Incorporate a section on Nutrition
Nutrition plays an important role in managing the symptoms of scoliosis. Eating a balanced and healthy diet is essential for individuals with scoliosis to maintain a healthy body weight, improve body composition, and temper muscle imbalances that can contribute to the curvature of the spine. Eating nutrient-dense foods such as legumes, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables provides the body with essential minerals and vitamins necessary for overall health and wellness. A diet rich in lean protein can also contribute to stronger bones and improved movement as it helps build muscle strength and increases flexibility. Complex carbohydrates provide long lasting energy throughout the day while avoiding simple carbs that can easily cause fluctuations in glucose levels. A personal trainer assisting someone with scoliosis should emphasize the importance of mindful eating and include goal setting on gradually increasing nutrient dense foods while eliminating processed foods. Doing so will help someone manage their dietary habits to ensure optimal physical fitness and reduce symptoms associated with scoliosis progression.
Include Links for Further Reading
1. Scoliosis Foundation: https://www.scoliosis.org/
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons:https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/scoliosis-idiopathic-scoliosis/
3. Association of Nutrition and Exercise Professionals: https://www.anepfitness.org/
4. American Council on Exercise: https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources
5. ACE Fitness Personal Trainer Manual:https://www.acefitness.org/certifiednewsarticle/3584/ace-s-personal-trainer-manual-sixth/#
6. National Scoliosis Foundation:http://www.scoliosisassociationsuncoastchaptersarasotaorlandoftmyersnapletampaorg_bradentonpalmettohialeahtallahasseemiamiflroseeastpolkpinellascitruscountychapternewberryocalaarchergainesvillelakecitystarkejacksonvillemarionsumtercitrafloridalakealsticampvwebbsmarthacountylakebutlerplattsburgclermontvisiondelandthevillagesalfordzellwoodocowalaorangecityinterlachendishgatortelemarkwillistonstaugustinesebringlongwood
Discuss Professional Associations
A personal trainer for scoliosis must have extensive training in scoliotic body type exercise, rehabilitation and conditioning. Professional associations and certifications can provide certifications demonstrating competency in these areas.
One professional organization to consider is the ScoFit Alliance International, which provides advanced certification for practicing physical therapists specializing in scoliotic clients. The advanced certification is designed specifically to strengthen the safety, effectiveness and skills of a physical therapist working with those suffering from spinal deformities such as scoliosis. This certification has been endorsed by the Scoliosis Key Professionals Network (KPN), which is an international collaboration promoting development of clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice focused on individuals with idiopathic scoliosis.
The National Board of Fitness Examiners offers a comprehensive program that includes two specializations – one in fitness instruction for individuals with spinal deformities such as scoliosis, and the other in fitness instruction for pre-surgery rehab programs typically used following spinal fusion surgery. Individuals who successfully complete this program may become recognized as a Registered Rehabilitation Physical Trainer (RRPT).
Another option to consider is Specialty Certification from American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) — known as Exercise Physiologist Registration (EPR). ACSM offers various disciplinary certificates under its EPR program including work with individuals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders such as scoliosis. This certification also allows practitioners to engage in pathological exercise prescription, understand biomechanics and bioenergetics related aspects of movement, assist in injury prevention, develop safe exercise plan progression strategies, evaluate posture/postural alignment disorders associated with chronic diseases, perform muscle strength and power testing related to individual health outcomes, among many other research/practice scope areas specific to musculoskeletal unhealthy conditions including scoliosis.
Describe Different Training Styles
One-on-one Training:
Pros: One-on-one training offers a personalized experience in which the trainer is solely focused on the client’s individual needs, including physical limitations and personal goals. The trainer can provide direct feedback and tailor exercises specifically to the scoliosis condition. In addition, one-on-one training is often more convenient and can be arranged at times that fit into the client’s lifestyle.
Cons: It can be expensive due to individualized attention from the trainer. As well as time consuming as only one person can be seen at a time.
Group Training:
Pros: This style of training provides an opportunity for like-minded individuals with similar goals support each other as they progress towards their goals. Group instruction may also provide more motivation when striving for physical fitness, as it is often more engaging than following routine instructions in a one-on-one situation. Group training costs less money overall than individualized sessions because it’s shared among those involved in the group session.
Cons: Each person may not get the same individualized attention that they would during one-on-one sessions; moreover, it can be difficult to meet everyone’s unique needs while focusing on a single activity or routine with multiple people. Some people also find large groups intimidating or uncomfortable, making them less likely to attend regularly or fully commit to their own goals.
Add Examples
One example of a successful use of a personal trainer for scoliosis is that of Julie, an 18-year-old woman who had been living with progression of her scoliosis over 5 years. Feeling frustrated and tired from no longer being able to keep up the activities she loved, Julie decided to try out the services of a local personal trainer. The trainer strategically customized exercises with an emphasis on strengthening core muscles to help her stabilize her spine. After several months with the trainer, scans revealed that her curve was stable and not progressing any further, which was something that even previously prescribed physical therapy sessions and other treatments had failed to achieve. Julie was thrilled with the results and continues to regularly workout with the same personal trainer in order concentrate on targeted back exercises.
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