Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Non-Surgical Solutions for Scoliosis
For patients with mild to moderate scoliosis, our multidisciplinary program uses a combined-therapies approach to offer a minimally-invasive treatment option for spinal correction compared with long-term bracing or surgical fusion procedures.
≥10°
Scoliosis is Diagnosed if the Cobb Angle is ≥10°
Scoliosis is defined as a three-dimensional (3D) structural deformity of the spine and is diagnosed on the basis of a measurement of the major curves comprising the deformity. This measurement is traditionally done using the Cobb method and gives the Cobb angle. Scoliosis is diagnosed if the Cobb angle is ≥10. In addition to spinal curves, scoliosis is frequently associated with asymmetries of the trunk and the extremities.
1-4%
Scoliosis is Found in More Women than in Men
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis. The condition begins in early puberty, affects 1–4% of adolescents and disproportionately affects young women. Idiopathic scoliosis denotes curve of unknown aetiology, in contrast to congenital, neuromuscular and other types of scoliosis that have better understood underlying mechanisms. AIS can be classified according to different criteria, including age of onset and the location of the maximal curve.
60-75%
Scoliosis is Known to Decrease Quality of Life
Quality of life of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is influenced by several consequences of the condition, including reduced pulmonary function, back-related problems such as pain and stiffness (60-75%), degenerative spine disease, decreased physical ability and function, body image concerns, mental well-being, social and psychological consequences, as well as changes in brain connectivity.
Scoliosis, a Greek word meaning crookedness, was used by Greek physicians Hippocrates (A.D. 460-370) and Galen (A.D. 131-201) to describe the condition and its etiological implications approximately 2 millennia ago. Scoliosis is defined as a three-dimensional (3D) structural deformity of the spine and is diagnosed on the basis of a measurement of the major curves comprising the deformity. Because of the spinal deformity, the quality of life for these patients is affected by several consequences, including reduced pulmonary/breathing function, back-related problems such as pain and stiffness, degenerative spinal disease, decreased ability and motivation to exercise, body image concerns, mental wellbeing, social and psychological consequences, occurance of related comorbidities and the need for repeated treatment or surgery as a result of early or long-term complications. Due to advancements in understanding about underlying mechanisms and treatment, we can confidently help many of these patients with a non-surgical option.
After diagnosis, patients are typically given two main options, 1) long-term bracing, and 2) the “wait-and-see” approach to see if it corrects itself over time before fusion surgery is ultimately recommended. We offer a different approach. For AIS, our non-medical and non-surgical approach is a combination of evidence-based, affordable and effective therapies to improve the overall health and functionality of patients with spinal biomechanics, helping to support normal posture and movement by targeting the identified etiopathogenetic pathways with non-invasive biological and biomechanical therapies, with the ultimate goal of effectively treating these patients without carrying out surgical fusion and with preserved spinal function and mobility, enabling the patient to follow recommended exercise guidelines to promote long-term overall health and wellbeing.
Scoliosis Clinical Program
Our Scoliosis program has been designed to help both local and out of town patients of all ages and abilities. Depending on the severity and needs of the patient, 24-36 sessions over 3-6 months will be prescribed along with weekly home exercise prescription. For patients who have already been prescribed bracing, or who have already undergone fusion surgery, we offer a modified program to optimize movement and minimize post-surgical neuro-musculoskeletal compensations.
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Individualized Care
We combine the latest research-supported evaluations with broad-based diagnostic testing performed in our office. Our comprehensive formative evaluation includes a physical examination, functional movement screen, diagnostic computerized posturography and more, serving to record baseline capabilities and deficits related to motor function. 
Evidence-Based Diagnostics
We provide each patient with an individualized care plan designed to address the specific impairments or goals of the patient. The patient’s care plan includes an intensive regimen of in-office and customized at-home exercises that facilitate accelerated improvement. Treatments are scheduled based on the specific needs of the patient and progress is measured frequently against the formative assessment. Treatment plans are refined as progress improves to achieve the best possible results.
Breakthrough Therapies
Our innovative therapies help restore impaired function by leveraging the body’s inherent ability to repair, compensate, learn and adapt through passive physiotherapy, chiropractic, and active corrective exercises. The combined-therapies approach targets affected areas with specific activities to decrease pain, restore normal movement, neuromuscular functioning and improve performance. Progress testing provides continuous feedback on improvement or success. Follow up and at-home exercise prescription help to optimize improvement times and minimize in-office visits required for full improvement.