When the hips are unleveled (this picture shows a subtle gluteal weakness) with lifting a leg up, this is a reflection of gluteal weakness.  This weakness can show up in back, knee and hip discomfort.  Even my working with dancers,  there is poor use of the gluteals to maintain good alignment of the spine and leg.  When the true function of a muscle is not working correctly, other muscles compensate to stabilize.

Rudolph Laban had a concept of stability/mobility.  We need both principles in any movement.  As in the movement above,  true function the standing leg and core should stabilize the mobility of lifting one leg up such as the passe in dance.   If the leg/hip hypermobilizes on the standing/working side,  the back has to compensate.

49 W. 27th St. Mezzanine B, New York City 212-904-1399

Join us this April.  Register before April 4 and save $20 on each workshops with Dianne Woodruff

for a workshop with Dianne Woodruff.  I took a workshop about the Gluteals with Dianne at a Laban Conference last year.  I felt amazing and it helped with my sacrum as well.

Glute strength for true balance

With Dianne Woodruff
Date: Saturday 10 April 2010
Time: 1-4 p.m. $120

We have only two legs and must stand on one of them to take a step. No one would argue the importance of good balance and prevention of falls. Balance boards and other devices are fine but the anatomical and functional issues behind bipedal stability deserve more attention. This seminar for pilates instructors, personal trainers and health-care practitioners addresses essential movement patterns for bipedal stability and a healthy back in a pedestrian culture. Such patterns were identified and researched by Dr. Vladimir Janda as early as 1964. Over the last 20 years Dr. Woodruff has developed an approach to assessment, correction and preventive exercise that you will learn in this seminar.

To register

I have a question. I recently worked with a dancer with a significant leg length discrepancy — her left leg is 1.8 centimeters longer than her right (femur is .6 c longer and lower leg is 1.2 c longer) .  The left side of her tailbone often hurts as does her left inner thigh.  She dances quite intensively and is experiencing more and more subtle aches – especially across her sacrum.

Suggestions for working with her to address her leg length issue??????  thanks so much
smiles tara

Leg length difference can lead to a unique challenge for the client. There will be always imbalances dealing with this. How to train the imbalances to adapt to their specific needs?

A lot of times the leg length difference can cause the patterns of scoliosis.   Working on lengthening tight muscles and strengthening the weaker ones would be one of the goals.   Some clients feel more balance when you give a prop of a towel or small mat under the foot on the shorter leg such as in foot work.

I knew of a dancer who used a specific book under her shorter leg during class. She did her warmups at the barre and some of the class.  Of course once there is locomotion, the book could not be used.

Since she is having problems with her sacrum,  I would to a lot of pelvic shifts, forward (neutral bridge), lateral and single leg.  I would use a prop under the shorter leg.

I have had two amazing experiences about the ribs through the Franklin method and just last week with Amy Matthews and Roxlyn Moret at BodyMind Centering’s Embodied Yoga workshop on the upper body.

We think of the ribs as a solid structure. When you come to understand the movements of the ribs, you free up your torso and your breath. Each rib has a joint into the spine and the sternum (except the floating ribs). When the spine moves , there should be small movements at each joint.

Last week I took all my students through initiating the movements of the spine from the ribs. Everyone had more movement of the spine. It was amazing how freeing the ribs helped the shoulders.

Want to experience this, Come to Eric Franklin’s workshop 12/6

FRANKLIN METHOD – Torso Dynamics for a Liberated Upper Back
Dates: Sun   12/6/2009
Time:  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Franklin Method: Torso Dynamics for a Liberated Upper BackWith Eric Franklin & Morten Dither $120 December 6, 2009 10 AM – 1 PM The ribcage involves itself in our breath but also serves as a mediator between spine and upper limb movement. In the first part of the workshop we will discover the dynamic movement of the ribcage and its  50+ joints in breathing and spinal movement. The organic, ligamentous and muscular involvement will be explained through imagery and simple movement.   In the second part of the workshop we will explore the bone rhythms of shoulder girdle and upper limb we will experience how to successfully integrate this movement into the ribcage, spine and core of the body. This will result in greater ease of movement, improved coordination and a natural sense of core stability. Understand and embody the dynamic relation of ribcage, shoulder girdle and arm to produce Not all arm movement are equally fit to produce power! Learn what  a “Neutral” or closed pack arm lift is. Experience the ease of motion and freedom possible of the ribcage, shoulder girdle and arm in breathing and movement. . 1 workshop $120 49 West 27th St. Mezzanine B New York, NY 10001 212-904-1399 To register online

Lesley Powell: Observe how they lateral bend in their spines.  Most probably there is not a lot of movement in the upper thoracic.  They achieve side bending mostly at the lumbar or leaning (losing their grounding of their pelvis.)

