News Archives - The ScoliCare Clinic Sydney

Why it’s time to Spring back into your scoliosis exercises!

admin — Fri, 08 Sep 2017 02:03:11 +0000

Specific scoliosis rehabilitation and exercise programs can play an important role in scoliosis treatment.

Why do we choose ‘SEAS’ for our scoliosis exercise programs?

Research has shown that adults with scoliosis get worse by 1-2 degrees per year[1].

But it also shows that with SEAS exercise program, progression can be slowed or even reversed[2].

In adolescents, SEAS has also shown to reduce the need for bracing, or to improve and maintain bracing results[3][4].

So if you’ve not been keeping up with your exercises, now is a great time book back in for a refresher with the team!

This school holidays we have opened up additional exercise rehab timeslots at our Sydney Clinic!

It’s the perfect opportunity to:

Refresh your at home strengthening and correction exercises with clinic equipment

Talk to our Exercise Physiologists about your progress and have any questions answered

Work in an intensive series of sessions during the school holidays

Popular times fill up quickly so give us a call on (02) 8006 0656 to book your sessions.

The post Why it’s time to Spring back into your scoliosis exercises! appeared first on The ScoliCare Clinic Sydney.

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month

admin — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 00:21:45 +0000

International Scoliosis Awareness Month takes place yearly with the goal of highlighting the growing need for education, early detection and awareness to the public about scoliosis and its prevalence within the community.

A key focus of Awareness Month is early detection and the effectiveness of bracing as early, non-operative care.

Research has shown that early detection delivers more favorable prognoses for those with scoliosis.

Screening our children is imperative so that they can grow up with strong and healthy spine’s. It’s also important that we understand that adults too can develop scoliosis, and there are also treatment options available to them.

If you have any questions about scoliosis, or think that you or a loved one may be at risk of having scoliosis and would benefit from an assessment, please feel free to contact us.

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Juan Du Plessis presents Research at Spine Society Conference

admin — Fri, 19 May 2017 06:18:07 +0000

Dr Juan Du Plessis (M. Tech Chiro) was recently in Tasmania for the 2017 Spine Society of Australia 28th Annual Scientific Meeting.

This meeting promotes the exchange of scientific knowledge amongst those who work in the complex and challenging field of spinal disorders.

During the event, Juan presented ScoliCare research – a paper entitled Improvement of trunk muscle endurance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) patients undergoing Custom Scoliosis Bracing and Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis (SEAS) treatment.

This research tackled the belief that scoliosis braces cause trunk muscle weakness.

The data presented showed how patients who underwent Custom designed scoliosis bracing treatment and SEAS treatment achieved an improvement in trunk muscle endurance.

The results were substantial, statistically significant and showed good confidence. For clinicians it gives confidence that muscle function will not deteriorate and can be improved with this approach.

Research such as this plays an important role in the continued expansion of knowledge about spinal health, and treatment methods.

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Choosing a Scoliosis Clinic

admin — Tue, 04 Oct 2016 02:13:25 +0000

The diagnosis of scoliosis can be a confusing and overwhelming time.

In this short video clip, Dr Juan Du Plessis (M. Tech Chiro) explores some key considerations when choosing a Scoliosis Clinic and a Clinician that will provide the best care for you.

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What guides us in treating patients with Scoliosis?

admin — Mon, 11 Jul 2016 04:25:42 +0000

We are often asked about the principles and theory behind our approach to scoliosis treatment and management. In short: how do we know what we recommend is correct?

by Dr Juan Du Plessis – Chiropractor, Scoliosis Bracing & Rehabilitation Clinician

All Health Professionals should follow well researched, evidence based techniques and approaches when implementing treatment plans with patients. Scoliosis Clinicians are no exception and at ScoliCare clinics we pride ourselves on adhering to the highest standards of patient care.

The International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment, otherwise known as SOSORT, is an international organisation that guides health professionals on the mostup to date, evidence-based recommendations in relation to the conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis.

The latest guidelines were developed in 2011, and are always under revision as new evidence comes to light. Our clinicians regularly attend SOSORT meetings, are active members in the organization, and follow the SOSORT guidelines for scoliosis treatment.

According to SOSORT, each treatment approach has specific guidelines relating to the size of a patient’s scoliotic curve and also the maturity of the patient (based on bone age indicators). This means that a patient’s treatment plan should be individualised for their specific situation.

Certain scoliosis treatments have not been endorsed by SOSORT because of the lack of substantial evidence that scoliosis can be cured or improved by these treatments. Examples include foot orthotics (when used in isolation), oral supplements (neurotransmitter, mineral or vitamin), jaw bone positioning treatments and many others. These all lack substantial evidence that they can arrest or improve scoliosis.

Recent research has been published that strongly supports bracing for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with a high risk of progressing to surgery [1] and SOSORT supports bracing as a recommended intervention in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in many cases.

The earliest that bracing is prescribed in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis cases is where the patient has a young immature spine, usually before the age of 12 (however this can vary) and has a curve of greater than 15 degrees according to the Cobb method of radiographic measuring. The recommended treatment includes part-time rigid bracing.

According to SOSORT, full time rigid bracing should be prescribed when 20 degrees or greater scoliosis is seen.

Scoliosis specific exercises can also be introduced into a patient’s treatment plan. These are generally prescribed when curves are over the 10 degree mark for adolescents. If, however, the patient is a juvenile (below the age of 10), then curves under 10 degrees are recommended to begin a treatment plan with scoliosis specific exercises.

The exercise approach for treating scoliosis which is most prescribed by SOSORT is the SEAS method (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis).

