This week, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth continue the series on scoliosis and the pelvic floor by diving deeper into how scoliosis can directly influence pelvic floor function—and what symptoms may signal that it’s time to seek help.

Building on last week's episode, Laura explains how scoliosis-related rotation, asymmetry, and postural shifts can create imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles (much like what we already recognize in the spine, ribs, & trunk). Because the pelvis is directly connected to the spine, scoliosis significantly affects how the pelvic floor contracts, relaxes, & coordinates.

Listen in as we explore common—but not normal—symptoms, including:

• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Leaking with exercise, lifting, or impact
• Difficulty with bowel movements or gas control
• Pain with intimacy, pelvic exams, or tampon use
• Feeling pressure, tightness, or difficulty taking a deep breath

Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth discuss why these symptoms are frequently normalized or dismissed—especially after pregnancy, with aging, or during hormonal transitions—and why they are common but not normal. They also explain why pelvic floor issues often go undiagnosed for years and how scoliosis can further complicate the picture.

For clinicians, trainers, and movement professionals, the episode highlights the importance of screening and open conversation. Dr. Laura introduces the Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screen, a simple 10-question tool that can help identify when pelvic floor support may be needed and open the door to care.

The episode also touches on:

• Why scoliosis-specific exercises are often the first step—even when pelvic floor symptoms are present
• How spinal fusion and reduced mobility influences pelvic floor function
• The current gaps in research and why clinical patterns still matter
• The power of education, curiosity, and non-judgmental conversations

Whether you’re someone with scoliosis or spinal fusion, a clinician supporting this population, or simply noticing changes in your body and wondering if they matter, this episode helps clarify what’s normal, what’s common, and when support could help.

Resources & next steps:

• Dr. Laura's blogs:
  • Does Scoliosis Impact my Pelvic Floor?
  • How Your Spinal Fusion Impacts Your Pelvic Floor
  • How to Support Your Pelvic Floor with Scoliosis or Spinal Fusion
  • The Truth About Kegels
• Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screening Protocol
• Virtual pelvic floor & scoliosis support with Dr. Laura
• Pregnancy, postpartum coaching with Dr. Laura
• Return to exercise support with Dr. Beth

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 episode, Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth kick off a new series on a topic that’s often overlooked—but incredibly important: the connection between scoliosis and the pelvic floor.

Dr. Laura, a pelvic floor physical therapist with a decade of experience as well as advanced scoliosis training, breaks down what the pelvic floor actually is, what it does, and why good pelvic health is important for everyone—regardless of:

• Gender
• Age
• Pregnancy history
• Fitness level

It's important to understand how the pelvic floor functions. From bladder and bowel control to breathing, core stability, sexual function, and lifting heavy weights, the pelvic floor plays a much bigger role in movement and daily life than most people realize.

Listen in as we explore typical seasons of life in which pelvic floor issues commonly show up (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, athletics, hormonal changes), and why symptoms like leaking, pain, or pressure have been wrongly “normalized”.

But "common" doesn't mean "normal", and these issues are treatable—even if you’ve been dealing with them for years. Dr, Laura & Dr. Beth also discuss how scoliosis and spinal fusion can influence core mechanics and pelvic floor function, especially during major life transitions.

Together let's build awareness, define what’s normal versus what’s common, and help listeners recognize when pelvic floor support may be needed. Whether you have scoliosis, a spinal fusion, or have simply been told “that’s just part of getting older,” this episode opens the door to better understanding—and better options for care.

Make sure you’re listening in for part 2 in which Dr. Laura breaks down how scoliosis really impacts the pelvic floor - and what you can do about it.

Resources & next steps:

If you're interested in a deeper dive on this topic, check out this blog:

• What is the pelvic floor?

More to come next week!

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.

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

If you move with intention, you are an athlete. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura get personal about what it really looks like to train as athletes with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

From Olympic weightlifting to triathlon racing, Beth and Laura share how they support their spines while pursuing demanding athletic goals—and why scoliosis or fusion doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing the sports you love.

Beth opens up about returning to competitive weightlifting, navigating a recent back injury, and preparing for both state and world championships. She explains how scoliosis-specific strength, stabilization, and postural work are integrated directly into her training—not as an afterthought, but as a key part of long-term performance and resilience.

Laura shares her experience training and competing in triathlons with a long spinal fusion, breaking down how endurance athletes can manage breathing mechanics, rib mobility, trunk rotation, and muscular imbalances. She also discusses how spinal fusion can influence running mechanics—and why that doesn’t mean running is off-limits.

