Overview
I wanted to center my final project around exploring the implications of Floor Flow on scoliosis. Using floor flow as a way of posture correction, encouraging vital fluids to my spine, expanding my back's range of motion, and gaining muscle tone to support my spine.
This video shows my movements as I've learned from Floor Flow training, and how they might be implemented as an extra form of physical therapy. This experiment will continue, and I have already noticed so much improvement since I've started.
Why I chose this project
I grew up with scoliosis, where my spin not only curves in multiple areas, but also twists. After years of going to chiropractors, using machines for spinal correction, and physical therapy, I have not seen or felt any improvements. The limitations of my spine includes lack of range of motion, lack of strength, and inability to bend forward or to my left side. It kept me from achieving dance goals, as well as kept me from feeling comfortable in every day life.
As my dancing evolved i began to see slight improvements, but it wasn't until I discovered Floor Flow and started experimenting with these movements and including them in my everyday lifestyle did i start to actually see a visible difference in my spine. I not only feel happier and more comfortable, but i can actually see my body alignment changing and my range my motion becoming less inhibited. Even the pain I use to feel in my spine has dissipated.
Process
I used movements that encourage the following:
· Blood flow
· Gentle spinal twists
· Spinal curve correction
· Vertebrae extension
· Extend my spine's range of motion
· Muscle tone to help give spinal support and structure
Description of video
· I started with small warm up movements
· Moved into circular and bend movements
· Added a bit of stretch in between movements
· Remembering to breath out fully on the moments of pause
· I started finding loops within loops as I let my hips move in circles
· I played with a couple of loops that morphed from time to time
· Back to lengthening my spine
· After feeling warm, I started applying more tension and muscle
· Ending with a very free form movement, in which I allowed my spine to be more free and understanding how the rest of my body responds
· Ending with some gentle stretchy melts
Notes
The Incorporation of flow movement into my therapy is supplemented with other forms of therapy, such as hot/cold therapy, back rolling/massage, sitting in spinal extension positions, stretching, and drinking plenty of fluids. This is important to know because when using floor flow, my spine is experiencing new movements. If I have a more intense floor flow session, it may end up a bit swollen or sore. With time, consistency, and the above supplementation, my range of motion has improved and I can see corrections in my spine little by little. It will never be perfect without invasive procedures, but with Floor Flow, it has improved and may help slow down any deterioration in the future.
How it might help others
I hope that this will help others understand how healthy Floor flow can be for their body and for their mind, especially when it comes to scoliosis and other back problems. The spine is filled with many nerves and connections to the rest of our body. Making sure we take care of it and do all we can to have adequate blood flow and spinal health will go a long way to having a happier life. I also want to help others understand how they don't have to be a dancer to be able to implement healthy movements for their back and body into their lifestyle. Knowing these things can help ensure the continuous use of movement to improve their spinal health and happiness.