Scoliosis Therapy Centers

Scoliosis is a deformity that must be corrected in all three planes to derotate and realign the spine, correcting the scoliotic curve. Physical therapists and specialists apply a corrective force to the spinal curvature using the physics and biometrics of the spine. 

By derotating the spine, we are able to elongate it and reverse the asymmetry caused by scoliosis. It offers improved alignment of spinal curvatures and reduces the progression of scoliosis to ensure the scoliotic curve does not get worse.

Wood G., 2019 Relative Efficacy of Symmetrical, Semi-symmetrical and Asymmetrical Scoliosis Braces for Cobb Angle and 3D Correction of Idiopathic Scoliosis. Presented at Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) Conference 2019

Another benefit of WCR bracing for scoliosis is that we can elongate the spine without the use of distraction to improve the curve magnitude. Your team will determine the curve type which guides the principles of the brace correction required to best improve the deformity of the spine and reduce the risk for curve progression. Improving the curve magnitude reduces the severity of scoliosis and helps improve the range of motion. 

There are expansion areas built into the brace to allow dynamic correction of the spine. This enables the elongation of the shortened muscles on one side while strengthening the lengthened muscles on the other. This conservative treatment is a higher level of technology that requires a WCR-certified orthotist to properly fit the brace and make adjustments.

Bracing in the Treatment of AIS: Evidence to date

Wood G. 2014. Brace Modifications That Can Result In Improved Curve Correction In Idiopathic Scoliosis. Scoliosis; 9(1):2.

The sagittal plane has often been ignored when treating scoliosis, which creates postural abnormalities and structural issues. Maintaining a normal lumbar lordotic curve is important to prevent the spine from a compensatory proximal curve and maintain the full range of motion of the spine. The normal degree range of kyphosis is 20 to 50 degrees and lordosis is 20 to 40 degrees. 

The WCR brace and other types of braces are created to maintain the correct alignment of the upper and lumbar curves. It requires skillful treatment from WCR-certified orthotists to fit each patient correctly. The longer the brace is worn, the more improvement from the patient for structural alignment, support, and range of motion.

Wood G. 2016. Sagittal Plane Normalization Using CAD/CAM for Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis. Academy Today; 12(2).

Translations of the body created by the brace help realign the spinal curvature for better support and balance of the body. WCR bracing and other types of bracing like Rigo-Chêneau use a fixed point in the spine to realign and obtain the necessary correction of the three-dimensional curve. The braces are custom fitted for each patient to control the translation of the body and spinal curve. It improves the strength of the spine to reduce the severity of the spinal deformity.

One of the benefits of WCR bracing for scoliosis is that it’s able to control and provide proper alignment for the spine to reduce the severity of the scoliotic curve. The WCR brace addresses the spinal curve at a higher level, which helps to correct the curvature and reduce the chances of a compensatory proximal curve or the risks of progression of scoliosis. 

A WCR-certified orthotist evaluates the spine for its mobility and flexibility, determining the best progressive treatment program to gradually reduce the spinal curve without creating new misalignments. Otherwise, it can worsen the progression of scoliosis and cause more discomfort for the patient.

Wood G. 2014. Reversing Scoliosis and Brace Treatment of a Proximal Structural Curve. The O&P Edge; 13(3): 58-64

Rib deformation happens when there is pressure on the spine because of a deformity caused by misalignment. It can also happen when a brace improperly places force on the ribs. This can cause pulmonary, circulatory, or digestive issues in the patient. 

The specialized team of experts and orthotists carefully review each patient’s case and severity to decide on the best type of brace and conservative treatment to use. It uses the right amount of pressure to gradually realign the scoliotic curve to reduce the spinal pressure and improve rib deformation without further causing concerns for the patient.

The WCR brace has large expansion chambers and windows built into the brace, which allows a dynamic correction of the scoliotic curve and deformities. WCR bracing and other types of bracing therapies like Rigo-Chêneau teach patients how to incorporate other techniques into their breathing and movement to improve their quality of life. The techniques work together with the benefits of Rigo-Chêneau bracing and the benefits of WCR bracing to function with the expansion and pressure areas from bracing.

The Schroth method and bracing encourage non-surgical treatment for scoliosis, using natural and more conservative therapies to bring the spine into alignment and range of motion into the body. 

WCR braces only provide pressure to the apex of the curves of your spine and provide three-dimensional correction to reduce the progression of scoliosis and improve the deformation of your ribs and other structures. It does not require surgery, which reduces the complications and recovery associated with it. Patients can wear the brace multiple hours a day as suggested by the WCR-certified professional.

Bracing is customized to the severity and requirements of each patient, which means that each brace is custom fitted by a professional that’s WCR-certified to find the right brace for their scoliosis. Your orthotist takes multiple scans and consults with additional teams before deciding on a type of brace for you. They custom-fit the brace to the severity of your scoliosis and spinal curvature. If the brace does not fit well or according to the standards, the orthotist can change the brace. This means you will have a brace that matches your scoliosis the best to realign the spine and treat the curve.