It's time to debunk the most common myths, including:

• Whether overhead lifting is “dangerous” with scoliosis
• If spinal fusion automatically limits athletic potential
• How bone density, strength training, and long-term spine health are connected
• The difference between actual limitations and self-imposed ones

The episode also explores bigger-picture topics like ego in sport, disability labels, adaptive athletics, and the importance of having the right coaching and support team—especially when your spine works a little differently.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a recreational mover, or someone who’s been told to “be careful” just because of your spinal condition, this conversation reinforces one key message: progress is possible, training is individual, and you don’t have to limit yourself more than your body truly requires.

Resources & next steps:

• Group strengthening and scoliosis-specific programs
• Online learning options for athletes and beginners with scoliosis or spinal fusion
• Working with scoliosis-informed coaches, PTs, and trainers

If you’re an athlete—or want to become one—with scoliosis or spinal fusion, listen in and rethink what’s possible! Reach out to us to discover where to start.

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.

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

Many people believe that once you’ve had a spinal fusion, scoliosis-specific exercises—like Schroth therapy—are no longer useful or even possible. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura debunk that myth.

Drawing from both clinical experience and personal lived experience with a multi-level spinal fusion, Dr. Laura explains why scoliosis doesn’t simply “disappear” after surgery—and why targeted exercises can still play a powerful role years or even decades later. The conversation explores how scoliosis-specific exercises can help with breathing mechanics, rib cage mobility, postural asymmetries, residual curves above or below the fusion, and confidence in movement.

The episode also addresses common fears around movement after fusion, concerns about adjacent segment degeneration, and the confusion many people feel after surgery when they’re told either “don’t move” or “go live your life” without guidance. Beth and Laura discuss how scoliosis-trained therapists can bridge that gap—helping people safely return to daily activities, exercise, and long-term spine health.

Whether you had a fusion 40 days ago, 4 years ago, or 40 years ago, you should know: there is still so much you can do to support your body, reduce fear, and move forward with confidence.

Need help exercising after surgery?

Both Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally.

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.

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

If you’re planning to have scoliosis surgery, you might assume physical therapy comes after the operation—but did you know you could also benefit from seeing one before?

In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth explain why seeing a scoliosis-specific physical therapist prior to spinal fusion surgery can level up both the outcome of the surgery as well as your recovery afterward.

While “prehab” is standard for many orthopedic surgeries like knee or hip replacements, it’s still rare in the scoliosis world. Listen in to learn why that needs to change—and how the right preparation can help patients feel more confident, informed, and prepared going into surgery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What “prehab” is and why it matters before spinal fusion
• Why scoliosis PT is often overlooked prior to surgery
• How improving spinal flexibility can optimize surgical correction
• When mobility and stretching are appropriate for scoliosis
• The role of strength, endurance, and core training before surgery
• How breathing training supports rib mobility, lung health, and recovery
• How it feels when your spine is suddenly corrected—& how to prepare for it
• Practical pre-op education surgeons often don’t have time to cover
• Nutrition tips, protein intake, hydration, & digestion prep (yes, even poop)
• Learning how to move safely: getting in/out of bed, chairs, and daily activities
• Planning your home setup, stairs, and assistive equipment ahead of time

Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura also share insights from their own clinical experience working with teens and adults preparing for spinal fusion, along with lessons learned from real post-op recoveries.

If you’re facing scoliosis surgery—or supporting someone who is—this episode will help you understand how preparing your body and mind ahead of time can lead to a smoother, more confident recovery.

Need Help Preparing for Surgery?

Both Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally.

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.

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

What does scoliosis management really look like—even for the experts?

In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura get personal. Instead of talking theory or protocols, they share their own lived experiences with scoliosis, pain flare-ups, injuries, and the ongoing process of managing a curved spine in real life.

Despite years of training, professional expertise, and consistent movement practices, they discuss how pain can still show up—and how they’ve learned to respond to it with awareness, adaptability, and compassion rather than fear.

In this episode, they cover:

• Why having scoliosis doesn’t automatically mean constant pain—and why flare-ups can still happen
• Laura’s experience managing recurring neck pain, headaches, and tension after spinal fusion
• Beth’s journey with weightlifting, injury, recovery, and learning when to pull back
• How stress, sleep, hydration, nutrition, and fatigue can influence pain levels
• The emotional side of pain, including fear, frustration, and sensitivity after injury
• Why pain doesn’t always mean damage—and how the nervous system plays a role
• The importance of building a personal toolbox for flare-ups
• Why X-rays don’t tell the whole story—and how people can feel better even when their curve doesn’t change
• The role of movement, strength training, and daily activity in long-term spine health

This episode is a reminder that scoliosis care is primarily about learning how to listen to your body, respond thoughtfully, and keep moving forward, even when progress isn’t linear.

If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I doing something wrong if I still have pain?”—this conversation is for you.

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.

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 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 Strength & 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