Bracing and exercise are sometimes presented as competing options for scoliosis. At Dorsi Spinal Institute, they are partners. Used together, they provide the most powerful non-surgical approach to curve control and correction.

Why Bracing Alone Isn’t Enough

Braces like ScoliBrace can apply three-dimensional corrective forces to the spine, guiding it toward better alignment. However, they do not actively retrain muscles or movement patterns on their own. Without muscle engagement, gains made in a brace may be harder to maintain after weaning.

Why Exercise Alone Isn’t Enough

Exercises, especially scoliosis-specific methods such as Schroth and SEAS, target strength, flexibility, and postural control. They are excellent for supporting the spine but may not be sufficient to control progression of moderate curves in children who are still growing.

The Power of Integration

Combining bracing and exercise allows:

• The brace to provide consistent structural correction.
• Exercises to train the body to hold and support that correction.

Evidence shows that this integrated approach produces better outcomes than either method alone.

Combine this with specialised treatment programmes and we have the Dorsi Method: the only clinic in the UK offering a full spectrum non-surgical programme.

Dorsi’s Integrated Programmes

At Dorsi Spinal Institute, brace wear is coordinated with:

• Regular ScoliBalanace exercise one-to-one sessions.
• Home exercise programmes tailored to each curve pattern.
• Specialised treatments.
• Education about posture in daily activities.

This ensures that every hour in or out of the brace contributes to long-term success.

Patient Engagement and Motivation

Exercises also give patients a sense of control and agency, turning them from passive recipients of care into active participants. This psychological shift supports adherence and resilience.

Next Steps

If you’ve heard mixed messages about bracing versus exercise, Dorsi Spinal Institute can clarify your options and design a combined programme that plays to the strengths of both.

Related reading: see our blogs on scoliosis-specific exercises, ScoliBrace technology, and curve correction outcomes.

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When a brace is recommended for a child or teenager, families understandably have a long list of questions. Dorsi Spinal Institute addresses the most common concerns to make the journey less daunting.

How Many Hours per Day?

Brace wear time varies, but full-time protocols are often 18–23 hours per day during growth. Part-time or night-time wear may be possible in specific cases. We tailor recommendations to each patient and their curve.

Can My Child Still Do Sports?

Yes. Many patients continue sport, sometimes with the brace on, mostly off. Our clinicians provide individual guidance on which activities are suitable and how to manage brace breaks. In fact children are allowed an additional three hours each day out of their brace for exercise, whether that is general exercise, sport or scoliosis specific exercise and this tends to motivate children to be more active!

What About School?

Children usually attend school normally. We provide letters and information for teachers explaining:

• What a brace is and why it’s needed.
• Any PE adjustments.
• Permission to change position or remove brace for specific tasks where appropriate.

Is It Painful?

It can feel strange or mildly uncomfortable at first but should not cause ongoing pain. Early check-ups allow us to adjust padding, straps, and trim lines to maximise comfort.

What If My Child Won’t Wear It?

Brace adherence is a real challenge for some families. Dorsi supports this with:

• Education and counselling about benefits and risks.
• Regular encouragement and celebrating milestones.
• Peer support from other brace wearers.

How Long Will Bracing Last?

Bracing typically continues until skeletal maturity, often several years. We regularly reassess the need and adjust wear schedules as growth slows.

Next Steps

If bracing has been recommended and you feel overwhelmed, bring your questions to Dorsi Spinal Institute. We’ll walk you through each concern and build a bracing plan that works for your whole family.

Related reading: see our blogs on ScoliBrace specifics, bracing plus exercise, and curve correction results.

LINKS:

ScoliCare

Scoliosis Support and Research

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ScoliBrace: A Comprehensive Guide to Scoliosis Bracing for Children and Adults

Keywords: Scoliosis, scoliosis brace, back brace for scoliosis, ScoliBrace

Scoliosis bracing is a non-surgical treatment option that can help slow down the progression of the spinal curve, provide support to the spine, and alleviate pain. One such brace is the ScoliBrace, which is designed for individuals with mild to moderate scoliosis. In this article, we will discuss the features, benefits, and considerations when using a ScoliBrace for scoliosis treatment.

Features of the ScoliBrace: The ScoliBrace is a custom-made, rigid brace designed to address the unique needs of each patient. The brace's key features include:

1. Three-dimensional correction: The ScoliBrace targets the three-dimensional nature of scoliosis, providing support and corrective forces in all planes (frontal, sagittal, and transverse) to help restore spinal alignment.
2. Custom fit: Using advanced 3D scanning technology, the ScoliBrace is designed to fit the patient's body precisely, providing optimal support and comfort.
3. Easy to wear: The ScoliBrace is lightweight and low-profile, allowing for greater ease of movement and less interference with daily activities.

Benefits of the ScoliBrace: Using a ScoliBrace can provide several benefits for individuals with scoliosis, including:

1. Slowing curve progression: By providing corrective forces, the ScoliBrace can help slow down the progression of the spinal curve, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments in the future.
2. Pain relief: The ScoliBrace can help alleviate pain caused by muscle tension and misaligned vertebrae by supporting the spine and promoting better posture.
3. Improved posture: By addressing spinal imbalances, the ScoliBrace can help improve overall posture, leading to increased self-confidence and a better quality of life.

Considerations When Using a ScoliBrace: When using a ScoliBrace for scoliosis treatment, it is essential to consider the following:

1. Compliance: For the ScoliBrace to be effective, patients must wear the brace as prescribed by their scoliosis specialist, which can range from 12 to 23 hours per day, depending on the severity of the curve.
2. Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with a scoliosis specialist are crucial to monitor the progression of the curve and make any necessary adjustments to the brace.
3. Exercises and physical therapy: In addition to bracing, scoliosis-specific exercises and physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the spine, promoting better posture and reducing the progression of the spinal curve.

Conclusion: The ScoliBrace is a valuable non-surgical treatment option for individuals with mild to moderate scoliosis, offering benefits such as slowed curve progression, pain relief, and improved posture. However, it is essential to work with a scoliosis specialist, such as Dr. Matthew Potts at Dorsi.uk or Spinex Disc Clinic, to determine the most suitable treatment approach for your unique needs and goals. By combining the ScoliBrace with targeted exercises and physical therapy, patients can effectively manage their scoliosis and improve their quality of life.

Keywords: Scoliosis, scoliosis brace, back brace for scoliosis, ScoliBrace