Scoliosis and Hypermobility: Symptoms, Treatment, and Moving Without Fear with Dr. Laura Glazebrook

Host Dr. Libby Hinsley welcomes physical therapist Dr. Laura Glazebrook to discuss scoliosis, especially its overlap with hypermobility. Laura shares her own history of rapidly progressing scoliosis, undergoing a spinal fusion at age 11, and later realizing she likely falls on the hypermobility spectrum.   They review scoliosis prevalence in the general population, current thinking on adolescent development, and why Cobb angle doesn’t reliably predict pain. Glazebrook describes typical signs and symptoms and outlines scoliosis-specific exercise approaches like the Schroth method using breath, pressure management, and progressive stabilization. They discuss surgical thresholds (often >46°), evolving views on quality of life at higher angles, and counter fear-based messaging by emphasizing safe, individualized movement and strength.    00:00 Welcome to Zebra Talks 00:35 Meet Dr. Laura Glazebrook 02:04 Laura’s Scoliosis Story 04:12 Fusion Surgery Aftermath 04:56 How Common Is Scoliosis 06:14 Why Scoliosis Develops 07:58 Degrees vs Symptoms 09:46 Common Signs and Clues 12:02 Schroth Method Basics 14:48 What Improves With Therapy 16:17 When Surgery Is Considered 19:05 Fusion and Tethering Options 19:52 Hypermobility Overlap Patterns 22:05 Movement Fear and Confidence 25:08 Activity Myths Debunked 27:19 Where to Find Dr. Glazebrook 28:11 Final Thanks and Goodbye