Scoliosis exercises can help alleviate pain that may be associated with the curvature of the spine, but it is not a treatment for scoliosis and typically will not stop its progression. As a result, the severity of scoliosis and the effectiveness of exercise as a treatment depend on the individual. Exercises for scoliosis include swimming, different types of yoga, and the chair twist. Generally, all scoliosis exercises should be approached with the goal of minimizing the tightness of the spine and strengthening the muscles that support it.

The National Scoliosis Foundation recommends swimming for people who want to begin a regime of scoliosis exercises. Generally, the most effective strokes are the sidestroke and the backstroke. If a person is new to water activity, it is recommended that he or she begin swimming for the amount of time that the proper form of each stroke can be maintained in order to maximize the benefits of each stroke.

Some yoga practitioners specialize in scoliosis exercises and attest to its effectiveness. The goal in practicing yoga as a method of holistic scoliosis therapy is centered on three goals: elongation of the spine, decreasing posterior rotation, and realignment of the spine. With all poses, it is equally important for the exerciser to develop the proper leg, abdominal, and lateral strength to try to minimize future increases in curvature.

Elongation can be practiced through a simple asana, or yoga posture, called the cat pose. One should begin by kneeling on the ground on all fours, placing the hands below the shoulders and the knees below the hips. With an inhale, one should lift the head and tailbone to the ceiling so that the lower back becomes concave. When one is ready to exit the position, he or she will exhale to tuck the tailbone under, rounding and releasing the back. In is recommended that this stretch be part of regular scoliosis exercises at least 10 times a day.

Decreasing the posterior rotation during scoliosis exercises can be important in order for a person to increase alignment and balance. This can be done through yoga poses that involve side twists. One example of such a pose is the chair twist.

While seated in a chair with feet on the floor and ankles and knees together, one should place his or her hands on the back of the chair and inhale to slowly lengthen the spine. On the exhale, he or she will rotate the trunk into a twist, pressing the right hand into the back of the chair to create more rotation. The pose should be held for several inhale and exhale sequences, and then repeat on the opposite side. A person typically should practice these twists at least 10 times each day as part of a routine of scoliosis exercises.