Soft scoliosis braces serve a valid purpose in physical therapy.
The Importance of Soft Scoliosis Braces in Treating Scoliosis
As we covered previously, soft braces can be worn by either children or adults. Hard braces are often rejected as a choice of treatment for children because they are so restrictive, and many children have difficulty engaging in normal day-to-day activities while wearing one. This results in treatment being delayed for many children.
In addition, a lot of children will not wear a hard brace because of how obvious and obtrusive they can be. A lot of pre-adolescents and adolescents develop scoliosis at a time when their very sensitive to the perceptions of their peers. If there is the additional perception that they are being ostracized for wearing a brace, they likely won’t wear a brace. Avoiding bracing in children and adolescents means that the prime time to treat scoliosis is missed, and a more pronounced curve in the spine is likely to develop. With soft scoliosis braces, children can still participate in activities such as play, while simultaneously treating the symptoms of scoliosis.
Soft Scoliosis Bracing Has Many Advantages
Unlike soft scoliosis bracing, traditional braces can also cause breathing problems for the wearer. Braces are usually worn between 18 and 23 hours per day, which means they are constantly pushing on the wearer’s body. Given that braces are worn around the abdomen, pressure on the chest is inevitable. This pressure can decrease the wearer’s ability to breathe. Soft braces apply less pressure, making it less likely that the wearer will have pulmonary issues.
Also, static braces can have a more superficial impact on the wearer. Many patients find that hard braces leave sores and bruises on the abdomen from the constant pressure. This is particularly common in children, as they tend to engage in more physical activity during the day than adults.
Soft scoliosis bracing is also easier to wear under clothing than hard braces. Since they are more comfortable, less restrictive, and less likely to be noticed by others, there is an increased likelihood that patients will comply with the recommended hours of wear for the brace. This is particularly true for children, who tend to resist wearing hard braces for long periods of time due to discomfort.
Alternative Treatments for Scoliosis
Bracing is one of several options available for treating scoliosis. The treatment your doctor suggests for you is based on how severe the angle of the curve is, how likely it is that the curve will become more extreme, and the type of scoliosis with which you have been diagnosed.
If the curve isn’t too severe, your scoliosis chiropractor in Arizona might recommend soft scoliosis braces.
Correct Scoliosis
1355 S Higley Rd #102
Gilbert, AZ 85296
(480) 892-0022
Visit Our Site
