That's a great question, and one that took me a while to figure out. It's much more than knowing a few pose modifications.

Scoliosis is a deviation from a straight spine, but also has a rotational component. However, the ripple effect of scoliosis doesn't stop there, because it's also reflected in the pelvis, shoulders, arms, head, legs, etc. After all, we are an interconnected body, so scoliosis isn't an isolated condition to the spine.

Yoga with Scoliosis is about learning YOUR curve pattern, and how to practice in a way that doesn't encourage more asymmetry, but works toward creating balance, retrains your proprioceptors, and helps with pain. We want to open the compressed areas, and draw the curves toward the midline, instead of further into our scoliotic pattern. Just as water follows the path of least resistance, our body will follow the posture of least resistance, so it may feel good to further stretch an over-stretched area that should actually be contracted. Conversely, it may feel less satisfying to open a compressed area where we lack sensation.

In Yoga with Scoliosis, we focus on breath awareness, and poses that encourage maintaining the natural curves of your spine, spinal elongation, strengthening limbs and muscles that support the spine, and building body awareness.

I commonly see students with scoliosis, and maybe with a fusion, who don't know much about their back. I was one of them! However, anyone can tell you that "you are right-thoracic and left-lumbar," but it takes time to internalize that information into your own being. It's okay! We all get confused, it takes time, so ask questions and give yourself some grace.