Five Months of Structural & Cognitive Change in Adult Scoliosis
Client: Melissa
Duration: October 28, 2019 → March 13, 2020
Primary Focus: Scoliosis, post-head-trauma vestibular dysfunction, balance loss, cognitive decline with movement
Melissa presented with a visible scoliotic pattern alongside significant balance and coordination limitations following severe head trauma earlier in the year. At the outset, even low-intensity dynamic movement triggered rapid cognitive fatigue, dizziness, and loss of spatial orientation. Traditional exercise was not an option.
This case documents the structural, neurological, and functional changes achieved over five months using a biomechanics-first Functional Patterns (FP) approach, focusing on posture, gait, fascial integration, and vestibular reintegration.
Starting Presentation
At baseline, Melissa showed:
A pronounced scoliotic curve with visible asymmetrical alignment
Poor joint stacking and scapular displacement
Compromised balance and proprioceptive awareness
Reduced cognitive tolerance to movement (dizziness, disorientation)
Limited vestibular resilience following head trauma
Crucially, the scoliosis was not treated as an isolated spinal issue, but as an expression of system-wide asymmetryinvolving the feet, hips, ribcage, head position, and pressure regulation.
Outcomes Achieved (5 Months)
✅ Visible reduction in scoliotic curvature patterns
✅ Improved joint stacking and scapular positioning
✅ Improved balance and coordination
✅ Improved proprioception and cognitive tolerance to movement
These changes were gradual, progressive, and tightly constrained by Melissa’s neurological capacity at each stage — avoiding symptom flare-ups while restoring function.
Why Change Was Possible
Scoliosis, particularly in adults, is often considered “structural” and therefore static. However, growing research shows that spinal curvature is influenced by neuromuscular control, load distribution, and asymmetrical movement patterns, not simply bone shape.
Studies have demonstrated that:
Asymmetrical gait and loading patterns influence spinal curvature and trunk rotation
Vestibular dysfunction alters postural tone and spatial orientation
Improving balance, proprioception, and motor control can meaningfully alter spinal alignment over time
Research suggests that the nervous system plays a central role in maintaining or adapting spinal posture, particularly when movement patterns are retrained gradually and consistently.
This case aligns with that understanding.
Assessment & Strategy
1. Gait and Posture Analysis
We recorded posture and gait footage to identify:
Weight shifts and rotational bias
Pelvic drop and rib-hip disconnection
Abnormal transverse-plane rotations
Poor intra-abdominal pressure regulation affecting spinal support
This allowed us to target drivers of the scoliotic presentation rather than chasing spinal symptoms.
2. Early-Stage Myofascial Integration
In the early phase, myofascial release was used strategically to:
Improve tissue hydration
Reduce excessive protective tone
Restore proprioceptive input
Create neurological “permission” for movement re-patterning
This was not passive treatment — it served as preparation for neuromuscular retraining.
3. Corrective Biomechanics (FP IMAPS)
Melissa progressed through Functional Patterns Integrated Corrective Chambers / IMAPS, which:
Balanced left-right asymmetries identified in gait
Reinforced rib-pelvis integration
Reduced rotational dominance patterns
Improved force transmission through the kinetic chain
This phase was where spinal alignment, balance, and coordination began to change measurably.
4. Vestibular-Aware Progression
Given Melissa’s history of head trauma, dynamic movement was introduced only once vestibular tolerance improved.
This is critical:
Introducing dynamic exercises too early would have worsened symptoms
Progression was paced according to cognitive stability, not fitness goals
As vestibular control improved, movement tolerance increased without dizziness or loss of balance.
5. Lifestyle & Dietary Support
Supporting factors included:
Dietary strategies to improve tissue quality and pressure regulation
Sleep and stress management to reduce neurological load
Consistency over intensity — reinforcing stability before complexity
What This Case Demonstrates
This case highlights several important principles:
Scoliosis is often maintained by movement and neurological patterns, not just structure
Vestibular and cognitive function are inseparable from posture and gait
Improving spinal alignment does not require aggressive spinal manipulation
Change occurs when the whole system — feet to head — is addressed coherently
Rather than forcing correction, the body was allowed to re-self-organise once constraints were removed.
Melissa’s Words
“I have seen significant improvement to my coordination, posture and proprioception through Functional Patterns. These sessions have played a key part in my journey to recover my cognitive and physical functions after my injury. Shane is an effective coach with a keen eye and knowledge for movement patterns. I have really enjoyed training with him.”
— Melissa
Important Note
This case does not claim universal scoliosis “correction.”
It demonstrates what is possible when movement, balance, vestibular function, and biomechanics are addressed systematically and patiently.
Results vary based on history, severity, compliance, and neurological factors.
Want to See If This Approach Is Right for You?
If you’re dealing with scoliosis, chronic postural issues, balance loss, or pain that hasn’t responded to traditional approaches:
Book a Posture & Gait Assessment
or
Explore Online Functional Patterns Training