In this season finale, Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura reflect on the first season and share expert takeaways from the SOSORT 2026 Congress in Turin, Italy.

This episode highlights emerging research in scoliosis care, including early onset scoliosis, bracing, scoliosis-specific exercise, adult bracing, quality of life, AI-assisted prediction tools, and conservative care for curves traditionally considered surgical.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why Season 1 matters and how listener feedback will help shape Season 2
• Key updates from the SOSORT pre-conference on early onset and juvenile scoliosis
• How bracing and scoliosis-specific exercise may help reduce progression and avoid surgery in some cases
• New research on adult bracing for pain, alignment, and stability
• How physical activity can be protective for pain in adults with scoliosis
• Emerging AI and imaging research aimed at improving prediction and reducing radiation exposure
• Current conversations around brace type, brace wear schedules, and brace weaning
• Why conservative scoliosis care continues to be an important and evolving field

In summary:
Scoliosis care is moving toward more individualized, evidence-informed conservative treatment. Bracing, scoliosis-specific exercise, physical activity, and interdisciplinary care continue to play a major role in helping people with scoliosis improve function, quality of life, and long-term outcomes.

Resources & Next Steps:

• SOSORT: International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment
• SOSORT 2026 Congress Abstracts
• SOSORT Membership Information
• SOSORT Donation Site

Connect with us:
Send us your questions, topic ideas, and feedback for Season 2. Your voice helps shape the future of our podcast! Email us at scolipodcast@gmail.com

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 this podcast has helped you, please leave a review, share the episode, or support the show through the website homepage.

**Disclaimer: Although Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth are SOSORT members, the opinions expressed are their own and do not represent the official views, positions, or endorsements of SOSORT. SOSORT® is referenced for identification only. This content is not sponsored by, endorsed by, or officially affiliated with SOSORT. This podcast reflects their independent interpretation of the conference.**

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Laura and Dr. Beth sit down with special guest Eli Yeung, a model based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, who shares his deeply personal journey living with scoliosis and undergoing spinal fusion surgery.

Eli opens up about discovering his scoliosis as a teenager, navigating diagnosis with limited awareness, and ultimately facing a rapidly progressing curve that led to surgery in early adulthood. While he initially brushed off the emotional impact, he reflects on how unprocessed feelings around body image and self-worth resurfaced later in life—especially as he entered the modeling industry.

This conversation dives into the often-overlooked mental and emotional side of scoliosis, particularly for men. Eli shares candidly about the challenges of comparison, confidence, and visibility—what it feels like to live in a body that doesn’t match perceived ideals, and how that shaped his identity both personally and professionally.

Through modeling and sharing his story on social media, Eli began a journey of self-acceptance—learning to embrace his body, scars, and asymmetries rather than hide them. He discusses how vulnerability became a tool for healing, and how speaking openly about scoliosis helped him reconnect with parts of himself he had long ignored.

The episode also explores:

• Life after spinal fusion, including recovery, pain, and long-term adaptation
• The role of movement and fitness in maintaining strength and confidence
• The nuanced conversation around whether scoliosis or spinal fusion is considered a “disability”
• The importance of representation—especially for men with scoliosis
• How staying active and finding enjoyable forms of exercise can support long-term quality of life

Eli leaves listeners with a powerful message: scoliosis does not define you. Through self-compassion, creativity, and movement, it’s possible to build a strong, fulfilling life—on your own terms.

Whether you’re living with scoliosis, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for an honest conversation about body image and resilience, this episode is both inspiring and deeply relatable.

Follow Eli for his relatable and hilarious spinal fusion and scoliosis content @oops_itseli on Instagram.

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

Is running actually bad for scoliosis—or is that just a myth?

Join Dr. Beth and Dr. Laura for a fascinating conversation with repeat guest Dr. Jenn Warren on what we really know about running with scoliosis. Dr. Jenn is a scoliosis- specific physical therapist and running specialist, joining once more to drop some knowledge on what we know, and what you should know as a runner with scoliosis (or someone who works with them).

From teen athletes on the track team to adults returning to running later in life, this conversation tackles one of the most common fears in the scoliosis community: Is it safe to run?

You’ll learn:

• Why running is not inherently dangerous for people with scoliosis
• Key considerations for teen athletes, especially during growth and puberty
• What Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) is—and why it matters for runners
• How to spot red flags like fatigue, recurring injuries, or under-fueling
• The role of strength training and cross-training in protecting your spine and improving performance
• How to approach running after spinal fusion
• Why listening to your body matters more than following rigid rules

Together let's unpack the importance of mindset, resilience, and giving yourself permission to move with confidence.

Bottom line: Your body is adaptable, capable, and stronger than you think.

Resources & next steps:

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

• What is the pelvic floor?

RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport):

• Learn about RED-S (Stanford FASTR)
• RED-S overview & educational resources (Stanford FASTR)

Helpful Overview Articles:

• Medical overview of RED-S symptoms & causes
• Mayo Clinic: RED-S and injury risk in athletes

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