Bracing: Facts, Myths, and Types

Bracing has been a tool used in the treatment of scoliosis for centuries. There are countless models and methods and to be frank, there is not one agreed upon style of brace that is the best. Lets go over some of the agreed upon facts and myths about scoliosis bracing though:

Myths and Facts:

Myths:

• Bracing is harmful: Not true. Think of a brace as a tomato cage that helps guide growth.
• Bracing doesn’t work: False. Studies are continuing to show that bracing helps scoliosis
• Scoliosis can just go away, you don’t need a brace: Depends. Small curves can resolve themselves, but curves 25 º and higher often progress and require action.
• Bracing can fix curves in adults: Not typically. Adults have mature spines that are no longer malleable. Braces can help with pain and Schroth can help with posture.​

Facts:

• Bracing Helps! Studies consistently show that bracing can prevent progression and often improve curves
• Rigid is BEST: For curves that are in the bracing range 25º to 50º , soft braces are not sufficient to overcome the forces. Rigid braces are the agreed upon recommendation.
• Full-time Compliance is a MUST: Also agreed upon is that you must wear the brace most of the day to get the full benefit. Typical recommendations on wear time are 18-23 hours/day.
• Braces Need to Fit Right: certified orthotists should fit and issue braces to ensure that they do what they are intended to do.

Types of Braces

Here ends the general consensus on what bracing should and shouldn’t look like for scoliosis. Below I will go over some of the general TYPES of braces that are issued so that you can be informed about your options. Note that some orthopedic surgeons are only comfortable with certain types of braces. 

Soft Brace

SpineCor: not for curves greater than 25 º

TLSO (thoracic lumbar sacral orthosis)

• Milwaukee: brace from 1940’s that extends up to the neck for high curves. Rarely used now.
• Modular: TLSO with pads for correction​
• Boston: TLSO with pads, cutouts, and asymmetrical pelvis if needed. Very Popular
• Charleston/Providence: TLSO braces that are built into side bending overcorrection and work only at night. Not as popular.​​

3D Bracing

In the past 20 years there has been significant development in the area of 3D bracing.

Scoliosis is a change in spinal posture in 3 dimensions. Schroth Therapists are trained to favor 3D braces because they better compliment our goal of correcting alignment in all planes. They are newer and do tend to be more expensive. 

• Wood Rigo Cheneau-
• Boston 3D
• ScolioBrace
• Cheneau-Gensingen
• SCT 3D Full-Time Scoliosis Orthosis
• ARTLyon brace

Whatever brace is to be used is ultimately up to the parent(s). Just make sure that your bracing option works well with your care team and child so that you can be on the same page for treatment approach.

Let us know if you have questions about how bracing and Schroth work together!