Bracing Consultations

Being told that a brace is needed to be worn, is a very confronting thing for adolescents and their parents.  This is why taking the time to  thoroughly and calmly explain the reasons behind the recommendation and purpose of the brace, is extremely important in decreasing stress levels and increasing understanding in the teenager, both of which hopefully increase acceptance of the scenario by the teenager and family.

Brace Assessments are 90 minutes long.  This allows time for specific education, postural assessment, the recording of 25 measures around the torso, 3D body scan (using Hedges 3D scanner), radiological assessment, posture photos and then selection of brace colour/pattern (there are about 20 to choose from!).  We use the latest technology in our bracing (and our assessments do NOT involve plastering the child).

We strongly promote and foster a team care approach around you and your child, which research has found produces the best results.  We correspond regularly with your supervising orthopaedic scoliosis specialist, advising them of any bracing developments and providing them also with our detailed in-brace EOS analysis report (which is low-dose x-ray that the child will have whist wearing the brace so that we can check the real effect the brace is having on spinal alignment and make any modifications necessary to enhance the outcome in 3D).

To go ahead with our specific adolescent custom made brace, we require direct referral from your overseeing scoliosis orthopaedic specialist. We are very fortunate to have great relations with many senior scoliosis surgeons who know our bracing, processes and attention to detail.  If you would like our recommendation regarding scoliosis specialists who support conservative approaches and a holistic approach, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Please be advised that Rebecca also offers consultations to families who are just wishing to consult her bracing and physiotherapy knowledge without the pressure of committing to any particular brace at that time.  These consultations are usually 1 hour long and Rebecca has examples of different scoliosis brace styles on-site to show.  We are happy to spend time discussing bracing and expected outcomes for your particular presenting situation.

Regarding adult bracing, there are different adult scoliosis brace options available and which one we recommend comes only after careful assessment. There are ‘off the shelf’ soft options that are able to be adjusted and there are rigid custom-made ones that provide very high levels of support as may be  required in especially painful situations.

When considering the soft option, we recommend you stay within the practice, in the brace, for 30 – 60 minutes after the fitting, to get a really good feel of the brace and what its effects are on your symptoms. We encourage you spend time in the postures that are most problematic, whether that be sitting, standing or walking. There is no pressure to purchase the brace straight away. You may go away and think about it and return to repeat the trial at no repeat of cost.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to discuss any aspect of bracing before booking for an assessment, we are happy to speak with you.