Weinstein S.L, Dolan et al – Effects of Bracing in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis
Watch NRK feature on Nora who trained her way out of surgery

Bracing

For children and teenagers in a growth phase with a Cobb angle over 20 degrees, bracing is the most important form of treatment.
The BRAIST study from the U.S. (2013) provides strong evidence for the effectiveness of full-time bracing. The study shows that wearing a brace for 17 hours or more per day can significantly help stop the progression of the spinal curve.
Bracing has been an integral part of scoliosis treatment for children and adolescents for many years.
In children and teens undergoing rapid growth, it may be necessary to wear a brace for 18–23 hours a day. The goal of treatment is to halt curve progression and, in some cases, reduce existing curves. The most effective braces are three-dimensionally corrective and designed using CAD/CAM standards. It is crucial that the brace is custom-made and tailored to the individual patient.
The effectiveness of bracing depends on two key factors:
  1. In-brace correction – how well the brace corrects the spine while worn
  2. Compliance – how many hours per day the brace is worn
For successful treatment, a high-correction, 3D brace must also be comfortable enough to ensure consistent use.
At ScolioFys, we understand that during certain stages of growth, exercise therapy alone is not enough. We therefore recommend a Chêneau-Gensingen (GBW) brace, which is 3-dimensionally corrective and complements treatment based on the Schroth Best Practice method.
Bracing is a major commitment for most patients, so it should only be used when necessary — and with the goal of achieving the best possible treatment outcome.
In Denmark, the Gensingen brace is produced by the Danish Scoliosis Center in collaboration with Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss, the developer of the brace. You can read more about the brace on the Danish Scoliosis Center’s website.
Lisa Elliott and Pernille Winsløv Wied are working to change the standard scoliosis treatment in Denmark to reflect the most current research in the field.

Bracing for adults

It is possible to apply bracing for adults with Scoliosis, Scheuermann/hyper kyphosis or lumbar spine instability. The first choice of treatment for adults will always be Physical Rehabilitation but bracing can be added for Pain Relief, to improve Body Alignment or to prevent/slow down curve progression.

Further Reading:

Dansk Scoliosis Center – The highest standard of bracing is now available in Denmark.
Scoliosis 3DC – Dr. Marc Moramarco (DC) in Boston has extensive experience with the Chêneau-Gensingen (GBW) brace and its advantages over other models.
Dr. Weiss Gensingen Braces