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View our privacy policyHarriet’s scoliosis bracing story: curve change from 42 degrees to 5 degrees in-brace at latest review. Results vary.
Helen first found out that her daughter Harriet had scoliosis when her sister-in-law Lucy Best was visiting them in 2018. Helen recalls: “Lucy said, ‘I think Harriet might have scoliosis’. It was really scary. Lucy is an orthotist and has her own clinic, Hampshire Orthotics, so we knew that if Lucy thought there was a problem, there probably was.”
A diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis was confirmed by the family GP and they were referred to Southampton hospital. The consultant recommended wearing a Boston brace as part of her care plan as Harriet grew. “My husband Tom and I were instinctively against surgery and started doing a lot of research, Lucy also chipped in as she said that the Boston brace did not always achieve the outcomes families hoped for; she then told us about the London Orthotic Consultancy”. By one of those strange coincidences, Lucy had been working with LOC for many years as she prescribes the LOCband, a cranial remoulding helmet for babies with positional plagiocephaly, and she knew that LOC also supports scoliosis bracing as part of non-surgical care.
Harriet was first seen by LOC in November 2018 when she was 10, she had a significant thoracic lumbar curve with a Cobb angle of 42 degrees. At that time, LOC was prescribing the Cheneau-Gensingen brace, which is designed to support three-dimensional in-brace correction.
Before and after x-rays showing Harriet’s scoliosis curve. Left: 42 degree curve. Right: 5 degrees at latest review appointment.
Helen recalls: “To be frank, at the beginning it was hard, Harriet was upset by the prospect of wearing a brace for 23 hours a day. The turning point came when she attended a group scoliosis physiotherapy session at the clinic (these were pre-Covid days) and she joined in a session with about 20 other girls, all wearing their braces. And these girls just nattered about the things girls of that age talk about and Harriet realised she was not alone, and that scoliosis did not have to define her or her life.
This new attitude carried into school where she gave a talk to her class about scoliosis and what it was and her bracing regime. It helped that the brace could be worn under her school shirt and was not noticeable; she never had any issues from other children.”
At the last review, Harriet’s curve was down to 5 degrees at her latest review appointment. Results vary. Harriet, now in a LOC Scoliosis Brace, only has to wear the brace at night. However, as she is still young, her Risser sign (a measure of skeletal maturity) is three and she will need to continue with bracing and follow-up until she is fully mature.
Lucy says, “I feel like Harriet is in very good hands with LOC and the support they have given her is fantastic.”
Helen concludes, “One of the things I really like about LOC is that they talk to Harriet and treat her like a real person. It has been and continues to be a really positive relationship. LOC has done a fantastic job and we’ve been really pleased with Harriet’s progress so far.”
Especially in young people, spotting the early signs of scoliosis is important – as is seeking early assessment and advice.
You can find out more about the visual signs of scoliosis here.
Find out more information about the LOC Scoliosis Brace
If your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, or you have noticed changes in their posture or back shape, contact us to arrange an appointment. We can explain the orthotic options that may be available and answer any questions you may have.
Patient stories reflect individual experiences. Treatment plans and outcomes vary from person to person. Bracing may form one part of scoliosis management, alongside input from a spinal consultant and, where appropriate, physiotherapy.
A bespoke brace can help reduce the risk of progression during growth and support curve management as part of a wider care plan. Our brace works by gently guiding your spine into a more corrective in-brace position, with follow-up and adjustments to support fit and comfort.
“LOC has been fantastic, friendly, understanding. Anna did not pull any punches about the wearing regime and gave us all the information we needed. Polly was in her brace for less than two years. LOC has provided a really incredible service.”
Zoe, Polly’s mother – Scoliosis patient (adolescent)
Speak to our team about your options, with no obligation to begin treatment.
Not sure which appointment to book?
If you can’t find a suitable appointment, please contact us and our admin team will be happy to help.
You can book a range of assessment and review appointments online, depending on the service and location that you require. If a specific appointment type is unavailable online, please contact LOC directly on [email protected] or you can call us. Unfortunately we are unable to offer fittings online at the moment.
Yes, if your previous orthotist offers online booking and has availability, you can choose to book with them again.
Please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still haven’t received a confirmation within 10 minutes, contact LOC Admin to confirm your booking via [email protected]
Yes. You can book on behalf of someone else. Please ensure the registration form includes the details of the person attending the appointment.
No account is required. Our booking process allows you to book as a guest. However, you will be asked to enter key details and complete required forms.
Most orthotic treatments are available online. If the treatment you’re looking for is not listed, please contact us directly and LOC Admin will assist you.
