Our non-surgical approach combines a tailored exercise programme, vacuum bell therapy and a bespoke rib flaring brace to support people diagnosed with pectus excavatum.
We’re proud to have provided pectus bracing in the UK since 2010, supporting patients of all ages with personalised treatment plans.
Pectus excavatum is a chest wall deformity that causes the breastbone (sternum) to appear sunken inwards.
If you have been assessed with pectus excavatum and are exploring non-surgical options, we offer orthotic treatment designed to support improvement in chest shape and appearance.
Our treatment approach is tailored to your individual needs and considers:
Your treatment package may include a combination of:
We’re committed to providing care that feels comfortable and personalised. Patients can choose to have a female or male clinician for their pectus treatment if they prefer.
The best way to find out if our orthotic treatment package is right for you is to book a free virtual consultation with one of our orthotists.
Ollie came to see us at age 16 following assessment for pectus excavatum and rib flaring. At the start of treatment, the depth of the indentation in his chest measured 5.7cm.
We gave him a bespoke rib flaring brace and a vacuum bell device and over six months, the depth of the indentation reduced to 2.5cm at review.
“Oliver had really closed down in the months before we found LOC. He used to play football regularly with a group of friends, and he’d given that up. He now goes to the gym four times a week, he feels different, more confident.” – Rachel, Ollie’s mum
The vacuum bell is a non-invasive device designed to gently lift the sunken area of your chest over time by creating suction over the sternum.
For some patients, particularly during growth or where the chest wall is more flexible, it may support noticeable improvements in chest shape. It’s often used alongside breathing exercises and, in some cases, a rib flaring brace as part of a broader treatment approach.
Many patients with pectus excavatum also experience rib flaring, where the lower ribs protrude outward.
If you have rib flaring alongside pectus excavatum, we may recommend a brace designed to apply gentle, controlled pressure to the lower ribs. This may help support improvement in rib position and overall chest shape over time.
We often use this alongside other elements of your treatment to support overall chest shape and symmetry.
The slim, low-profile design sits more discreetly under clothing, making it easier to wear throughout the day.
Our new design uses lighter-weight aluminium bars, making it easier to wear, carry about, and integrate into your daily life.
Fabric straps allow you to put the brace on and take it off independently.
The fastening system allows us to adjust the brace to suit your comfort levels and treatment plan.
Soft, removable foam pads can be cleaned and replaced during treatment. This also allows adjustments to be made over time as part of your programme.
We’ve been providing pectus bracing services in the UK since 2010. Over time, we’ve continued to refine our approach and brace design to support individual treatment programmes.
You’ll have regular check-ins with your dedicated orthotist, helping you stay on track and allowing us to make adjustments to your programme as needed.
Our on-site workshop allows us to make timely adjustments to your brace, helping maintain comfort and ensuring it works with your treatment plan.
Where appropriate, we consider factors beyond the chest wall, including posture and biomechanics, as part of your overall assessment and treatment.
We understand that most patients come to us because they’re unhappy with their chest shape, and our goal is to help you feel happy with the results. Your treatment timeline will depend on your individual presentation and your goals.
The timeline for your treatment depends on how you feel about your chest’s appearance. Whether it’s feeling comfortable enough to go shirtless in public or simply not noticing the deformity anymore, we can work with you to try to reach those goals.
Some people begin to notice changes over time, particularly if their chest wall is more flexible. For others, it may take longer.
As part of our core treatment package, we offer tailored pectus exercise classes with Alva Yoga. These sessions are designed to support your non-surgical bracing programme and are adapted to your individual needs.
Alva runs two online classes each week: a flexibility-focused class and a muscle-loading class:
Flexibility class: This session focuses on opening the shoulders and chest, while building strength in the back and legs. The exercises aim to support spinal alignment, flexibility, and overall mobility, which can contribute to improved posture over time.
Loading class: Concentrates on building up chest muscles through a combination of strengthening and flexibility exercises. This class aims to enhance overall strength and structural support in the chest area.
Learn more about how tailored exercises can support your treatment
We’re committed to always being as transparent as possible with our treatment costs. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
*Not all patients require a rib flaring brace. As a result, they are not included in the treatment package prices and are charged for separately.
We believe in the power of bespoke orthotics to change lives. That’s why we’re committed to providing the best possible treatments for our patients.
View some of the most asked questions about Pectus excavatum bracing treatment here, or search below for a question you might have.
Don’t forget you can always send us a message or give us a call on 020 8974 9989 if you’d prefer.
You may notice changes in chest shape during adolescence as the body grows. After skeletal maturity, the shape of the chest wall often stabilises.
If you have concerns, an orthotic assessment can help you understand whether treatment options may be appropriate at your stage of development.
Some patients may experience mild skin irritation or bruising, particularly in the early stages of treatment.
This should be monitored by your orthotist. If you notice significant discomfort, bruising, or skin changes, you should contact your orthotist, as the brace may need adjustment.
Treatment duration varies depending on factors such as your age, chest wall flexibility and how consistently the programme is followed.
In many cases, treatment may take between six months and two years. We’ll review your progress regularly and adjust your plan as needed.
For some patients, orthotic bracing may provide an alternative to surgery.
Suitability depends on individual factors such as age, chest wall flexibility and presentation, and should be assessed by an orthotist or appropriate medical professional.
Consistency is key for effective treatment and wearing the brace as advised is an important part of treatment.
Reduced wear time may affect how the chest responds to treatment. Your orthotist will provide guidance on a suitable wearing schedule.
The duration of daily wear varies depending on the severity of the condition and the stage of treatment.
Typically, patients are advised to wear the brace for 16 to 23 hours a day in the initial stages. As treatment progresses and improvement is seen, the wearing time may be gradually reduced.
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.
