SCOLI

Insights from the Latest Spine and Scoliosis Support Group Meeting

2 minutes
The SCOLI Team at the Spine and Scoliosis Support Group on April 10, 2025.
Pictured (left to right): Aditi Choudhary, Ben Carnovale, Armani Manov, Ayesha Waheed, Abigail Crum, Rida Mitha, Will Rabon, Meredith Anderson, Nicholas Grice, Shaunak Patil

We recently held our Spine and Scoliosis Support Group meeting, bringing together patients, medical professionals, and staff for an informative and uplifting evening. The event featured educational presentations, inspiring patient stories, and valuable networking opportunities for our community.

Expert Insights on the Schroth Method

Our keynote speaker, Lauren Marie Azzarello, PT, delivered an exceptional presentation on the Schroth Method, a specialized physical therapy approach for scoliosis treatment. Ms. Azzarello demonstrated how this conservative treatment option uses customized exercises to address each patient’s specific spinal curve pattern. The method focuses on rotational breathing techniques and posture awareness to help improve spinal alignment, reduce pain, and potentially slow curve progression. Attendees had the opportunity to observe proper technique demonstrations and learn how this approach complements traditional scoliosis treatments.

If you’d like to know if the Schroth Method is a right adjunctive therapy for you, feel free to connect with us.

Patient Success Stories

One of the most impactful portions of our meeting featured patients of Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Hamilton sharing their personal journeys with scoliosis. These motivational testimonials highlighted real-world treatment outcomes and provided encouragement to those currently navigating their own condition. The candid discussions included both challenges and triumphs, with plenty of good-natured humor that kept the atmosphere positive and engaging.

Community Connection

The support group provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to connect with others facing similar challenges. Our guests, faculty, and staff enjoyed outstanding refreshments while building relationships and sharing experiences in a supportive environment.

We extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this event. We look forward to hosting our next Spine and Scoliosis Support Group meeting in August. Stay tuned for more details about the date, location, and featured speakers!

For more information about SCOLI and upcoming events, please contact our office.


If you attended this meeting, we’d love your feedback on how we can do better. Please fill out this form with your comments (names are OPTIONAL).

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The Spine Computational Outcomes Learning Institute at the University of Pittsburgh drives breakthroughs in neurosurgical care through pioneering research and cross-disciplinary innovation, while UPMC combines clinical excellence with this groundbreaking research to transform lives. The Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building diverse teams that advance neurological care for all patients.