This method incorporates the use of corrective movements that are in the opposite to the patient’s scoliosis. In this, the curved spine is essentially ‘untwisted and straightened’ and the action is then incorporated into activities of daily living for maximum long-term benefit.

Patients and their parents should always be given freedom of choice when selecting a Scoliosis Clinician. A reputable scoliosis clinic should be able to provide a range of treatment options for scoliosis ranging from scoliosis specific exercise to 3 dimensional bracing techniques. A good clinician will recommend the most appropriate treatment option(s) for each individual case – not simply try to fit every patient into the single treatment method they offer.

The SOSORT recommendations we outlined above are readily available to refer back to when researching clinics and health professionals. It’s important to also take note of treatments which may be offered by some clinics, but are not supported by substantial evidence or research or supported by the SOSORT guidelines.

The diagnosis of scoliosis can be a confusing and overwhelming time for the patient and in many cases their parents too. Choosing a Scoliosis Clinician who follows SOSORT guidelines and who can explain the evidence behind all available treatments will help ensure the best chance at good results.

Information about SOSORT and their guidelines can be found at https://www.sosort.mobi/index.php/en/

If you have more questions about treatment options, please contact us at support@sydneyscoliosisclinic.com.au or call 1300 650 205.

Reference – [1] Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis – The New England Journal of Medicine

© ScoliCare 2016. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this article’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.

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Welcome Dr Juan!

admin — Thu, 02 Jun 2016 02:12:11 +0000

We are excited to welcome Dr Juan Du Plessis (M. Tech Chiro) to ScoliCare. Juan has been involved with working with Sydney Scoliosis Clinic and ScoliCare for some time now, but has only just arrived at our Sydney office to see patients in person.

Originally from South Africa, with a Masters in Technology of Chiropractic, Juan has been a Clinic Director in prestigious Healthcare Centres in Asia, providing scoliosis rehabilitation and bracing.

He is trained and certified in ScoliBrace bracing protocols and has completed advanced SEAS (Scientific Exercise Approach to Scoliosis) training and accreditation as well as ScoliBalance.

Welcome Dr Juan!

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Scoliosis Awareness Month

admin — Wed, 01 Jun 2016 10:51:14 +0000

June is Scoliosis Awareness Month.

It’s a month focussed on uniting scoliosis patients, families, doctors, and health professionals to promote public awareness, education, and advocacy of scoliosis. The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS), the leading international spine society, is highlighting the importance of early scoliosis detection and the effectiveness of bracing as early, non-surgical care.

ScoliCare has joined forces with Health Professionals all over the world to screen 1000 backs during June.

As well as working with Health Professionals conducting their own screenings, locally we are reaching out to groups to offer awareness sessions about scoliosis and group screenings. Our aim is to highlight the importance of early detection and screening, so we can get people the right treatment at the right time.

If you are concerned that your child or family member may be showing signs of scoliosis, call us to book in for a free screening at Sydney Scoliosis Clinic – 02 8006 0656

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New Study Backs Bracing For Treating Scoliosis

admin — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 06:45:43 +0000

The 28^th of June is earmarked as “International Scoliosis Awareness Day”. It’s an important initiative and great opportunity to educate Australians, and the rest of the world, about one of the least understood spinal development conditions, Scoliosis.

As we all know, Scoliosis is commonly detected during adolescence and can cause spinal deformity, posture imbalance, and in severe cases it can affect the function of the heart and lungs. Various evidenced treatment options have been shown to be effective depending on the stage and severity of the scoliosis curve – options include special scoliosis exercise therapies, rigid or dynamic bracing, and in advanced stages, surgery.

Bracing has been used as an early intervention treatment for scoliosis for decades, with many studies in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) indicating that bracing may decrease the risk of a curve progressing to needing surgery. Until recently though, results have been inconsistent or provided insufficient evidence.

Now any doubts around scoliosis bracing have largely been put to rest by a study published late last year in The New England Journal of Medicine (17 October 2013). With the aim of determining whether wearing scoliosis braces would prevent the need for spinal surgery in children with AIS, the study was cut short by the ethics review board when early results showed overwhelmingly in favour of bracing.

The study demonstrated that when specialised scoliosis bracing is prescribed for high-risk patients, the need for surgery can be prevented in most cases. The researchers also found that the longer the brace was worn each day, the better the outcome was – a success rate of up to 93%! To date there are no other treatment options that have shown to be as effective as bracing in preventing surgery in these cases.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, around 300 cases of scoliosis each year are serious enough to require surgery in Australia. Spinal fusion is the most common approach to scoliosis surgery, and while this generally leads to a straightening of the curved spine, it often leaves the patient with long-term stiffness, issues with movement, and sometimes the need to undergo revision surgeries. It also can be very traumatic on the young patient and their families leading up to the surgery and coping with the recovery.

The key to avoiding scoliosis surgery is getting the right treatment at the right time – early detection and appropriate treatment is key. As Scoliosis screening is no longer compulsory in schools, and very few community organisations having the tools and resources to conduct screenings, it is essential that we all keep an eye out for early signs of scoliosis and make sure they are getting the right type of treatment.

ScoliCare Australia offers free scoliosis screening kits to clinics and information resources to schools to assist with this. Contact 1300 883 884 or support@scolicare.com.au to arrange a customised kit for your clinic. We also offer a free x-ray review service for Health Professionals who have concerns about their scoliosis patients.

As International Scoliosis Awareness Day approaches, let’s all focus on early detection of this condition and providing the right treatment to all scoliosis patients

**This article was published in the June 2014 Edition of The Australian Chiropractor**

MORE INFO – Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis – The New England Journal of Medicine www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1307337

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