How I have helped clients with scoliosis and back pain

“Description Stacy Joyce is top notch. I 110% recommend her to everyone I know, from friends to physical therapists (PTs) and doctors. Her understanding of form and anatomy is better than a lot of PTs I've worked with. She sits right next to me, cueing every muscle and catching technical details most people miss, like rib flaring. She also gives photos and notes so I can actually do it right at home. She really listens. If I feel something in my hardware, she has me adjust it right away with no ego or judgment. What really sets her apart is her lived experience. She understands what it's like to work out with a spinal fusion, and it shows in how she teaches. After dealing with trainers who didn't get it, this has been a huge relief. She makes working out feel normal instead of isolating. She is a rare find.”

"I'm currently taking Stacy's Scolio-Pilates classes virtually. And even though we live so far away from each other, her sessions make me feel as if I am right there in her studio. If I need to ask her something or need more clarification on a certain move, I can reach out with no hesitation whether it's through text or Zoom. I have learned more about my scoliosis and the fusion, from Stacy, than my doctors and physical therapists. I know with her help and guidance, I will strengthen my mind and body so I can learn to live with my spinal fusion."

"I am absolutely loving your Fusion Method Classes. They are really helping me – I feel like this is exactly what my body needs. I find that certain muscles in my body develop amnesia, and this class has been the key to waking them up so that they activate and help me get through my day. My pain is less, my left leg meets the floor more solidly, the numbness in my left hip is going away, and I am getting through the day with greater ease. And my hips, glutes and abs in particular are getting stronger! I feel like this class is a magic key to unlock and unwind my scoliosis. It's also a relief to be able to trust this class, because I trust you and know that you have a T5 to L3 fusion like mine. So I have less fear of getting hurt – I focus, listen to your instruction, and listen to my body and know that all of the material that you are presenting is accessible to me."

"I can't say enough good things about Stacy Joyce and her Pilates classes. After undergoing spinal fusion surgery, I was nervous about returning to physical activity. Stacy's expertise, patience, and personalized approach have been truly life-changing. Her classes have significantly improved my core strength, which has been essential for supporting my spine and improving my overall stability. Even more importantly, I've experienced a noticeable reduction in daily pain, something I never thought possible post-surgery. Stacy creates a supportive, welcoming environment and takes the time to understand each person's unique needs. She offers modifications when necessary and always prioritizes safe, effective movement."

"I have practiced yoga since 2003 and I have always had to make my own modifications due to my spine being fused. This can be very intimidating in a regular yoga class, so I practiced yoga at home for years before I felt confident to take a class in a studio. Then when I met Stacy and took one of her classes and found out she's a scoliosis guru, I was hooked! It was the first time I met a teacher who really knew what it's like to not be able to twist and turn like everyone else in the class. Stacy's a wealth of information about spine health and has a unique way of making you feel comfortable. She takes the time to explain different poses and ways to use additional props to make your practice an exceptional experience."

"I attended a really amazing workshop today. I learned more about my scoliosis in the first 30 minutes with Stacy than I have living with it for over 30 years. And yes I have tried yoga, chiropractic, massage, and PT. But somehow the way she explained it just clicked. Not only do I feel SO empowered, but I also left loving my body a little more. I don't have to 'fix' my spine to do yoga 'right.'"

"Stacy is the best yoga instructor I have ever had. She possesses all of the qualities you look for in a teacher and is eager to share all that she knows. You will discover things about yourself that you otherwise may not have known such as posture, temperament, ability, goal-setting and more. Living with scoliosis for 67 years has been challenging at times. After just 4 sessions and daily practice, my chiropractor commented that she has never seen so much change is such a short time. Now that Stacy is on my 'personal wellness team,' I am confident that I will have continued success towards enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle."

"I booked the private scoliosis Pilates sessions with Stacy. She took the time to explain how scoliosis affects my body. In each session, I was shown simple and easy to replicate exercises, that I was able to do at home. I am happy to report, for the first time in years I am not in constant pain. I plan to book more sessions with Stacy."

