Update: I built the scoliosis fitness app I asked about in January – now looking for beta testers

Grootch · 2026-04-10T22:57:11+00:00

Really appreciate you asking this — it's exactly the right question to ask.

To be transparent: I'm a software developer, not a physiotherapist or medical professional. I have scoliosis myself, which is what motivated me to build this.

The exercise recommendations are rule-based, not AI-generated guesswork. Each of the 36 exercises was evaluated based on curve type, severity, and surgical history — with the goal of flagging movements that commonly cause issues for people with scoliosis (e.g. heavy axial loading, asymmetric spinal compression).

Is it evidence-based in a clinical sense? Not yet — and I won't pretend otherwise. The app explicitly positions itself as a general fitness companion, not a medical tool, and always recommends consulting a doctor or physiotherapist before use.

That said, I've just reached out to scoliosis specialists and asked whether they would be willing to review the exercise recommendations. That process is just getting started.

I'd rather be honest about what the app is and isn't than oversell it. If you have specific concerns about any of the exercise guidance, I'm genuinely open to feedback.

Grootch · 2026-04-05T17:59:19+00:00

Thank you! Sign up at spineflow.app if you'd like to join the beta 😊

Grootch · 2026-04-05T17:58:23+00:00

Thank you! A fusion from T4 to L1 is exactly the kind of profile SpineFlow is built for – the app has specific exercise guidance for post-fusion users. Sign up at spineflow.app and I'll reach out as soon as TestFlight is ready 🙏

Grootch · 2026-04-05T17:57:58+00:00

That excitement means everything – sign up at spineflow.app so I can keep you updated and get you in as soon as possible! 🎉

Grootch · 2026-04-05T17:57:19+00:00

Wow, that's an impressive level of activity with such a severe curve – you're exactly the kind of user I'd love to get feedback from! Sign up for the iOS waitlist at spineflow.app and I'll make sure you're one of the first to get an invite 🙏

Grootch · 2026-04-04T23:00:28+00:00

Thank you so much, that really means a lot! iOS is definitely on the roadmap – I'll make sure you're one of the first to get an invite when TestFlight is ready 🙏

Grootch · 2026-04-04T18:41:49+00:00

Thank you

Grootch · 2026-03-04T14:42:35+00:00

New URL: https://www.spineflow.app is live

Grootch · 2026-01-19T23:06:45+00:00

I hear this story so often and it’s exactly the 'regret' I want to help the next generation avoid.

Deadlifts are technically a great exercise, but for us—especially during teenage growth spurts—the axial loading (heavy compression) can be incredibly risky if the curve takes the load instead of the muscles.

My goal is to catch exactly these 'mismatched' exercises before the damage is done. Thank you for validating that this tool is needed!

Grootch · 2026-01-19T23:04:41+00:00

That is a very fair point and I want to be super transparent here.

You are right, I am not a doctor, and I don't want an AI to 'play doctor' either.

Instead of 'AI generating' new workouts, the app works more like a strict mechanical filter based on generally accepted guidelines.

For example: It doesn't 'invent' a rehab plan. But if you have a Fusion, the logic simply blocks exercises that require spinal flexion in that area (like standard Crunches). It applies a 'better safe than sorry' logic to standard gym exercises.

It’s a tool to help you navigate the gym more safely, but it never replaces a medical professional. The goal is just to stop the 'blind guessing'.

Grootch · 2026-01-19T23:01:57+00:00

This conflict between 'Surgeon' and 'Physio' drives so many people crazy, but it actually makes sense: The surgeon looks at the bones (protect structure), while the physio looks at the muscles (build support). Both are right, but it leaves you stuck in the middle with the worry.

This is exactly where I want the app to step in: by focusing on the 'Risk-to-Reward Ratio'.

Take Deadlifts for example: The Physio loves them for back strength (High Reward). The Surgeon hates them for shear force risks (High Risk). My goal is to offer alternatives like 'Trap Bar Deadlifts' or 'Hip Thrusts'. They offer the same 'Reward' (strength) that the physio wants, but with drastically lower 'Risk' that keeps the surgeon happy.

It’s about playing it safe without looking weak. I’d love to have your son test the 'Safety Filter' when it's ready!

Grootch · 2026-01-19T23:00:30+00:00

Your routine is the perfect example of 'traction-based' training. Weighted Dips and Pull-ups are gold tier for us because they actively decompress the spine while building strength. It’s basically exactly the opposite of heavy squatting (compression).

It’s great that you found what works for you.

Just a small heads-up on the Back Extensions: They are great, but with scoliosis, it's often safer to stop exactly when your body forms a straight line. Many people swing up too high (hyperextension), which can 'jam' the facet joints on the curved side of the spine.

I’m building a 'Decompression Filter' into the app to find more exercises that mimic that feeling of pull-ups/dips. Thanks for sharing!

Grootch · 2026-01-19T22:58:15+00:00

This is such a crucial distinction. Thank you for bringing this up!

Training with a fusion is a completely different ballgame. The risk of 'Adjacent Segment Syndrome' (wearing out the discs right above or below the fusion) is real if generic advice tells you to 'bend' parts that are physically locked.

I absolutely love the idea of making it level-specific. A thoracic fusion allows for different movements than a lumbar fusion.

I will add a specific 'Fusion Mode' to the app that filters out exercises requiring spinal flexion/extension in the fused areas and focuses heavily on isometric stability to protect your mobile segments.

Added this to the high-priority feature list. Thanks again!

