What is your favorite back strengtheing exercise for lumbar scoliosis?
First is to be certain your client has medical clearance, and you have guidelines from his/her physician and/or physical about acceptable and contraindicated movements based on your client’s particular situation. Is the scoliosis both lumbar and thoracic, or just lumbar? It’s an important question. Given clearance, an exercise I suggest is simply a prone back extension. Form and technique are most important. Lying prone with the head and neck in a neutral position, lace the fingers behind the head, elbows out to the side. Keeping the head and neck neutral, with no movement in the shoulder or shoulder girdle, tighten the lower back muscles and extend off the mat or floor. Hold the head, neck, shoulder and shoulder girdle with no movement throughout both the effort and recovery phases of the movement. The effort movement continues until the nipple line leaves the surface. Maintain tension in the low back muscles throughout the recovery phase back down. Relax and then repeat for however many reps you’re having your client perform. Be sure to have your client keep breathing throughout the movement.
Take care.