed by traditional PT limitations
• Individuals wanting flexibility, education, and community

Resources & next steps:

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Next episode: A live recap from the SOSORT Conference — all the latest scoliosis research, simplified.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

In this empowering episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth sit down with their brilliant colleague and friend Dr. Jenn Warren, a fellow scoliosis-specialized physical therapist as well as an endurance athlete who’s on a mission to dismantle one of the most damaging messages people with scoliosis still hear:

“Don’t move — it might make your curve worse.”

Dr. Jenn shares why this fear-based approach is outdated, unsupported by research, and often harmful. Through stories from her own clinical experience, she explains how movement — whether it’s walking, running, weightlifting, or simply exploring what feels good — is not only safe for people with scoliosis but profoundly beneficial for bone health, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.

Together, the trio dive into:

• Why fear of movement is so common (and why it’s rarely justified)
• How to help teens and adults choose activities they enjoy
• The powerful role of gentle exposure, mindfulness, and graded movement
• How identity, community, and sport play into recovery
• What to do when a previous provider has said “never run” or “don’t lift weights”
• The surprising truth about running, impact, and bone density
• Why strength training becomes essential after age 30
• How clinicians can help patients feel safe — not scared — in their bodies

This conversation is equal parts science, compassion, and myth-busting. If you or someone you love has scoliosis and has ever been told to “just avoid that,” this episode will give you the confidence — and the evidence — to move forward.

Follow Dr. Jenn and her content on Instagram: @drjennpt

... and in case you aren't already, make sure you're also following Dr. Beth @strengthandspine and Dr. Laura @laura.g.dpt.

Also, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show