Types of Spinal Curves Treated at Transformative Life Therapy Center
At Transformative Life Therapy Center, we provide comprehensive treatment for mild, moderate, and severe scoliosis. Our team, led by Dr. Leoradarto, has treated patients with scoliosis ranging from a Cobb angle of 10° to as high as 120°. Patients with kyphosis typically have thoracic Cobb angles between 50°-85°, as seen on lateral spinal X-rays. We take a proactive approach to scoliosis and kyphosis treatment, focusing on improving quality of life, managing pain, and preventing curve progression.
Who is Eligible for Schroth Method Treatment?
Our Schroth Method treatment benefits adolescents, adults, and even some juveniles with idiopathic, congenital, or neuromuscular scoliosis. Additionally, we treat kyphosis patients (with or without scoliosis), those with Scheuermann’s disease, and post-surgical scoliosis patients (1-year post-operation or with their surgeon’s approval). Each treatment plan is customized to the individual’s needs for the most effective outcomes.
Why Choose Schroth Therapy After Scoliosis Surgery?
Post-surgical scoliosis patients often come to us for Schroth therapy to address pain, improve posture, or manage spine collapse around the spinal fusion. Our specialized Schroth therapists focus on alleviating these issues, helping patients enhance their quality of life after surgery.
Chêneau Bracing System Candidates
Many children, adolescents, and adults with scoliosis are suitable for our Chêneau-Gensingen brace. This 3D asymmetric CAD/CAM brace is designed specifically for each patient’s curve pattern and is Schroth method compatible. For adults, part-time bracing can help with spine stabilization, posture improvement, and pain relief.
Kyphologic® Brace Candidates
The Kyphologic® brace is ideal for children, adolescents, and adults with thoracic kyphosis, kyphoscoliosis, or Scheuermann’s disease. For adults, part-time bracing may assist with posture correction and pain management.
Physiologic® Brace Candidates
Designed for adults with chronic low back pain caused by thoracolumbar or lumbar kyphosis, the Physiologic® brace helps restore the natural arch of the lower back.
Treatment Duration at Transformative Life Therapy Center
Our intensive Schroth program consists of 12 to 17 hours of personalized therapy, depending on the severity of the spinal curve. For long-distance patients, this can be completed within 4-5 days, while local patients may spread out their treatment sessions. We treat scoliosis and kyphosis patients from all over the U.S., Canada, and internationally.
For patients opting for both Schroth therapy and bracing, brace measurements and fittings are coordinated with therapy sessions for optimal efficiency. We encourage combining bracing with Schroth therapy for the best results, although each treatment option is available independently.
Importance of Scoliosis Bracing
Bracing is vital in managing scoliosis, especially during a child’s growth phase. It helps reduce the asymmetric load on the spine and prevents curve progression. Modern 3D braces like the Chêneau-Gensingen brace provide significant in-brace corrections, offering better outcomes than traditional braces.
Why Choose the Chêneau-Gensingen® Brace?
The Chêneau-Gensingen brace is designed to provide 30-50% in-brace correction, sometimes more. Developed by Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss, it is highly compatible with the Schroth Method and has a proven track record for improving posture and, in some cases, reducing the Cobb angle. Patients and their families often report high satisfaction with the brace, noting significant improvements in spinal alignment and quality of life.
Key Differences in the Chêneau-Gensingen® Brace
Unlike many braces, the Chêneau-Gensingen brace allows room for corrective movement, focusing on achieving in-brace correction or even overcorrection in milder cases. This brace is especially beneficial for children nearing skeletal maturity and can potentially prevent the need for surgery.
What to Expect with In-Brace Correction
In-brace correction refers to the decrease in the Cobb angle while the patient is wearing the brace. This reduction depends on factors like spinal flexibility, age, curve pattern, and brace fit. The goal is to halt curve progression and, when possible, achieve curve correction.
Overcorrection in Scoliosis Treatment
Overcorrection occurs when the scoliotic curve is corrected to the point where it moves toward the opposite direction of the original curve. This can improve overall spinal symmetry and balance, enhancing both posture and curve reduction potential.
Scoliosis Bracing Outcomes
Results vary depending on age, spinal stiffness, curve pattern, and growth stage. However, patients wearing the Gensingen brace in North America, Europe, and Asia often demonstrate significant spinal improvements. Our goal is to halt curve progression and strive for even better outcomes.
When to Begin Scoliosis Bracing
We recommend starting scoliosis bracing early, especially as the curve approaches 25° or during growth spurts. Early bracing increases the chances of achieving overcorrection, preventing further curve progression, and avoiding surgery.
Is Scoliosis Bracing Painful?
Bracing should not cause physical pain. If it does, adjustments may be needed for a more comfortable fit.
How Long Will My Child Need to Wear a Scoliosis Brace?
The length of time depends on factors such as skeletal maturity and curve severity. We advise continued brace wear through skeletal maturity for the best results, followed by a gradual weaning process.
Can Adults Benefit from the Gensingen Brace®?
Yes, adults with scoliosis can experience improvements in posture, pain relief, and spinal support when using the Gensingen Brace. Some adults even report symptom relief shortly after wearing the brace.
Additional Treatments for AIS
In addition to bracing, our Schroth-based scoliosis exercise program teaches patients how to manage scoliosis for life. By incorporating Schroth Best Practice® principles into daily activities, patients can effectively fight curve progression and improve postural habits.
Insurance Coverage for the Chêneau-Gensingen® Brace
Insurance coverage varies by provider. While some patients have successfully attained coverage, others may need to advocate for their claims by demonstrating the unique benefits of the Gensingen brace. Our team is available to assist with insurance conversations and provide necessary documentation.
At Transformative Life Therapy Center, our mission is to offer the most advanced scoliosis management solutions for patients of all ages.