26
March
2024
|
15:11 PM
America/New_York

What You Need to Know About Running With Scoliosis

Runner's World shares what you need to know about running with scoliosis according to experts including Michelle Yang PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, physical therapist at HSS. 

Scoliosis may create issues with running if there are significant asymmetries between the two sides of the body. “Some people with scoliosis actually have leg-length discrepancies, so one leg might be a bit shorter than the other,” Yang said. This asymmetry can put more load on one leg while you run, increasing your risk for injuries like bone stress fractures. 

Asymmetries between your shoulder heights can affect running posture. Having one shoulder that’s higher than the other can cause you to slouch forward or lean more heavily to one side, Yang explained. As you get fatigued, this forward slouch or side-lean can become more exaggerated.

One of the primary goals for people with scoliosis is improving their posture to prevent the spinal curve from worsening. Running with poor posture won’t help you achieve this goal. Yang recommends seeing a physical therapist or orthopedist if you experience pain, discomfort, or have questions about running safely. People with scoliosis benefit from a running form assessment, and the healthcare professional can offer specific exercises and advice to improve posture and form.

Read the full article at runnersworld.com. A subscription is required to access.