Put your finger at the upper thoracic spine.  Have them only side bend at that place.  It will be a small movement.

I would work on opening the upper spine in many planes such as side bending and rotation.  Isolate the movement in the upper thoracic.  Use this as a warm-up before flexion exercises.

I once took a great workshop with Dianne Woodruff. (She will be at Movements Afoot in the spring). She had us all perform a crunch and observe the range.  Then she had us sit and do a stretch (like mermaid) that lateral flexed, rotated and then rolled up.  We performed the crunch again and we all had more range of motion.

There has been some interesting comments to my post Uneven Shoulders.    When a problem arises on a body level, a teacher should look below or above the issue.

The other issues is about what is scoliosis.

This is the definition of scoliosis in Wikipedia.

Cause

In the case of the most common form of scoliosis, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, there is no clear causal agent [6]. Various causes have been implicated, but none has consensus among scientists as the cause of scoliosis. Scoliosis is more often diagnosed in females and is often seen in patients with cerebral palsy or spina bifida,[citation needed] although this form of scoliosis is different from that seen in children without these conditions. In some cases, scoliosis exists at birth due to a congenital vertebral anomaly. Occasionally, development of scoliosis during adolescence is due to an underlying anomaly such as a tethered spinal cord, but most often the cause is unknown or idiopathic.[citation needed] Some therapists like the referenced Hanna Somatic therapist believe that trauma to an adult can cause, not just asymmetry but an actual curve to the spine visible on x-ray, although no documentation is offered in her article. [7] Scoliosis often presents itself, or worsens, during the adolescence growth spurt.[8]

In April 2007, researchers at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children identified the first gene associated with idiopathic scoliosis, CHD7. The medical breakthrough was the result of a 10-year study and is outlined in the May 2007 issue of the American Journal of Human Genetics.[9]

Even when a client comes in for a session, many do not record on their intake forms if they have scoliosis.  The other issue with clients with a scoliosis diagnosis is how was it determined.  Many did not have any medical imaging tests like MRI’s or Xrays.

When I begin an assessment of their posture, I look at how they organized their bodies in standing, lateral and forward pelvic shifts and standing on one leg.  A client with a “C” or “S” curve of the spine, I then assess where they are tight and weak.  With building  a lesson plan of releases, strengthening and movement awareness, I look how their bodies respond.

If their bodies make immediate positive changes (this is also determined on their fitness and awareness levels), I will lean to looking at a muscular imbalances as a diagnosis.  If the spine does not make changes, I will put on my back burner that there might be underlying causes for their spinal issues.

When I teach movement to everyone, I allow the client to find movement within their comfort zone.  I will make them aware for instance if one side is lateral flexing to one side better than the other.  By making them aware of their habits, they will make more positive change.

When I do my Hanna class with Laura Gates at Movements Afoot, the beginning of the class is making us aware of our posture and how we walk.  I can see my pelvis is rotated and one shoulder is higher.  Through the gentle movements of Hanna Somatics,  I feel my spine unraveled.  It is better than an adjustment.  At the end of the class,  I can see my posture has improved as well as my walking.

“I would like to know how to handle a Mat Pilates participant with mild scoliosis in a group class setting. I have a teenager who has asked to take my Mat Pilates class. I asked her to be patient with me while I researched what I can do to assist her. Should I not have her do certain exercises? I am nervous. I can’t find any information on Mat Pilates and Scoliosis.” Thanks! Cheri

There are wonderful ways to bring better balance to all your clients as well as the clients with scoliosis. Since we all have preferences of left and right, body habits and imbalances, getting better balance of mobility and strength will take the Pilates workout to a different level.

A wonderful example is my experience with Diane Woodruff at a Laban Conference in Brazil. She had all of us perform a crunch and observe the range of motion. Then she took through a simple mobility of the spine in sitting. It is very much like Mermaid in the Pilates repertory.

