New Year, Self-Care for Scoliosis in 2026
It’s a brand-new year. The calendar has flipped, the planners are fresh, and somewhere in your house there’s probably a water bottle that was definitely going to change everything this year.
Welcome to 2026.
If you’re a parent of a child with scoliosis (or a teen living with scoliosis yourself), January can bring up a mix of hope, pressure, and a quiet thought of:
“Okay… how do we do this better this year?”
Let’s talk about self-care; what it actually means, why it matters for scoliosis, and how to make it realistic (no 5 a.m. ice baths required).
Why Self-Care Matters in Scoliosis
Scoliosis is not just about curves, X-rays, or appointments. It affects:
The body
The nervous system
Emotions
Confidence
Family stress levels (yes, yours too)
Self-care isn’t an “extra” for scoliosis, it’s part of care.
When self-care is ignored, kids and teens can feel overwhelmed, tense, anxious, or disconnected from their bodies. Parents often feel burnt out, worried, and stuck in problem-solving mode 24/7.
Self-care helps regulate the nervous system, build resilience, and remind everyone involved that your child is more than their spine.
What Self-Care Actually Is (and Isn’t)
Let’s clear this up right away.
Self-care is NOT:
Being positive all the time
Ignoring hard feelings
“Pushing through” discomfort
Adding more things to an already full plate
Self-care IS:
Supporting the body and mind together
Creating safety and predictability
Learning how to respond to stress instead of fighting it
Making space for rest, joy, and regulation
Think of self-care less as a bubble bath and more as how we live day-to-day with scoliosis.
Self-Care for Kids & Teens with Scoliosis
Here’s what self-care can realistically look like for children and teens:
1. Body Awareness (Not Body Criticism)
Encourage noticing how their body feels rather than judging how it looks.
Helpful prompts:
“What feels tight today?”
“What helps your body feel more comfortable?”
“What does your body need right now?”
This supports connection, not conflict, with their body.
2. Emotional Check-Ins (Short and Sweet)
Not every conversation needs to be deep. Even a quick check-in helps.
Try:
“On a scale of 1–10, how was today?”
“Anything feeling heavy this week?”
“Do you want advice or just someone to listen?”
Sometimes teens want support. Sometimes they want snacks and silence. Both count as self-care.
3. Gentle Movement (Not Punishment)
Movement should help the body feel supported, not “fixed.”
This might include:
Stretching
Walking
Physiotherapy exercises
Activities they actually enjoy
If movement feels like a chore, it’s time to reassess.
4. Mental Health Skills
Scoliosis can bring anxiety, frustration, and big feelings.
Self-care includes learning:
How stress affects the body
How to calm the nervous system
How thoughts influence emotions
These are skills, and skills can be practiced.
Self-Care for Parents (Yes, You Count Too)
Parents often put themselves last. Unfortunately, stress is contagious.
Your self-care matters because:
Your child co-regulates with you
Your nervous system sets the tone
You can’t pour from an empty cup (even a large coffee cup ☕)
Parent self-care might look like:
Taking breaks from research spirals
Setting boundaries around scoliosis talk
Getting support for your worries
Letting go of the pressure to do everything perfectly
You’re doing the best you can with the information you have. That matters.
Making Self-Care Stick in 2026
Instead of big resolutions, try small, repeatable habits.
Ask:
What helps us feel a little calmer?
What feels manageable on hard days?
What can we do consistently, not perfectly?
Self-care works best when it’s woven into real life: school days, appointments, emotions, and all.
You’re Not Alone
At STC Therapy, we focus on supporting the emotional and mental health side of scoliosis for kids, teens, and parents.
If this year includes a goal of feeling more supported, more informed, and a little less overwhelmed, you don’t have to do it alone.
Here’s to a gentler, more supportive 2026 💚