This special bonus episode contains audio from the Columbia University Annual Pediatric Scoliosis Symposium, where Dr. Laura was invited to present on her lived experience, from being a fearful young girl in a doctor's office, to becoming an expert in the field advocating for others with spinal conditions.

Diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at age 10 and undergoing spinal fusion surgery at 11, Dr. Laura opens up about the emotional weight of that experience — the fear, uncertainty, and lasting impact of navigating a major diagnosis as a child. She reflects on what care looked like then, how treatment options have evolved, and why so many families still receive inconsistent guidance today.

Drawing from both lived experience and clinical expertise through the Rigo Concept and PSSE (Physiotherapeutic Scoliosis-Specific Exercises), Dr. Laura discusses the urgent need for collaborative, evidence-based, team-centered care — and why emotional and psychological support must be part of the treatment conversation.

She also shares what it’s like now raising a child showing early signs of scoliosis, how early intervention and bracing have progressed, and why language matters when discussing this condition.

Themes of this discussion:

• Dr. Laura’s personal story of scoliosis diagnosis and spinal fusion
• The emotional experience of being diagnosed as a child
• The importance of early referral and proactive treatment
• Common misconceptions about bracing and PSSE
• The role of collaborative care: physicians, PTs, orthotists, mental health providers, and peer support
• The psychological impact of scoliosis in adolescence
• Raising a child with early scoliosis signs and following current research
• The importance of neutral, patient-centered language
• How kids with scoliosis become adults with scoliosis — and what that means for long-term care
• Building online community, advocacy, and accessible resources for families

Resources Mentioned:

• Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)
• SOSORT
• Curvy Girls – Peer-led support for girls with scoliosis
• Higgy Bears – Virtual support and education resources

Key quote:

"Scoliosis can be both our origin story, and our superpower."

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

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Living with scoliosis or spinal fusion can sometimes feel isolating—especially when you grow up without knowing anyone else who shares your experience. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura talk about the importance of finding your community living with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

They reflect on their own journeys, including how neither of them knew many people with scoliosis growing up and how social media eventually helped them connect with others who truly understood their experiences. They also discuss how sharing stories, comparing experiences, and learning from others can be incredibly validating and healing.

The conversation highlights the growing scoliosis community both online and in person—including local meetups and the upcoming BioniCon, a first-of-its-kind conference designed specifically for adults with scoliosis and spinal fusion. Learn more about the Bionic Project and its founder, Meredith Montana.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating scoliosis alone, this episode is a reminder that there is a community out there—and that connection can make a powerful difference.

Topics in This Episode

• Why scoliosis can feel isolating—especially at the time of diagnosis
• Growing up without knowing others with scoliosis
• How social media helped build a global scoliosis community
• The value of sharing experiences with others who “get it”
• In-person meetups and events like Spine & Wine
• The healing power of community connection
• An introduction to BioniCon, a new conference for adults with scoliosis and spinal fusion
• What attendees can expect at the event (education, movement sessions, and community activities)

BioniCon – April 17–19 | Philadelphia, PA

Tickets available until March 31st!!!

BioniCon is a new conference created for adults living with scoliosis and spinal fusion. The event will include:

• Educational talks from scoliosis professionals and advocates
• Movement sessions including yoga, Pilates, and strength training
• Community activities and social events
• Opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences

Dr. Beth will be presenting on getting started with strength training for scoliosis and spinal fusion, and Dr. Laura will be presenting on the connection between scoliosis and the pelvic floor, along with a session on pregnancy with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

Connect With Us

If you’re planning to attend BioniCon, send us an email at scolipodcast@gmail.com —we’d love to meet you in person!

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

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In this third installment of the pelvic floor series, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth welcome pelvic health specialist Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski for an in-depth conversation about pelvic organ prolapse:

• What it is
• Why it happens
• Most crucially, why it doesn’t have to mean the end of lifting, movement, or feeling strong in your body.

Dr. Margo shares her personal story of being diagnosed with prolapse after the birth of her first child. Though she was already a pelvic floor physical therapist, she craved connection & community with others managing this diagnosis. As a young mom in search of support, she found mostly discouraging information geared toward much older women. That gap led her to create education and resources specifically for younger, active women navigating postpartum recovery.

Together, they discuss:

• What pelvic organ prolapse actually is (and what it feels like)
• Why symptoms like heaviness, leaking, or back pain can occur
• The difference between being diagnosed with prolapse and having symptoms
• Why lifting weights does not cause prolapse — and may actually be protective
• How proper pressure management and core coordination matter more than avoiding heavy loads
• The “retirement account” analogy for pelvic health and menopause
• The role of genetics, hypermobility, and vaginal delivery as risk factors
• The possible connection between scoliosis and pelvic floor dysfunction
• How fear of movement can worsen symptoms over time

One major takeaway of this discussion is the use of pessaries as a treatment option— supportive medical-grade silicone devices that can act like a “sports bra for the pelvic floor.” Dr. Margo explains how pessaries can reduce symptoms, improve muscle activation, and allow women to return to lifting and exercise with more confidence — without replacing the need for strength training and rehab.

