Pilates for Scoliosis in Sofia
Scoliosis is a three-dimensional curvature of the spine - a combination of lateral bend and vertebral rotation that creates an intricate, individual shape in each person who lives with it. No two spines with scoliosis are the same, which is precisely why generic exercise classes are rarely adequate, and why an individualised, spine-aware approach matters so much.
At The Black Swan Pilates in Sofia, three of our five instructors are trained to work specifically with scoliosis. Our approach is grounded in the BASI method - Body Arts and Science International, founded by Rael Isacowitz - which emphasises deep understanding of individual movement needs and the application of Pilates as a precise, science-based tool for managing spinal conditions.
The BASI Pilates framework for working with scoliosis is built around three core objectives, as described by Rika Brixie, BASI Faculty and creator of the BASI Pilates for Scoliosis workshop:
"By directing the three-dimensional curves of the spine to the most neutral position possible for the individual during exercise, effective conditioning can then take place. Gains in strength will then support this more neutral alignment, as opposed to reinforcing the dysfunctional posture that can result from scoliosis." - Rika Brixie, BASI Faculty, Scoliosis Awareness Month article, BASI Pilates
Spinal neutrality. Directing the spine toward its most neutral position for that individual, so that strength gains support better alignment rather than reinforcing compensation patterns.
Trunk stability. As Rika Brixie notes:
"Excessive curvatures in a spine with scoliosis can often mean that the spine is relatively unstable, as it adjusts naturally through different planes of movement. Focus on trunk stability keeps the spine strong and avoids placing strain on the curved segments of the spine." - Rika Brixie, BASI Faculty
Balanced mobility. Some areas of a scoliotic curve have reduced mobility; others have excessive mobility. As Brixie explains:
"Developing and maintaining balanced mobility through all segments of the spine offloads discomfort and helps to deter progression of a curvature over time." - Rika Brixie, BASI Faculty
Rael Isacowitz's foundational approach - teaching people to think about their movement rather than simply perform exercises - is at the heart of how we approach each client with scoliosis. Every session is built around your specific curve pattern, not a standard scoliosis programme.
Our instructors
All three teach in English and Bulgarian.
Теодора
Qualified kinesiotherapist (National Sports Academy Vasil Levski, Sofia, 2023) and Pilates instructor specialising in scoliosis. Combines kinesiotherapy principles with Pilates to improve posture, balance, and functional movement.
Васи
BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training (Izmir, 2024-2026), specialising in scoliosis and prenatal pilates.
Елица
Founder and lead instructor.
BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training (London, 2016-2017), BASI Mentor Program (Thessaloniki, 2025), BASI Injuries & Pathologies Certificate (London, 2025).
Private sessions or small group - which is right for you?
For clients with scoliosis, we typically recommend beginning with private 1:1 sessions. This allows us to assess your specific curve pattern, understand your history and any pain, and build a personalised programme before transitioning to group work.
Our small group Reformer classes - capped at four people - include clients with scoliosis and are taught with ongoing individual corrections. Our instructors are trained to identify what each client needs in real time and adapt accordingly.
Sofia's first & only BASI Pilates Host Studio · Lozenets ·
Every spine tells its own story. Your program starts with us listening to yours.