It is well known that exercise can help avoid illness and assist with the recovery from illness. It often is, for example, a part of cancer survivors' regimens.
I just saw an article about exercise and scoliosis or curvature of the spine (NY Times, May 13, 2014). The article discussed research concerning the Schroth method, an exercise, breathing and stretching method developed in Europe a century ago. With some patients, the Schroth method can "improve[ ] patient outcomes and reduce[ ] the need for surgery." One 15 year old was "out of pain for the first time in five years" in only three days of using the method.
The summary of the research was that the method when used in the right situation "can change the chance of curve progression."
The body adapts to training. What else can we do?