Our Mission
The TWiSTED OUTREACH PROJECT for BACK CARE and SCOLIOSIS (TOPS) is a Vancouver, Canada-based non-profit resource centre registered under the umbrella of the Marta Marta HoP Dance Society that provides a range of holistic and creative approaches to working with back care and scoliosis.
We connect patients, parents, practitioners, teachers and researchers, enabling them to share personalized treatment regimes and explore new ways of managing scoliosis and its social and emotional consequences. We run workshops, connect specialists, empower individuals, build community, raise awareness and provide resources.
Find your community, find your strength: Join a SCOLIOSIS SUPPORT GROUP!
Wherever you are in your scoliosis journey, support is important. That’s why TOPS is proud to share about two (free!) monthly online support groups: Fusion Support Group with Samamkaya Yoga, and Twisty Scoliosis Support Group with TOPS!
SOMATICS is amazing for SCOLIOSIS
Ever wondered what Somatics is?
It’s a movement practice designed to encourage deep listening of the body. Somatics helps us retrain our brains to find lost connections. This type of movement practice is meant to be done very slowly and gently, avoiding all discomfort. To begin, we always recommend doing an assessment of your body - to see where you are ‘at’.
People with scoliosis often find immediate benefits from this technique as it helps to find new softness, fluidity, and pain-free connections in the whole body. We shared ‘tastes’ from our new ‘10+1 Somatic Movements for Scoliosis and Fusions (On The Floor)’ video series across our social media channel for Scoliosis Awareness Month, to make these gentle movements even more accessible.
Want to purchase the complete version of this 47-minute Somatic movement practice? Visit the TOPS Digital Studio
10+1 SOMATIC MOVEMENTS FOR SCOLIOSIS AND FUSIONS (ON THE FLOOR) - SERIES TEASER!
Twisted outreach project: BACK-FRIENDLY RESOURCES & CONTENT SINCE 2009
Deborah Wolk, NYC-based Yoga for Scoliosis specialist, refers to the Twisted Outreach Project website as: “One of the most comprehensive resource guides to scoliosis and spinal fusion for yoga and all types of complementary therapies, as well as firsthand accounts of [Martha's] and others' experiences."
Explore our Back Care page; try a free 15-30 minute online video call with Martha to see if private online consultation is right for you; check out our Resources page; read Martha’s serial blog about her Healing Journey. Enjoy exploring the site - and please contact us if we can help.
Image from Martha’s 2009 solo show, TWiSTED.
Classes and Workshops
We offer a variety of back care workshops and classes taught by local, national and international instructors. Classes foster community and help students develop a personal practice.
TOPS TEEN ZONE
Though some people are diagnosed in childhood, most people only learn they have scoliosis in their early teens. Through TOPS, teens share their stories, experiences and insights.
Private Consultations
Working one-on-one provides students with more individual attention and personalized adjustment. It’s also a great way for students to deepen their personal practice and body awareness.
Stay Informed!
Get advance notice about upcoming events as well as new information and resources by subscribing to our monthly e-newsletter.
We respect your privacy. We will not share your information with anyone else. Ever.
Martha Carter, TOPS Founder
Our Founder
TOPS founder Martha Carter was diagnosed with scoliosis at the age of 11 and was given little information, options or resources. Her own healing journey inspired her to provide others with the community and support that she lacked.
Support the Cause
Your financial contribution can help us to grow our community as well as expand the classes, workshops and resources we offer.
Our Community
Local. National. International. All ages. All walks of life. We provide a non-judgmental, open and safe space for all who connect with us. Our network unites not only patients and professionals but family, students, artists, and the general public.
We support and empower our community through dialogue, stories, workshops and resources. Stay in touch!