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View our privacy policyThis is one person’s experience of scoliosis bracing. Outcomes vary depending on factors such as curve type, growth stage, skeletal maturity and brace wear time. Bracing is one part of scoliosis care and is most effective when delivered alongside medical oversight.
Sofia is now 19 and has been out of her scoliosis brace for over a year. She and her mum, Elena, shared their experience of non surgical management and how bracing supported their goals at the time.
Elena first noticed changes in Sofia’s posture by chance. It was Easter 2018 and the family were on holiday. As Sofia changed clothes, Elena noticed an S shaped curve in her back and uneven shoulders.
After speaking with a physiotherapist friend, Elena started reading about scoliosis. As there was no family history, they believed it could be adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, a type of scoliosis that develops during adolescence without a known cause.
Their GP referred Sofia to a consultant. X-rays showed a Cobb angle of around 40 degrees, and surgery was discussed as one possible option within the wider care pathway.
Elena wanted to explore whether bracing could be appropriate, so she researched clinics in the UK that provided Chêneau style bracing approaches. Sofia was first seen by our orthotics team in June 2018.
Image caption: Sofia doing the Adams forward bend test to check for scoliosis. In this test, the person bends forward with feet and knees aligned and arms hanging freely. Imbalances in the rib cage or back can indicate scoliosis.
Sofia was advised to wear her brace for 21 to 22 hours a day, so adjusting to it became part of everyday life.
Sofia recalls: “The wearing regime was initially daunting, knowing I’d have to spend 21 to 22 hours a day in the brace, but you do get used to it. I told my close friends what was going on. My secondary school uniform was very baggy, so the brace didn’t really show. I’m a keen football player, so I needed to take the brace off while playing. Sleeping in a brace was also tricky initially, but you adjust over time.”
Wearing a brace for 21 to 22 hours a day meant Sofia needed to fit her treatment around school and the activities she enjoyed.
Her school uniform helped to keep the brace discreet, while she was able to remove it when playing football. Sleeping in the brace took some time to get used to, but Sofia found that this became easier as she adjusted to wearing it.
Sofia returned to LOC for regular appointments with her orthotist, Anna Courtney, so her brace could be reviewed and adjusted throughout treatment.
“We saw a lot of Anna Courtney as Sofia’s brace needed adjustments. Anna was very good with Sofia, checking how she was feeling and doing everything possible to make the brace as comfortable as possible, while keeping her encouraged.”
Elena
Sofia’s imaging and follow up were reviewed as part of her ongoing care.
Sofia’s results are personal to her, and every scoliosis treatment plan is different. Your orthotist will consider your individual curve, growth and treatment goals when discussing whether bracing may be suitable for you.
If you are exploring scoliosis bracing, we can work alongside your wider medical team to support the orthotic side of your care.
If you or your child have been diagnosed with scoliosis and would like to explore whether bracing may be suitable, you can book a free online orthotic assessment with our team.
During the appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to speak with a member of our orthotics team. In around 30 minutes, we can:
You can also find out more about our scoliosis bracing treatment.
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.
