Scoliosis Specialty Center

Jodi J. Weitner, PT, MSPT, DPT, PYT-C

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Jodi J. Weitner, PT, MSPT, DPT, PYT-C
Jodi Weitner attended Ithaca College and received her Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) in 2001. After working for two years in the pediatric setting, she participated in the post-graduate program at Drexel University, graduating with her clinical doctoral degree (DPT) in 2005. As part of her doctoral training, Jodi assisted in the development of a Fact Sheet for the APTA regarding Developmental Coordination Disorder (2006).

Jodi has fifteen years of experience working with children from zero to twenty-one years old in a variety of clinical settings including early intervention, school based physical therapy, aquatic therapy, and outpatient physical therapy. She has worked diligently to enhance her knowledge and skills by attending a variety of continuing education and professional development courses within her areas of interest. These include advanced NDT training, aquatic physical therapy and torticollis; she is also an APTA certified clinical instructor.

Jodi has both her C1 (March 2015) and C2 (April 2016) certifications for the three dimensional treatment of Scoliosis via the Barcelona Scoliosis Physiotherapy School. She has also taken several yoga continuing education courses, and is a candidate for certification in Professional Yoga Therapy (PYT). She hopes to complete this certification within the next year. She has been practicing yoga herself for the past three years, and has seen first-hand the physical and social-emotional benefits it provides. She hopes to incorporate this integrative and holistic approach into treatment with her clients, and is especially excited to combine her knowledge of Scoliosis with that of yoga to create Scoliosis specific yoga workshops and classes for PRNY.

Jodi resides in northern NJ with her husband and two children.

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Scoliosis-specific exercises provide significant benefits both before and after vertebral body tethering surgery. Prior to surgery, these exercises help strengthen muscles around the spine, improve flexibility, and optimize posture, which can potentially reduce the severity of the curvature and prepare the body for the procedure. Following surgery, scoliosis-specific exercises play a crucial role in promoting healing, restoring mobility, and preventing muscle imbalances or stiffness.
By adhering to a tailored exercise regimen, patients can support the success of the surgery, enhance their recovery process, and maintain optimal spinal function and alignment in the long term, leading to improved overall well-being and quality of life.
Scoliosis-specific exercises offer important benefits both before and after spinal fusion surgery for scoliosis. Before surgery, these exercises can help improve flexibility, strength, and posture, which may ease symptoms and prepare the body for the procedure. After surgery, these exercises become even more crucial. They aid in regaining strength, promoting healing, and preventing muscle stiffness or weakness that can occur due to the surgical procedure.
By following a tailored exercise program, patients can enhance their recovery, maintain spinal alignment, and improve overall mobility and function, ultimately supporting their long-term well-being and quality of life.
Pregnancy can pose unique challenges for women with scoliosis, a condition where the spine curves sideways. While many women with scoliosis have healthy pregnancies, the added weight and changes in posture during pregnancy can sometimes exacerbate back pain or discomfort. It’s important for women with scoliosis to communicate with their healthcare providers throughout pregnancy to manage any pain or concerns.
Scoliosis Specific physical therapy, proper posture, and sometimes support devices can help alleviate discomfort and promote a smoother pregnancy experience. With proper care and monitoring, most women with scoliosis can enjoy a healthy happy pregnancy and delivery.
Aging adolescent idiopathic scoliosis occurs when the curvature of the spine, which developed during adolescence, progresses or worsens with age. This type of scoliosis affects individuals who had scoliosis as teenagers, and it may cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily activities as they get older. In contrast, adult degenerative scoliosis develops later in life due to wear and tear on the spine’s discs and joints.
It often leads to spinal curvature and can cause back pain, nerve compression, and changes in posture. Treatment options for both conditions may include physical therapy, pain management, and in severe cases, surgery to stabilize the spine and improve quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to minimize symptoms and maintain spinal health
Juvenile idiopathic scoliosis, (JIS) is a type of spinal curvature that occurs in children under the age of 10. Unlike adolescent scoliosis, it may not be related to growth spurts. It affects both boys and girls equally and can lead to uneven shoulders, waist, or hips. Early detection is essential as it allows for timely intervention to prevent the curve from worsening. The research and outcomes for JIS are different than AIS. Treatment options may include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Early Onset Scoliosis, (EOS): Early onset scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways in children under the age of 5. Unlike scoliosis in older children, the cause of early onset scoliosis can be related to congenital spine abnormalities, neuromuscular conditions, or chest wall deformities. This type of scoliosis can affect a child’s breathing and lung development if left untreated. Treatment options may include observation, bracing, growth-friendly surgeries, or a combination of these, aiming to manage the curve and support healthy spine growth as the child grows. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent potential complications and promote better long-term outcomes.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves during a growth spurt in teenagers. It affects around 2-3% of adolescents, typically girls, aged 10-18 and will appear on an xray like a C or S shape. While the cause is unknown, genetics may play a role, and thus can be present in the family history.

Early detection through screenings is crucial, as mild cases may not cause symptoms but can progress over time. Treatment options include observation, physical therapy, bracing, or in severe cases, surgery, aiming to prevent curve progression and maintain spinal alignment for a healthy, active life.

New Jersey Offices:

265 Route 46, Suite 102 Totowa, NJ 07512
218 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 204 Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927

South Carolina Office:

1671 Belle Isle Ave, Suit S Mount Pleasant, SC 29464

Texas Office:

Round Rock, TX (Austin area) 3309 Forest Creek Dr Suite 302 Round Rock, TX 78664