How to Find a Pilates Teacher For Scoliosis

If you have scoliosis -- a deviation of the spinal curve - finding a qualified Pilates teacher to work with is crucial for your success and safety. Although Pilates is a great tool for helping balance and strengthen the common repercussions of scoliosis, your teacher should have specific knowledge of how to work with these challenges. You want a teacher who has experience working with students with scoliosis, who has been certified by a qualified specialist or has done continuing education addressing scoliosis specifically.

Instructions

    • 1

      Ask your friends and family if they know of a teacher that they would recommend. Because Pilates is a highly specialized form of fitness the best way to find a teacher is to start with a referral. The next best thing is to go to an online consumer review site where you can browse through reviews of Pilates teachers and studios near you. Sites that will be helpful are: Yelp; Ratepoint; and Yahoo! Local. Get at least two or three referrals or investigate two to three studios.

    • 2

      Research the instructors as to training and experience before committing to a program. Look for an instructor who has completed a 500-hour Pilates Teacher Training program, has a minimum of 10 years' Pilates teaching experience and has worked with scoliosis. Although Pilates certificate programs that are more than 500 hours typically include training in conditions such as scoliosis, additional training in orthopedics, functional anatomy, physical therapy, massage therapy, and chiropractic are desirable.

    • 3

      Set up an introductory appointment. Once you have narrowed your search down to one or two choices, arrange to meet the teacher. A typical first session should include: an in-depth intake; a postural assessment; a movement experience; and a question and answer period.

      The teacher should ask thorough questions about your spine and comfort/pain level, the curvatures of your spine, when you were diagnosed and if you have ever worn a brace or had surgery recommended. A standing or moving assessment is also crucial and should not be skipped.

    • 4

      Bring a list of well defined questions and as much information about your scoliosis as possible to your session. Ask for details of the instructor's additional training with regard to scoliosis. You will need to know the kinds of programs that have been successful, the cost involved and whether the program offered will fit your time schedule and budget.

    • 5

      Evaluate your initial session. Do not commit to a program until you are satisfied that the teacher is knowledgeable and willing to apply exercises that will be good for you, safe and appropriate for your body. Any proposed program should be designed to address your short-term and long-term goals.