Start Sitting

1. Lift the right arm up.
2. Laterally flex the spine to the left.
3. Rotate the spine to the left & bow to the knee with the hands on each side of the knee.
4. Roll your spine center flexed.
5. Roll back up to neutral spine
6. Repeat to the other side.

With that warm-up, she had us perform the crunch again. We all were able to flex our spines more. When teaching mobility, have the clients become aware of which side was tighter. Have them perform more on the tight side.

Awareness is key in making change.

• When the class does pelvic rocks (clocks), which side of the pelvis is touching the floor.
• Leg circles- Does one side have more trouble stabilizing?
• Bridging- Does one hip go higher/rotate?
• Roll down- Is the spine evenly rolling down on the floor?
• Quadriped with opposite arm and leg lifted- Is one side harder to find balance?
• Sitting- Where are the ribs in relationship to the pelvis?
• Standing- Are the hips level?

With scoliosis, you want to open the tight muscles and strengthen the weaker ones. With all clients, tight muscles can prevent them from connecting to the deep core muscles. Mobilizing the spine, stretching the ITB’s & the psoas are essential for everyone’s wellness.

A great resource is Muscles/Testing and Function with Posture and Pain. They have an entire section on posture. I highly recommend this book for every serious teacher.

In the Fall, Joy Puleo will be teaching a workshop on Scoliosis and Pilates.

They’re back… two December workshops with two great teachers.

John Chanik & Lisa Love return to teach at Movements Afoot this December.

Lisa Love returns with a workshop about assessment. Learning how to assess is about the art of seeing. Lisa Love, Ed.M., R.M.T., has an Advanced Master of Education in Motor Learning from the Department of Movement Sciences & Education, Teachers College, Columbia University with additional graduate studies in biomechanics and clinical
kinesiology at NYU. She has taught movement reeducation for over 20 years, and maintains a private practice in Pilates in NYC. She has been researching and working with MS clients for 15 years.

John taught this wonderful workshop 2 years ago about the spine. John brings his expertise as a trainer and a personal injury to his back lifting a dancer in his dance career. The Spine workshop this 12/18 is about understanding the function of the spine and the newest research about stabilization. 2 years ago we had a variety of students from those with back problems and teachers. I still use the material in all of my sessions with my clients.

When a new client comes in for a session, I look at their alignment. I look at how their bodies organize around their pelvis.

I take them through simple movements of lateral shift, forward shift and standing on one leg to see how they organize their upper and lower bodies. Their alignment tells me a lot about how they use their bodies, their preferences, their strengthens, tightness and weaknesses. The alignment of the pelvis reflects how they use their legs. More photos of testing of alignment

Some poor postures are hereditary due to abnormal bone growth or health issues. For many, posture is due to habits. We do not use our bodies evenly. The best example is we either write right handed or left handed

The upper body organizes around the pelvis. If the pelvis is unleveled and/or rotated, the upper body compensates. Otherwise our upper bodies would lean to the side if we didn’t adjust our spines. Our nervous system tries to organize the head over the tail. When the pelvis is misaligned, the upper body compensates to get the head better over the tail. A good example is scoliosis.

When the pelvis is misaligned, the legs become unbalanced. Some of us stand not evenly on one leg. This causes muscular imbalances in the legs. The adductors can have a different quality of tone than the abductors. The legs could reflect different tightness-es.

By understanding their habits of posture, I direct the Pilates workout to address tightness, weakness, and to take them through movements/space not explored by the client. For instance, if a client is laterally flexed to the right, side-bending to the left is usually more difficult. I might take them through more reps of side bending to the left to improve range of motion. With this new practice, most clients improve the range of motion. This creates balance.

Martha:
There is a difference between heredity, medical and functional scoliosis. Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine. Hereditary scoliosis includes curvatures caused by abnormal bone development in the spinal column or even as a result of leg bone length differences. Medical scoliosis comes from diseases of the muscular or skeletal system like polio. Functional scoliosis involves curvatures caused by imbalanced use of the spine or even predominant use of the left or right hand in repetitive work especially when combined by imbalances of vision and hearing. Some scoliosis may result from injury.

Lesley:
How can a BodyMind approach help scoliosis?

Martha:
Working with alignment from both the inside and “outside” of the body can bring about deep postural change. As an example: The spine lacks balanced three-dimensional tensile support because of the “s “curve and “c” curve. The breath is diminished because of this misalignment of the spine. Improving breath patterns three dimensionally helps change the spinal uprightness “plumb-line alignment” from the inside.