Dr. Margo shares her own experience managing scoliosis, working with Dr. Laura and how improving spinal alignment and rotational balance has positively impacted her pelvic floor function and lifting performance.

In summary, prolapse is common and manageable. Most importantly, having a pelvic organ prolapse does not mean you have to stop lifting, moving, or living fully. With the right tools, education, and support, women can build strength, confidence, and long-term resilience.

About Our Guest

Dr. Margo Kwiatkowski is a pelvic floor physical therapist based in Ventura, California and founder of P4Moms. She specializes in helping postpartum women manage pelvic organ prolapse, return to lifting, and feel strong and confident in their bodies again.

Find her at:

• Website: P4Moms.com
• Instagram: @postpartum_pop_pt

If you or someone you know has scoliosis, has had a baby, or struggles with pelvic floor symptoms, do not miss this one!

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

Support the show

This week, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth continue the series on scoliosis and the pelvic floor by diving deeper into how scoliosis can directly influence pelvic floor function—and what symptoms may signal that it’s time to seek help.

Building on last week's episode, Laura explains how scoliosis-related rotation, asymmetry, and postural shifts can create imbalances in the pelvic floor muscles (much like what we already recognize in the spine, ribs, & trunk). Because the pelvis is directly connected to the spine, scoliosis significantly affects how the pelvic floor contracts, relaxes, & coordinates.

Listen in as we explore common—but not normal—symptoms, including:

• Urinary urgency or frequency
• Leaking with exercise, lifting, or impact
• Difficulty with bowel movements or gas control
• Pain with intimacy, pelvic exams, or tampon use
• Feeling pressure, tightness, or difficulty taking a deep breath

Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth discuss why these symptoms are frequently normalized or dismissed—especially after pregnancy, with aging, or during hormonal transitions—and why they are common but not normal. They also explain why pelvic floor issues often go undiagnosed for years and how scoliosis can further complicate the picture.

For clinicians, trainers, and movement professionals, the episode highlights the importance of screening and open conversation. Dr. Laura introduces the Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screen, a simple 10-question tool that can help identify when pelvic floor support may be needed and open the door to care.

The episode also touches on:

• Why scoliosis-specific exercises are often the first step—even when pelvic floor symptoms are present
• How spinal fusion and reduced mobility influences pelvic floor function
• The current gaps in research and why clinical patterns still matter
• The power of education, curiosity, and non-judgmental conversations

Whether you’re someone with scoliosis or spinal fusion, a clinician supporting this population, or simply noticing changes in your body and wondering if they matter, this episode helps clarify what’s normal, what’s common, and when support could help.

Resources & next steps:

• Dr. Laura's blogs:
  • Does Scoliosis Impact my Pelvic Floor?
  • How Your Spinal Fusion Impacts Your Pelvic Floor
  • How to Support Your Pelvic Floor with Scoliosis or Spinal Fusion
  • The Truth About Kegels
• Cozean Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Screening Protocol
• Virtual pelvic floor & scoliosis support with Dr. Laura
• Pregnancy, postpartum coaching with Dr. Laura
• Return to exercise support with Dr. Beth

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

In this episode, Dr. Laura & Dr. Beth kick off a new series on a topic that’s often overlooked—but incredibly important: the connection between scoliosis and the pelvic floor.

Dr. Laura, a pelvic floor physical therapist with a decade of experience as well as advanced scoliosis training, breaks down what the pelvic floor actually is, what it does, and why good pelvic health is important for everyone—regardless of:

• Gender
• Age
• Pregnancy history
• Fitness level

It's important to understand how the pelvic floor functions. From bladder and bowel control to breathing, core stability, sexual function, and lifting heavy weights, the pelvic floor plays a much bigger role in movement and daily life than most people realize.

Listen in as we explore typical seasons of life in which pelvic floor issues commonly show up (pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, athletics, hormonal changes), and why symptoms like leaking, pain, or pressure have been wrongly “normalized”.

But "common" doesn't mean "normal", and these issues are treatable—even if you’ve been dealing with them for years. Dr, Laura & Dr. Beth also discuss how scoliosis and spinal fusion can influence core mechanics and pelvic floor function, especially during major life transitions.

Together let's build awareness, define what’s normal versus what’s common, and help listeners recognize when pelvic floor support may be needed. Whether you have scoliosis, a spinal fusion, or have simply been told “that’s just part of getting older,” this episode opens the door to better understanding—and better options for care.

Make sure you’re listening in for part 2 in which Dr. Laura breaks down how scoliosis really impacts the pelvic floor - and what you can do about it.

Resources & next steps:

If you're interested in a deeper dive on this topic, check out this blog:

• What is the pelvic floor?

More to come next week!

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

If you move with intention, you are an athlete. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura get personal about what it really looks like to train as athletes with scoliosis and spinal fusion.

