27 Scoliosis Exercises Demonstrated | Isometric & Stretching Program | Dr. Andrew Strauss

Scoliosis-specific isometric and stretching exercises are prescribed to the individual curve — not chosen from a generic list. This video demonstrates 27 corrective exercises from our program. Because scoliosis and kyphosis occur in many configurations, each patient receives approximately 10–12 of these, matched to their curve pattern, curve size, age, and physical limitations. 0:08 Neck extension (cervical extension) — Helps restore the normal forward curve of the neck 0:21 L5 lower back exercise — Corrects backward slippage of the lowest lumbar vertebra (L5) 0:30 Low back stabilization, part 1 ("Spondy" exercise) — Stabilizes the lower spine in spondylolisthesis (a stress-related vertebral slip) 0:43 Low back stabilization, part 2 ("Spondy" exercise) — Progresses part 1 for greater stabilization 0:53 Leg pump — Strengthens the iliopsoas (deep hip flexor) and de-rotates the spine 0:58 Leg drag (hips level) — Activates the multifidus muscles to counter spinal rotation 1:08 Serratus swing (shoulder blade exercise) — Reduces rib humping (rib prominence) 1:14 Neck traction (cervical traction) — Reduces forward head posture 1:25 Praying mantis stretch — Opens the front of the ribcage to improve rib mobility 1:31 Spinal twist (lying) — Increases spinal mobility to prepare for corrective exercise or bracing 1:41 Psoas (hip flexor) stretch — Releases a shortened psoas muscle pulling on the lumbar spine 1:48 Toe raises — Improves proprioception, balance, and calf strength 1:53 Cervico-dorsal exercise (neck & upper back) — Reduces abnormal angulation where the neck meets the upper back 1:58 Standing spinal twist — De-rotates the spine 2:09 Chest expander — Expands the ribcage for deeper breathing and mobility 2:31 Lateral strap exercise (side-bend correction) — Uses the spine's natural paired movements to unwind rotation 2:43 Lumbar extension (low back) — Restores the normal lumbar curve in flatback posture 2:48 Axis spinous exercise (upper neck) — Reduces rotation of the axis (C2), the second neck vertebra 2:53 Atlas rotation (upper neck) — Reduces rotation of the atlas (C1), the top neck vertebra 2:59 Leg extension — basic — Counter-twisting to de-rotate the lumbar spine 3:05 Leg extension — advanced — Extends the counter-twist to both the thoracic and lumbar regions 3:10 Prone flexion — Strengthens the neck to support its normal curve 3:15 Prone extension — Further strengthens the neck to improve the cervical curve 3:26 Spinal molding — Gently stretches spinal ligaments to reshape the curves after exercise 3:42 Hip blocking (pelvic leveling) — Levels the pelvis to stabilize the foundation of the spine 3:56 Leg raise — Uses the spine's paired movements to reduce twisting 4:00 Straight leg weighting — De-rotation focused on the iliacus (inner pelvic muscle) A caution before you try these: this video was made so our existing patients can review correct positioning. It is not a prescription. Stretching mobilizes the spine — and a mobilized scoliotic spine must be directed into correction with isometric work or bracing, or the added mobility can work against you. An exercise that helps one curve pattern can worsen another. How programs are built: new patients receive a thorough evaluation; by the second or third visit they have a comprehensive, individualized exercise program. A young child's program looks nothing like an adolescent's, which looks nothing like a deconditioned older adult's. Scoliosis-specific exercise has published evidence of benefit in mild and moderate curves (consistent with SOSORT guidelines). Moderate-to-severe curves require bracing alongside exercise — our center uses 16 different brace designs, configured individually. Scoliosis-specific exercise has published evidence of benefit in mild and moderate curves (consistent with SOSORT guidelines); moderate-to-severe curves require bracing alongside exercise — we use 16 brace designs, configured individually. ℹ️ This video is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Any treatments, exercises, or outcomes shown are specific to the individual patient — scoliosis care is prescribed case by case, and individual results vary. Do not attempt techniques shown without professional evaluation. Consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific condition. Dr. Andrew Strauss — Vice Chair, CLEAR Scoliosis Institute Board of Directors; Advanced Fellow; Director of Education; ISICO World Masters Graduate; Certified Schroth Practitioner; SOSORT & NASS member. 40 years scoliosis-specific practice, 10,000+ patients, 29 states, 38 countries. 📍 Strauss Scoliosis Correction (Hudson Valley Scoliosis Correction Center), 250 NY-59 Unit 4, Nanuet, NY 10954 🌐 https://hudsonvalleyscoliosis.com ☎️ (845) 624-0010 📧 [email protected]