Reddit mentions of Pressure Positive Co. The Jacknobber II (Blue)

Have had PF on/off for 15 years. I've tried everything. First, everyone seems to find themselves a different cure. Second, I don't think the medical industry understands it because they've been recommending the same stuff for 50 years with poor results. this is a great summary of all the things you could try. What worked for me was rubbing this quite vigorously into the bottom of my foot several times a day. That's all it took. $8. Good luck in your search.

> I've been told by EVERYONE that building a strong back helps but have found that to not be true.

I would concur. IMHO, people who don't suffer from scoliosis just repeat what is in the literature. Obviously, there is a back imbalance, but what kind? I've been told by a medical doctor that swimming would help, but why? 'Because it is "good" for the back.'

In terms of exercises, I've found !transverse rotation! to be the key, and unfortunately, it's hard to replicate that movement with bodyweight training. It's probably the biggest gap in bodyweight after lack of leg development.

No comment about 'wall angels,' I never did them.

Foam rolling & triggerpoint release - it might be that your foam roller is too soft, or you don't know where the hot spots are (I'm hazarding a guess). Now, I'm not a medical doctor, but you'd do yourself a favour by getting [Clair Davies' book] (https://www.amazon.com/Trigger-Point-Therapy-Workbook-Self-Treatment-ebook/dp/B00ECLGALG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494967995&sr=8-1&keywords=clair+davies+trigger+point+therapy+workbook) and getting suitable tools. I have several, but I've found the jackknobber and the [Massage Block Twinblock Pro] (https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Headache-Performance-Myofascial-Recovery/dp/B00W4LZZK8/ref=sr_1_cc_1_a_it?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1494968059&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=massage%2Bblock&th=1) to be my go-to tools. [This chart] (http://www.proudback.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/trigger-points.jpg) might also help.

S-curve - So I've seen your vid 3 times, and I can't see your S-curve, especially because you don't face your back directly to the camera. It is likely not as pronounced as you think (if image was an issue).

What strikes me though is how stiff your thoracic spine is. It is kyphotic even when you are hanging from the bar (I had a 'permanently' kyphotic T-spine too). I'd do research on how to mobilise it, because it is evolved to be mobile, whereas yours seems to be a solid block.

> how my spine effects my ability to progress

I've not found my scoliosis to hinder my calisthenics training. The major concern is can you make it worse by training? And I believe you can. That's why I use foam rolling / triggerpoint release to keep it at bay, though /u/xBrodysseus has experienced improvement because of training.

>I don't understand the mechanics at work.

The mechanics of the front lever are the same whether you have scoliosis or not. Maximum effort retraction and maximum RoM depression of the scapulae, and then pushing the handle down to your hips.

>Making it impossible to get my back truly straight (It also makes form checks pretty frustrating)

As far as I can tell, your T-spine is not mobile in the sagittal plane. This is a kyphosis issue, not a scoliosis one.

Front Lever - Regarding form-checks, was this your last set? If I may be frank, the L-sit pullups were not clean, you were struggling with the front pull to tucked front lever, and your jack-knife front lever did not have any scapular retraction.

If this is your regular strength level, you need to regress to horizontal rows and work those moves with maximum scapular retraction. This would be my advice to you whether or not you have scoliosis.

Front lever is certainly (easily) within your build, but you are likely not strong enough to be practicing front lever holds (insufficient scapular retraction).

Any firm or full pillow between the knees when on the side and under the knees when laying on your back is VERY helpful! I have this same problem, and the pillow REALLY helps.

ANY TIME you lay on your back (at the doctor or the beach, wherever, keep one leg up. (raised, bent at knee, foot flat on surface). If you are standing for a while, keep a small step stool or pile of books about 4 - 6" high, to rest on leg on. This keeps the curve in your back and reduces back stress.

Do yoga stretches like the cat/camel stretch, and side stretches, also pyriformis stretches (left ankle on right knee, try to press left knee downward, switch legs) and hurdlers stretches.

Also, get a Jacknobber. Start with the smallest "knob". Press firmly and deeply into your buttocks and around your hip joints. If you feel pain, press it there until the pain recedes. Rotate the tool to find all the muscle spasms in that area, then move on to the next spot. Be careful if the pain is burning, that could be a nerve. Move on to the next area!

I had SEVERE unrelenting back pain for 20 years, but after a few hours of deep tissue massage this way in my hip and pelvis, I no longer have back pain at all! Turns out it was referred pain from microspasms!