Wearing a scoliosis brace on a full or part time basis, can seem like a daunting task, especially for young or adolescent age patients. Research (1) supports bracing as a conservative treatment approach in many adolescent cases, however the success of a scoliosis brace heavily depends on one critical factor: Compliance in Wear.
Below, we will explore the importance of compliance and offer some tips on how to stay dedicated to your brace wear.
Understanding Compliance in Wear
Compliance, in the context of scoliosis bracing, refers to the patient’s adherence to wearing the brace as prescribed by their clinician. Scoliosis braces are designed to be worn for a specific number of hours per day or continuously (apart from bathing), depending on the individual case and the treatment plan. It is crucial to follow the prescribed wear schedule consistently to help to achieve treatment goals.
The Importance of Compliance
Maintaining compliance with your scoliosis brace is essential for several reasons:
Preventing Curve Progression: In children and teens, one of the primary goals of scoliosis bracing is to prevent the curve from worsening. Wear of the brace for the prescribed time helps work towards this important goal.
Enhancing Brace Effectiveness: The more consistently you wear your brace, the more effective it will be working towards the aims of treatment.
Promoting Treatment Success: Compliant brace wear is closely linked to successful treatment outcomes (2). By adhering to the prescribed wear schedule, you increase the chances of achieving positive results.
Tips for Staying Compliant
Here are some practical tips to try and help you stay compliant and make the most of your scoliosis brace treatment:
Establish a Routine: Incorporate brace wear into your daily routine. Set a specific time for putting on and taking off the brace, making it a regular part of your day.
Stay Positive: Embrace a positive mindset and remember that wearing the brace is a crucial step toward achieving your treatment goals.
Seek Support: Talk to your friends, family, or support groups about your brace journey. Sharing your experiences and challenges can provide encouragement and motivation.
Communicate with Your Clinician: If you have any issues or discomfort with your brace, don’t hesitate to communicate with your Clinician. They can try to offer solutions and possible adjustments to ensure a more comfortable experience.
Customize Your Brace: Personalize your brace by choosing a fun color or pattern, which is unique to you and you can enjoy.
Stay Active: Enjoy sport and other activities in the time you spend out of the brace. It’s important to keep fit and healthy.
Compliance in wear is a key factor in the success of scoliosis brace treatment. By following the prescribed wear schedule, you can better work towards achieving your treatment goals. Embrace your brace journey with a positive attitude, seek support from loved ones, and communicate openly with your Clinician. Try to stay committed, and the results will be worth it!
Questions about Bracing?
You might have already started on your bracing journey, or may be considering if bracing is right for you. Either way, it’s natural to have lots of questions. There are many different types of braces for scoliosis bracing, but not all braces are made the same.
The ScoliBrace is a custom made brace, designed and made for each individual patient. For kids and teens, the brace’s over-corrective approach and asymmetrical design harnesses spinal coupling, not 3 point pressure, for the best possible clinical outcomes.
If you have questions about ScoliBrace or bracing treatment in general, get in touch with a ScoliBrace Provider near you.
References
- Weinstein, S.L., et al., Effects of bracing in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. New England Journal of Medicine, 2013. 369(16): p. 1512-1521.
- Rahimi, S., A. Kiaghadi, and N. Fallahian, Effective factors on brace compliance in idiopathic scoliosis: a literature review. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology, 2020. 15(8): p. 917-923.