 "Stacy is very friendly and personable, and she is very knowledgeable of what those of us with scoliosis need in our yoga practice. As we age, scoliosis increases its presence on our bodies, and I have found yoga to be a big help for me. In my sessions with Stacy, she asks and then listens to my assessments (complaints!) of what and where my body stresses are at that day or at that week. She also asks if I feel there is anything I need to work on. The yoga poses and sequences she takes me through are geared appropriately to my abilities and asymmetries, and where I am that day. As my strength and flexibility has allowed, she has guided me into more full versions of some poses. To help along, Stacy gently imparts how important it is that I practice the poses between our sessions. To aid me in this, she gives me notes from the session, along with a few reminder pictures of me in poses with all those (helpful!) props. At home, I practice my yoga seriously, several times per week or more, if I can. In my three-plus months so far with Stacy, my strength and flexibility have grown, and my posture, and even my gait, has improved. I'm very happy with it all!"

"I took Stacy's Yoga and Scoliosis workshop with my 19 year old daughter. We both found it to be very informative. My daughter had surgery 2 years ago, she is an athlete and welcomed Stacy's expertise. Stacy's knowledge and passion for teaching this topic is palpable."

"It has been a privilege to work with Stacy as I develop a yoga practice to manage scoliosis. I feel confident in her expertise and appreciate the support I receive. In developing my yoga practice, I realize how important it is to have an instructor with the specialty training and understanding that Stacy brings to her clients. She certainly inspires me!"

 "I began taking yoga with Stacy after I hurt my back picking up my toddler grandson. An x-ray of my lower back indicated L5-S1 degenerative disc disease. Stacy is a knowledgeable and thoughtful teacher with a profound insight into how to deal with back issues. Her own experience with scoliosis and her use of props (yoga straps and therapy balls) have been incredibly helpful to me. Her first-hand experience truly makes a difference in her practice. Practicing with her on a regular basis has been transformative for me, as I become increasingly aware of my posture and how I stand. I even feel an improvement in my knees. I highly recommend her to anyone with back issues or to someone looking to enhance their yoga practice."

"I have been practicing yoga for almost a year now. Practicing with Stacy has been life changing for me. Prior to yoga, I had suffered from lower back issues due to my job. I was seeing a chiropractor for some time and it was not helping at all. Stacy has helped me to improve my lower back and ability to complete my daily tasks. I highly recommend her!"

"I was looking to add something to my daily activity besides weight training and cardio to reduce stiffness. I spoke to Stacy about what I was doing and what I wanted to accomplish. She spoke with me for half an hour on the phone. I knew right then that she was someone that really cared about being able to help my needs. I started one-on-one lessons with Stacy because that's what I knew would benefit me, and indeed it has. She has taught me about breathing, balance, and listening to my body. She has been so helpful. I am feeling much better and making great strides. Thank you, Stacy."

"Stacy creates such a warm and welcoming space for movement, and I love how she makes yoga feel truly accessible for all bodies and abilities. As someone with fibromyalgia, I was a little unsure of how yoga could work for me, but Stacy was incredibly patient and thoughtful in adapting everything to my needs. She helped me find movements that I could incorporate into my busy schedule, and I even got to try a pelvic swing for the first time! If you're looking for a yoga instructor who really listens and cares, especially if you deal with any mobility challenges or chronic pain, I can't recommend Stacy enough."

"As I've aged, I've had issues with posture and balance despite five years of practicing yoga. Stacy's knowledge, gentle teaching, and use of props teaches proper alignment from neck to hips. After two classes, my balance and posture improved. I thoroughly enjoy classes with Stacy!"

"Stacy is one of my revered yoga teachers. Her carefully planned sessions, attention to detail in each pose, and words of both wisdom and encouragement guarantee that after each session I am uplifted in both body and mind. Thank you, Stacy for adding so much to my world!"