Curves, Twists and Bends

Annette Wellings is a Pilates instructor who suffers from major scoliosis. She began exploring different ways of keeping her body flexible and healthy whilst working as a linguist and artist in Australia. Subsequently, she retrained in rehabilitation Pilates. Alan Herdman is the UK's leading practitioner of Pilates. After introducing Pilates to the UK in 1970, he went on to establish studios both here and in several other countries. He continues to adapt and develop new exercises to address the needs of every client he consults with. He currently teaches doctors, professional dancers and sportsmen and women, as well as people with a wide variety of physical disabilities.

Introduction. Part 1. Understanding and Awareness. 1.1 What is Scoliosis? Structural and Non-Structural Scoliosis. Symptoms. Idiopathic Scoliosis. Causes. 1.2. Wide Variation of Types. Location of the Curve. Shape of the Curve. Degree of the Curve. Vertebral Rotation. Rib Hump. Kyphosis, Lordosis, Flat Back. 1.3. Four Common Patterns of Curvature. 1.4. The Psychology of Scoliosis. Coping Mechanisms. 1.5. Mind and Body Link. The Bossy Muscle. The Spine Bends Under Physical and Psychological Pressure. Part 2. Exercises for Flexibility and Posture. 2.1. Introduction. 2.2. Principles of Exercise for Scoliosis. 2.3. Posture and Alignment. 2.4. Exercises. Preparation. The Basic Top Ten Exercises. Stretches. De-Rotation. Lengthening. Letting Go of Bossy Muscle. Teaching the Weak Side to Talk. Pelvic Stability. 2.5. Index of Exercises. 2.6. What Exercises to Avoid. 2.7. Possible Goals and Outcomes. 2.8. More About Pilates.