September 3, 2009
Curves, Twists and Bends - Pilates for Scoliosis
Annette Wellings has major scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, which was diagnosed at the age of thirteen. As her body grew more hunched and painful Annette tried many avenues, ideas and strategies to cope with her condition, with little success, until she hit upon Pilates and her condition improved dramatically. Her new book, Curves Twists and Bends (published by Singing Dragon, 17th September 2009, ISBN: 978-1-84819-025-2, £12.99) is the result of her years of exploration into coping techniques as well as her subsequent re-training as a Pilates instructor under the tutelage of Alan Herdman, the UK’s leading practitioner.
Scoliosis is a condition that affects approximately 2% of the population and is commonly associated with a curving and twisting of the spine that causes symptoms such as a protruding shoulder blade, uneven hips and even a hump. While the physical impact is obvious, the psychological can be overlooked, the result of which can be devastating. This is made obvious in Annette’s description of hearing her diagnosis for the first time:
I fled in tears, wishing that the consultant, his opinion and my twisted spine didn’t exist. Life became more complicated and uneasy when I was nicknamed ‘deformity’ at school. In short, I felt ugly and deformed, ashamed of my body, confused and helpless about what to do.
Annette was not helpless and this book is proof of that. Written in response to the need for a practical accessible guide, the book describes a careful progression of Pilates exercises, illustrated with line drawings, to promote flexibility, posture and muscle strength. For Annette the results speak for themselves. Although Pilates won’t straighten the curvature she found that she had increased the flexibility of the spine, a reduction in back pain and a more equal alignment of her body among many other positive outcomes.
Annette also shares her tried and tested strategies for living with scoliosis that include information on diet, how to dress to conceal it and what to do to help ease pain and discomfort. This is more than a fitness book; for many it will be the start to a healthier, happier, less painful life.
