The Secret of Scoliosis Treatment: It’s All About Compliance

When it comes to scoliosis treatment, it isn’t a one size fits all approach. Each child is unique, and each curve requires a customized solution. When it comes to custom scoliosis orthoses, there are also many different solutions that will benefit a patient. It is up to the medical provider to prescribe the right one specific to your individual circumstances. However, one thing remains consistent; wearing your brace as prescribed is the best way to have a positive outcome.

The Power of Consistent Wear

Research has consistently shown that the more a child wears their brace, the better their results will be. A groundbreaking study found that patients who wore their brace for an average of 12 hours per day had significantly higher success rates than those who wore it less. Even more impressive, as the average hours of daily wear increased, so did the likelihood of treatment success.

Challenges of Compliance

If only it were that simple, then every situation would be straightforward and not a curvy journey. Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis affects kids in an already difficult period of their lives. It is filled with physical changes, social pressures, and emotional growth. Adding a brace to the mix can feel overwhelming for you.

Remember, the temporary challenges of wearing a brace during adolescence are far outweighed by the lifelong benefits of effective scoliosis management. Your future self will thank you for your dedication and perseverance today!

Success is a Team Sport

Begin by becoming your own advocate. Investing in a support system is crucial to achieving a positive outcome. Your parents or caregivers, play a vital role in helping you maintain compliance with scoliosis bracing. Everyday routines are important but so is finding others with scoliosis who can support you. Speak up and share what you need to be successful.

Here are some strategies to provide effective support:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings and Challenges

It’s ok to feel self-conscious, frustrated, or even resentful about wearing a brace. Embrace your emotions and explain your experiences to your parents or caregivers. Acknowledge that adjusting to the brace can be uncomfortable at first but recognize that it’s a temporary inconvenience with long-term benefits for you.

2. Educate and Empower

Ask your parents to help you understand why bracing is essential. Learning in age-appropriate language is key to keeping you engaged in your personal success. Seeing visual aids, diagrams, or even having discussions with your orthotist will empower you with knowledge to embrace the treatment.

3. Create a Supportive Routine

Establish a structured daily routine for wearing the brace. Start with shorter wear times and gradually increase as you adjust. Incorporating the brace into predictable parts of the day, such as after school or during quiet activities, can make compliance feel less daunting.

4. Focus on Comfort

Ensure the brace fits properly and doesn’t cause unnecessary discomfort for you. Try wearing soft, moisture-wicking clothing underneath to reduce skin irritation. Regularly check for any pressure points or redness and consult your orthotist if adjustments are needed.

5. Encourage Social and Emotional Support

You can navigate social challenges by educating close friends and teachers about scoliosis and the brace’s purpose. Peer understanding can reduce feelings of isolation. Encourage participation in activities.

Tracking Your Success

Many scoliosis braces now come equipped with compliance monitors. These devices provide valuable data to your treatment team, allowing them to adjust your care plan as needed. More importantly, they give you concrete evidence of your hard work and dedication. The new stWear™ Compliance Monitoring System includes a dashboard for your medical providers to see your child’s progress, and it also comes with an app so you can download your stats in real-time. Watching the hours increase in between orthotist visits illustrates how well you are doing with your compliance.

By committing to wearing your brace as prescribed, you are taking an active role in your own treatment journey. Your compliance is the most powerful tool in managing your scoliosis and ensuring the best possible outcome. Remember, every hour counts towards your success!