Our Approach

There are many different braces available for individuals to use. Your physician determines which brace would be the most appropriate to use. This is dependent on many factors including bone age (bony maturity, severity of the curve, curve type, underlying conditions, etc. We have extensive training in many types of braces including: Wood Cheneau Rigo, Gensingen, Providence, Boston, and Charleston to ensure that each patient is fit with the brace that is best for their treatment.

Patient history information will be collected. A detailed clinical assessment/evaluation is performed and the patient's treatment plan will be formulated.

Approximately 20 photos of you will be taken to capture the rotation of your body and spine as well as the curvature and alignment of your body.

A scoliometer is used to determine the objective rotation in a numerical value and that number will be written in non-permanent marker on your back showing apex and length of curves.

A scan will be taken using the structure scanner on my iPad which is a safe way to create a 3-D image of your body.You will then be asked to choose what color you would like your brace. There are quite a few options for colors and designs that you can select. You will be asked to choose 2 patterns. From this point all the information will be gathered from the initial evaluation including the photographs, scan, scoliometer readings, the x-rays provided and the design and fabrication process will begin.

The Schroth Method is comprised of muscle education treatment that directly addresses the three-dimensional deformity of the spine and trunk complex. Through active muscle contraction and proper breathing techniques, improve posture of the body and promote muscular control to reduce progression of the curve(s) during growth.

Schroth therapy works congruently with the brace as the patients are taught to breath into the concavities of the spine, the braces have large expansion areas built in allowing dynamic correction. The therapy teaches the patient how to optimize breathing and body movements to function with these expansion and contact areas. Because of these expansion areas, the patient is able to breath effortlessly and does not feel squeezed by the brace.

We offer patients 2 complimentary sessions at Monmouth Schroth Scoliosis Physical Therapy in order to help give them a strong start to their treatment.

Please allow 3 hours for the fitting appointment. During this appointment we will assess the trimlines and make any modifications necessary to optimize both the fit and function of the brace.

During this appointment, we will review the wearing schedule, how to put on and take off the brace, how to perform skin checks, and answer any questions you may have. Photos will be taken in order for our team to review.

After we fit and dispense the brace to the patient, it is recommended to measure the height of the child without shoes against a wall or edge of a door just by making a mark. Please do this both standing and sitting in a chair every 2-3 months. This helps to accurately assess the change in height and how much of the height change occurred in the spine. The exact height is not as important as the change in height the period of time in which it occurred.

We work as a team throughout your entire treatment. You may work with one person more frequently, but we will both be reviewing your treatment plan in detail.

Patients should plan on visiting our office every 3 months after receiving the brace or more if they are growing rapidly. Parents should contact us once your child has shown significant growth in height (usually exceeding1.5inches) or significant weight change. Changes in weight are usually easy for us to accommodate however growth in the trunk is more important for us to monitor. A visit to our office depends on many factors which include the results of in-brace x-rays, patient growth, clinical photo reviews and any fit issues that arise. The initial fitting brace life is approximately 10-15 months which depends on the patient's growth in height (trunk length) and in some cases the change in curve pattern. There is no charge for a follow-up visit and appropriate fit of the brace is important.