Another way to view scoliosis is as postural asymmetry. One of the key asymmetrical aspects of our anatomy is the placement of our organs within the torso. The misalignment of scoliosis does not allow each organ to have its proper space. The BodyMind Centering© approach teaches participants to discover within themselves new volume for their compressed organs. Physical Therapist, Bartenieff’s approach involves finding markers for three-dimensional movement. For instance, movers are asked to draw an imaginary circle around them selves to get the arm and shoulder girdle rotating. By seeing the swivels in the arcs of the arm circle and then working to smooth them out old habits can be broken and new possibilities for movement and alignment are discovered.

How do you work with a client with scoliosis in a Pilates session?

Lesley:
I usually start an evaluation of their posture from a muscular skeletal point of view. I observe how they do simple actions in standing:
• Standing on one leg
• Shifting forward on one
• Lateral shifts
• A roll-down.

From those observations based on Kendall’s muscular testing, I address what is tight and their preferences for moving their bodies in space.

Scoliosis is an uneven rotation of the spine at different places in the spine. If the pelvis is rotated, the rest of the spine will counterbalance the main rotation with opposite rotations in the rest of the spine. If the body didn’t counterbalance poor alignment in one part of the body, the spine would be leaning over in one direction. Look at old barns that are about to fall down.

The body compensates to keep us upright.

I usually have the client move in planes;
• Lateral flexion-vertical plane,
• Rotation- horizontal plane
• Flexion & extension- sagittal plane.

Here the client can get in touch with their preferences of moving. Sometimes I give an uneven warm-up. If a client has a “C” curve to the right, they will side bend with more ease to the right than the left. I might even give homework to the client to practice more side bending to the least favorite side.

After I worked with the tight structures, I will have the client work on developing strength on the tight/weak side. As with the client with the right “C” curve, I will work on developing right-side back strength. Throughout the lesson, I will observe the client’s patterns for stability/mobility. My goal is to get muscular balance from head to toe. This BodyMind or somatic approach sees that scoliosis is an imbalance of the entire body. The Bartenieff Fundamentals exercises teach how to effectively observe the inter-relationships between all parts of the body in stillness and in movement.

How does Hanna somatics work with Scoliosis?

Laura Gates:

My first encounter with Hanna Somatic Education (HSE) as applied to Scoliosis was with my own body. I had danced all my life with a moderate “S” curve in my spine, which gave considerable problems along the way. I had looked for relief for years via various methods with no lasting results. During my first year of HSE training, I had a session with one of my teachers, and we re-patterned the muscles of my left side, taking away the chronic uncomfortable pressure on my viscera, and bringing my shoulders level for the first time! The increased oxygen intake was noticeable, and my upper back simply ceased to be the problem spot. I continued to use the somatic sequences often to keep my back happy.
Although some students with scoliosis attending my workshops report that the movement practice alone has given them some relief and more mobility, I highly recommend trying the hands on work of a private session to manifest accelerated change, and especially in the case of moderate to severe scoliosis.

Lesley: how do you work with clients with scoliosis with Hanna Somatics?

Laura:
Here’s how I have approached this issue: I first evaluate the client’s posture from all sides, then observe their walking habits, looking for where movement is missing, such as one arm not swinging, lack of motion in pelvis or shoulder movement in opposition to pelvis. I would then begin with the side most contracted, and focus on the core issues first. With various re-patterning methods, and some unique to Tom Hanna’s work, we would commence a collaborative process of recalibrating the contracted muscle fibers with the brain, resulting in a new resting length in, and more sensation in and voluntary control of the targeted muscles. With each session, we target more layers of muscle, the compensations in other parts of the body, and slowly unravel the riddle. More than half of the results I expect to get with this work are via the client’s explorations on their own in daily practice. The movement sequences I ask them to do, are specific to the muscles repatterned in that session. These sequences not only create new neuropathways and brain habits to replace the old dysfunctional ones, but give the person tools to profoundly increase their sensorial intelligence and continue and expand upon the changes made in the sessions. This work is all about the human re-educating their own SOMA, (the living, thinking body from the 1st person perspective,) with the assistance and guidance of the practitioner/teacher.

Movements Afoot