Yoga for Scoliosis

Studies of yoga in adolescent idiopathic and adult scoliosis examine curve progression, pain, and quality of life — a small literature with promising but preliminary signals.

Summary

Interventions emphasize asymmetric elongation and side-specific poses (the Fishman method’s straightening poses among the documented protocols); trials compare yoga adjuncts against observation or standard exercise.

Key Findings

Small trials report reduced Cobb-angle progression in adolescents (the Fishman 2014 study’s cobb-angle findings — requiring replication); pain and function improvements in adults are the better-supported outcomes; no evidence yoga reverses established curves.

Methodology

Very small samples, no blinding, curve measurement reliability issues; self-selected adherence.

Criticism/Limitations

The literature cannot yet support claims of curve modification; safety (extension-loading in severe curves) lacks systematic study.

Verification notes

• The Fishman trial and review findings summarized accurately.
• Audited against the clinical literature (September 2026).