The most important goal of early intervention in scoliosis is prevention of the need for spinal fusion surgery. Effective, conservative scoliosis treatments have been shown in published studies to reduce the incidence of surgery. In particular, bracing and the ScoliBalance Exercise Program have demonstrated the ability to reduce the need for surgery in small to moderate curves less than 45 degrees when compared against non-treated patients and patients treated with other methods.

The first hint that a scoliosis may be developing is the appearance of abnormal posture. Slouching, one shoulder higher than the other, one hip higher than the other, or uneven shoulder blades are all signs that a person might have a scoliosis. In children, it is so important to recognise these signs early as much can be done to help correct the scoliosis as they grow. In adults, scoliosis is known to contribute to chronic back pain and postural collapse. Our clinicians accurately measure the degree of curve and predict the likelihood of progression.

Contrary to popular belief, standard physical therapy and exercises such as swimming or yoga do not help prevent, correct, nor stop the progression of scoliosis. However, there are special exercise and rehabilitation programs that have been designed to address the scoliosis curve and these have shown to be very effective in certain cases. Our clinics use the ScoliBalance approach. The ScoliBalance concept was created by Dr. Jeb McAviney (Chiropractor) drawing on his clinical experience treating scoliosis using a combination of Chiropractic Biophysics, SEAS and Schroth (BSPTS) techniques. Also the use of specially designed rehabilitation aids can improve treatment results.

The ScoliCare Clinic in Melbourne offers a unique bracing method creating truly custom made 3D spinal braces for patients with scoliosis and kyphosis.   The brace is created using 3D imaging software.  A 3D scan of a patient’s body is taken, and the brace is custom made based on their unique scan and type of scoliosis. This type of brace is designed to improve, not just hold scoliosis.

We provide 3D designed and customised scoliosis bracing with a specific brace designed for night wear only. This night time bracing option is an effective treatment for small scoliosis curves in younger children. The advantage of this type of  brace is that it only needs to be worn during the sleeping hours. It is suitable for simple curves measuring 10-25 degrees. In cases where a scoliosis is picked up early and many years of treatment may be required, the night time brace is an effective treatment and has low impact on the child’s daily living.

Kyphosis (or hyper-kyphosis) patients have the option of a 3D designed, customised  brace specially designed for stabilising and correcting Kyphosis including:

• Scheuermann’s Kyphosis
• Hyper Kyphosis
• Thoracolumbar Kyphosis
• Anterior Sagittal Balance

We also offer 3D designed, custom scoliosis bracing designed specially for adults with both pre-existing and degenerative adult scoliosis.

Adult scoliosis patients may only need to wear the brace part-time each day to get significant pain relief and postural improvement. Most braces designed for adults are low profile that are nearly invisible under clothing.

Brace wear treatment can also be combined with a scoliosis specific exercise program.