From Olympic weightlifting to triathlon racing, Beth and Laura share how they support their spines while pursuing demanding athletic goals—and why scoliosis or fusion doesn’t automatically mean you have to stop doing the sports you love.

Beth opens up about returning to competitive weightlifting, navigating a recent back injury, and preparing for both state and world championships. She explains how scoliosis-specific strength, stabilization, and postural work are integrated directly into her training—not as an afterthought, but as a key part of long-term performance and resilience.

Laura shares her experience training and competing in triathlons with a long spinal fusion, breaking down how endurance athletes can manage breathing mechanics, rib mobility, trunk rotation, and muscular imbalances. She also discusses how spinal fusion can influence running mechanics—and why that doesn’t mean running is off-limits.

It's time to debunk the most common myths, including:

• Whether overhead lifting is “dangerous” with scoliosis
• If spinal fusion automatically limits athletic potential
• How bone density, strength training, and long-term spine health are connected
• The difference between actual limitations and self-imposed ones

The episode also explores bigger-picture topics like ego in sport, disability labels, adaptive athletics, and the importance of having the right coaching and support team—especially when your spine works a little differently.

Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a recreational mover, or someone who’s been told to “be careful” just because of your spinal condition, this conversation reinforces one key message: progress is possible, training is individual, and you don’t have to limit yourself more than your body truly requires.

Resources & next steps:

• Group strengthening and scoliosis-specific programs
• Online learning options for athletes and beginners with scoliosis or spinal fusion
• Working with scoliosis-informed coaches, PTs, and trainers

If you’re an athlete—or want to become one—with scoliosis or spinal fusion, listen in and rethink what’s possible! Reach out to us to discover where to start.

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

Many people believe that once you’ve had a spinal fusion, scoliosis-specific exercises—like Schroth therapy—are no longer useful or even possible. In this episode, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura debunk that myth.

Drawing from both clinical experience and personal lived experience with a multi-level spinal fusion, Dr. Laura explains why scoliosis doesn’t simply “disappear” after surgery—and why targeted exercises can still play a powerful role years or even decades later. The conversation explores how scoliosis-specific exercises can help with breathing mechanics, rib cage mobility, postural asymmetries, residual curves above or below the fusion, and confidence in movement.

The episode also addresses common fears around movement after fusion, concerns about adjacent segment degeneration, and the confusion many people feel after surgery when they’re told either “don’t move” or “go live your life” without guidance. Beth and Laura discuss how scoliosis-trained therapists can bridge that gap—helping people safely return to daily activities, exercise, and long-term spine health.

Whether you had a fusion 40 days ago, 4 years ago, or 40 years ago, you should know: there is still so much you can do to support your body, reduce fear, and move forward with confidence.

Need help exercising after surgery?

Both Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally.

Resources & next steps:

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show

If you’re planning to have scoliosis surgery, you might assume physical therapy comes after the operation—but did you know you could also benefit from seeing one before?

In this episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth explain why seeing a scoliosis-specific physical therapist prior to spinal fusion surgery can level up both the outcome of the surgery as well as your recovery afterward.

While “prehab” is standard for many orthopedic surgeries like knee or hip replacements, it’s still rare in the scoliosis world. Listen in to learn why that needs to change—and how the right preparation can help patients feel more confident, informed, and prepared going into surgery.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What “prehab” is and why it matters before spinal fusion
• Why scoliosis PT is often overlooked prior to surgery
• How improving spinal flexibility can optimize surgical correction
• When mobility and stretching are appropriate for scoliosis
• The role of strength, endurance, and core training before surgery
• How breathing training supports rib mobility, lung health, and recovery
• How it feels when your spine is suddenly corrected—& how to prepare for it
• Practical pre-op education surgeons often don’t have time to cover
• Nutrition tips, protein intake, hydration, & digestion prep (yes, even poop)
• Learning how to move safely: getting in/out of bed, chairs, and daily activities
• Planning your home setup, stairs, and assistive equipment ahead of time

Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura also share insights from their own clinical experience working with teens and adults preparing for spinal fusion, along with lessons learned from real post-op recoveries.

If you’re facing scoliosis surgery—or supporting someone who is—this episode will help you understand how preparing your body and mind ahead of time can lead to a smoother, more confident recovery.

Need Help Preparing for Surgery?

Both Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth offer scoliosis-specific care and virtual options for those who don’t have access to a trained scoliosis PT locally.

Resources & next steps:

If you’re curious about working virtually with a scoliosis-trained pro, connect with Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth:

• Dr. Laura's website
• Dr. Beth’s website

Join the conversation:

Have questions about scoliosis-specific PT or want help finding a trained therapist? Reach out to Dr. Laura or Dr. Beth

And don’t forget to follow, rate, and share ScoliPod to help more people discover evidence-based scoliosis care.

Finally, don't forget to subscribe to ScoliPod on your favorite pod catcher so you never miss an episode!

• Listen on Apple Podcasts
• Listen on Spotify

Support the show