Many teens diagnosed with scoliosis worry that they will have to stop playing sports. The good news is that most children and adolescents with scoliosis can continue participating in the activities they love. In this article, three teen athletes share their experiences playing sports while managing scoliosis, including bracing, surgery recovery, and returning to competition.
Can You Play Sports with Scoliosis?
There is not a causative link between any sport and scoliosis. In fact, leading experts encourage sports and physical activity for children and adolescents with scoliosis. There is even emerging research to suggest that sport participation may be protective against the progression of scoliosis in growing children and adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. If you want to learn more about the research surrounding sports and scoliosis, read our blog post "Let Them Play Sports! Addressing the Topic of Sports and Scoliosis."
In this post, we’ll explore how three athletes with scoliosis have continued to compete.
Returning to Volleyball after Vertebral Body Tethering
Carly T. | Age 16 | Massachusetts
As an athlete, my scoliosis journey has shaped me in ways I never expected. Volleyball has always been a huge part of my life, and while my diagnosis didn’t affect me much at first, my worsening curves eventually required vertebral body tethering (VBT) surgery. I was scared, but I knew it was my best chance to keep playing the sport that I loved.
I had surgery on June 11, 2024, and spent the summer recovering before the upcoming high school season. Coming off a record breaking year, I had high aspirations but struggled more than I expected. Sitting on the sidelines was tough, but it pushed me to work harder than ever. Recovery taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of being a team player beyond just skill.
By the end of the season, I still wasn’t where I wanted to be, but I earned a spot on my club’s national team, giving me the chance to keep growing. Scoliosis challenged me mentally and physically, but I emerged stronger. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but it has taught me gratitude for my body, my sport, and those who have supported me.
Balancing Soccer and Scoliosis Bracing Schedules
Molly K. | Age 17 | New York
The first time I packed for a tournament with my scoliosis brace, I faced a tough choice: extra gear or extra space for my brace? Spoiler alert—I found a way to bring both.
Early on, I was uncomfortable with people knowing I had a brace, making travel for sports stressful. My solution? A “brace bag.” Most athletes use a duffel, but I made sure mine had extra pockets. One pocket held my brace, while the rest fit everything else I needed for the weekend. It looked normal, was easy to carry, and blended in with team gear.
A duffel is perfect for storing the brace on a plane, team bus, or in a car, and Amazon has plenty of affordable options that fit a brace perfectly. Now, packing is simple—I never have to choose between my brace and my gear. I bring both!
Returning to Martial Arts After Scoliosis Surgery
Leia M. | Age 14 | California
The pandemic was a challenging time for my family. I mean, not only were we stuck at home, but, in 2020, I was diagnosed with scoliosis. At 9, I didn't fully grasp its seriousness, but, after two years in a brace and spinal surgery, I realized I needed to adapt to my new life.
One major change affected my sports. I had been practicing taekwondo since I was 5 and also competed in fencing, which complicated things. Recovering from surgery was tough; I was bedridden and couldn't do anything for months. When I finally returned to my sports, everything felt different. I was slower and anxious about letting everyone down.
However, despite my doubts, my body remembered what to do. After months of hard work, I passed my second-degree black belt test, and I soon returned to the fencing circuit stronger than before. Change has been slow, but I’m better off because of it. After all, I'm still competing, even if it’s different now. I just needed to learn how to trust myself, and to trust the process. We may have bent spines, but we are far from broken!
Game On: Continuing to Compete with Scoliosis
Navigating the world of scoliosis often comes with challenges, but sports can offer a powerful outlet for healing, connection, and personal growth. Whether it’s the rush of a good practice, the bond with teammates, or the sense of accomplishment after a game, physical activity nourishes both the body and mind. Embracing sports as part of your scoliosis journey isn’t just about competition—it’s about showing up for yourself, finding joy in movement, and building resilience one play at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sports & Scoliosis
1. Do sports make scoliosis worse?
Sports do not generally make scoliosis worse; in fact, most physical activity appears protective against progression in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) [1]. However, certain high-level activities, like ballet and gymnastics, show associations with scoliosis that warrant individualized assessment.
2. Do ballet or gymnastics make scoliosis worse?
Ballet and gymnastics are associated with a slightly higher chance of developing scoliosis. However, it's unclear if these activities cause scoliosis or if people naturally drawn to these sports already have traits that make scoliosis more likely (ie: extra flexible)[1].
3. Can you return to playing sports after having a spinal fusion?
Yes, most patients can successfully return to sports after spinal fusion for scoliosis, with the majority resuming athletic activities within 8-12 months postoperatively [2].
References:
1. Newman M, Hannink E, Barker KL. Associations between physical activity and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023.
2. Nassar JE, Ammar LA, Daher M, et al. Return to sport after posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a systematic review and clinical recommendations. Am J Sports Med. 2026.
