Michael’s pectus excavatum treatment

Michael started noticing his pectus excavatum when he was eight years old. Treatment is not usually recommended at that age, so his parents waited to see whether it would improve on its own.

During lockdown, when Michael was 12, his mum Hilary began researching possible treatment options. She initially found out about the Nuss Procedure, an established surgical technique. However, because it’s invasive, Hilary kept looking for a non-surgical option, and that’s when she found LOC.

Hilary booked a free virtual consultation with Sam, LOC’s Director, who introduced the concept of bracing treatment to the UK in 2010.

The senior orthotist’s clinical notes described Michael’s condition as central pectus excavatum with mild rib flaring.

Pectus excavatum can be treated with the vacuum bell. The rib flaring was also discussed. Hilary explains: “While Michael was quite keen on doing the treatment, he didn’t like the idea of using a brace for the rib flare. The orthotists agreed that the rib flaring was not severe, and it could improve with physio exercises.”

The vacuum bell works by creating a vacuum over the depressed sternum area to lift the sunken part of the chest. It’s a non-invasive therapy widely used in German, Austrian and Swiss clinics.

Shortly after Michael’s vacuum bell fitting, the UK went into another lockdown. His treatment continued via regular online reviews with LOC’s orthotist and physiotherapist. Hilary highlighted how important these virtual sessions were: “Michael started doing physio exercises that were incredibly beneficial for his posture and for building up the muscles on his chest. The number of hours and commitment was significant, but Michael was determined to get his chest into a more normal shape.

Hilary shares how Michael’s commitment to yoga and physio along with consistent encouragement at home made a big difference to his posture, confidence and long-term motivation:

“Michael is now 14 years old and has started attending the yoga classes with Alva (an integral part of LOC’s pectus treatment programme), and sometimes I join the classes to make sure that he follows the yoga exercises till the end of the lesson. When he started, he couldn’t even do one press up and now he does plank and side plank easily under Alva’s instructions. We have noticed that his posture has improved a lot and his back is much straighter. Overall, we had a great support from John and the whole team. Although the pectus is still visible and it won’t go away completely, there has been some significant noticeable physical improvements and Michael feels more self-confident. Michael told his friends about his treatment and because some of them need help with other daily struggles like dyslexia, he received great support from them all. His generation are much more open and are prepared to support and help those who may have issues.”

“Michael had days of demotivation, so as a parent you need to be extra supportive and push them to keep going because the results are certainly worth the efforts. Michael has developed abdominal muscles and his posture is markedly improved. The whole treatment programme has meant he has started having an interest in his physical appearance, going to the gym has become a healthy habit that I hope he will never drop.”

Interested in non-surgical treatment for pectus?

For patients considering LOC’s non-surgical treatments for pectus excavatum and carinatum, the initial virtual consultation is free with no obligation to proceed. During the consultation, one of LOC’s clinicians will examine your chest and general posture.

If the clinician believes that your chest shape will respond using the dynamic remodelling method and that you are willing to commit to the exercise programme, they will take 3D scans of your chest shape. Further appointments will be made for casting and fitting and you will need to attend the clinic for regular reviews.