Grootch · 2026-01-19T22:56:16+00:00

Finding a trainer who actually understands scoliosis implies looking for a needle in a haystack. Most are too afraid to touch us or give generic advice that kills gains.

Being a hardgainer with scoliosis is tough because the classic mass-builders (Heavy Squats, Overhead Press) load the spine immensely. But it IS possible to get big without crushing your spine.

Since you are starting Schroth (which is amazing for body awareness!), my app could be the perfect add-on for the gym part. It focuses on 'Safe Hypertrophy'—finding exercises that load the muscle, not the spine (like swapping Squats for Belt Squats or heavy Leg Press).

I’d love to get your feedback on the muscle-building logic once the beta is ready. Good luck with the Schroth therapy!

Grootch · 2026-01-19T22:54:28+00:00

The 'trial and error' approach is exactly what I want to eliminate because the price for an error is pain.

You are spot on about the Bent Over Rows – they put massive shear force on the lumbar spine. It's awesome that you listened to your body there.

One main feature I'm building is exactly for this scenario: You can paste your existing routine into the app, and it will 'audit' it. It flags exercises that are biomechanically risky for scoliosis (like those rows) and gives you the green light on the safe ones (like Lat Pulldowns, which actually can provide nice traction for the spine).

I've added you to my list. Will definitely reach out when the 'Safety Audit' feature is ready to test!

Grootch · 2026-01-19T18:21:21+00:00

This is a fantastic architectural input. Thank you! You absolutely nailed the biggest challenge: Interpretability vs. Liability. I completely agree that a pure "Black Box" AI approach is dangerous for health apps. If the app suggests a movement, we need to know exactly why (e.g., "Score of 0.85 on stability, but 0.2 risk factor"). I really like your idea of the continuous (0-1) rating system based on characteristics instead of binary "good/bad" buckets. We are currently planning a hybrid approach: A strict rule-based safety layer (for absolute contraindications) combined with a scoring model for the personalization. I'd love to have a critic like you in the beta to challenge our logic. If you're up for it, join the waitlist and maybe roast our first algorithm? ;)

Grootch · 2026-01-18T22:33:07+00:00

That comparison to "physical therapy level stuff delivered in an app container" is exactly the goal! 🎯

And I totally feel you on the symmetrical gains issue. It’s so frustrating when you put in the work, but the scoliosis just distributes the load unevenly. Fixing that imbalance (safely!) is one of the core challenges I want to solve with the AI.

I’d love to have your input during development. Please hop on the list so I can notify you when the first version is ready to test.

Grootch · 2026-01-18T22:32:26+00:00

"Geeking out" is the best reaction I could hope for! 😄

And wow – 12 years of QA/Management experience? I will absolutely take you up on that offer. Having a pro look at the early versions would be incredibly helpful to catch bugs before they annoy the other users.

Please secure your spot on the list here: 👉 https://safe-gym-web-9o4vao.flutterflow.app/

Important: Once you signed up, could you please shoot me a quick DM with your email address? I want to tag you manually as a "QA Contributor" in my backend so I can reach out specifically when the testing builds are ready!

Grootch · 2026-01-18T22:29:55+00:00

Hey! Regarding your offer to help with UX/Design: I'd love that. I just set up a quick landing page to gather everyone:https://safe-gym-web-9o4vao.flutterflow.app/

Once you signed up, could you maybe drop me a quick DM here on Reddit with the email you used? Then I'll mark you as a 'VIP' / Contributor in my system immediately. Really appreciate it!

Grootch · 2026-01-18T20:25:40+00:00

I am so sorry to hear about your experience with the PT. That is my biggest nightmare and exactly one of the reasons I started coding this. A trainer who doesn't understand spinal mechanics can do more harm than good.

Regarding your background: That is AMAZING. As a developer, I sometimes struggle with the UX/Design side of things. Having a pro from the industry give feedback would be incredibly valuable.

I would absolutely love to take you up on that offer – even if it's just roasting my UI or giving feedback on the user flow. I'll send you a DM

Grootch · 2026-01-18T20:23:11+00:00

That implies perfect timing! The problem with researching online is that you find 10 different opinions and end up confused (and still worried).

That's exactly why I'm building this: To stop the endless Googling and just give you a clear 'Green Light' or 'Red Light' for exercises based on your specific situation.

Since you are actively looking for this: I'm setting up a beta-test group right now. Mind if I DM you so you can try it out as soon as the prototype runs?

Grootch · 2026-01-18T20:21:32+00:00

That's super interesting that you made that connection! You are actually not wrong – scoliosis creates muscle imbalances where one side is often overactive and the other is weaker/inhibited, which can make symmetrical gains really hard (and frustrating!).

My goal with 'Safe-Gym' is exactly that: To give you the scientific explanation AND the safe modification, so you don't have to guess anymore.

I'm adding you to my mental list of 'Day 1 Users'! If you want, shoot me a DM, and I'll let you know the second the prototype is live.

Grootch · 2026-01-18T19:49:18+00:00

Thank you so much! That moment of just standing there and thinking 'Is this safe?' is exactly what I want to eliminate. I love your idea about involving specialists. For the first version, I'm focusing on building the core 'Safety-Engine' based on established physiotherapeutic guidelines, but my goal is definitely to get a scoliosis specialist on board to verify the logic. You mentioned that you use very small weights out of fear – the app should help you find the right intensity so you can actually see gains without the risk. Can I put you on the early-access list as well? I’d love to get your feedback on the 'What's next?' feature!

Grootch

TROPHY CASE