Newsletter: How Orthoses Can Help Address Scoliosis by Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics
NEWSLETTER
HOW ORTHOSES CAN HELP ADDRESS SCOLIOSIS A Custom-Designed Device Can Stop That Spinal Curve From Progressing
Have you recently learned that your child might have a curve in their spine? Many healthcare providers check for scoliosis during routine exams, so you might not know what that means for your child, including your
AIS first develops in kids and adolescents between 10 and 18 and has no known cause, although genetics and hormones may play a role. Other children may develop scoliosis due to injury, hereditary factors, or genetic or neuromuscular diseases. Regardless of the cause of their scoliosis, it’s important to monitor the development of the curve in your child’s spine and, if necessary, take action to slow or even stop it. Our team can work with you, your child, and your child’s doctor to fit your child with a customized scoliosis orthosis. If you want to learn more about how Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics can help slow the development of your child’s scoliosis, call us to schedule an appointment today!
Roger Howard, CPOs, Director
potential treatment options. Scoliosis refers to an abnormal curve of the spine. While all spines are curved, a scoliosis curve can, if left untreated, lead to back pain or even breathing difficulties. Fortunately, treatment is available, including using a custom orthotic device from Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics! Scoliosis affects between 1%-3% of the population, and its most common form is the female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).
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HOW ORTHOSES CAN HELP ADDRESS SCOLIOSIS Continue from previous page. Scoliosis Symptoms and Diagnosis Most children or adolescents with scoliosis don’t display symptoms, and they only learn they have the condition when a healthcare provider notices unusual spinal curvature during a routine exam, whether at check-in at the doctor’s office or a scoliosis screen at school. However, if you notice any of these changes in your child’s posture, it could be a sign of scoliosis: • Shoulders are uneven • One shoulder blade is more prominent than the other • One hip appears higher than the other • When bending forward, one side of the rib cage is higher than the other Your child’s physician can evaluate them for scoliosis and determine possible treatment options. For mild cases, your doctor will generally recommend observations and regular check-ins to see how the spine is growing. However, for more moderate scoliosis (a curve of 25 degrees or more), your doctor may recommend physical therapy and bracing to slow down the process. That’s where we come in! How We Design and Build a Custom Scoliosis Orthosis Every one of our scoliosis orthoses are custom-built just for the patient. We’ll work closely with your child’s doctor to determine which type of scoliosis orthosis is appropriate for your child’s needs, as various brace types are available. The Wilmington brace and the Boston brace are the two most commonly-prescribed braces, both of which are customized to fit the patient. We start with detailed measurements, a torso scan or a cast to ensure the orthosis fits exactly as it should. We then send this data to our computer to digitize the scan or cast to custom fabricate a comfortable, effective device. Next, we work with your child at a fitting appointment to further customize the brace, trimming or heat-molding the orthosis to ensure comfort and effectiveness. Your child’s doctor will let you know the exact usage of the brace. Typically,
however, scoliosis orthoses are worn 18-23 hours a day until your child is skeletally mature (typically determined through X-ray). Fortunately, because modern-day braces are customized to your child’s torso, they generally aren’t noticeable under clothes, so your child can wear their device with confidence. Your doctor may request an in-brace X-ray to ensure
the orthosis fits properly. Your child will also come into regular follow-up appointments at our clinic every 3-6 months to monitor growth and adjust the orthosis as needed. Get Your Child’s Custom-Designed Brace Today!
While it may be initially challenging to learn your child requires an orthosis, the team at Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics will work diligently to ensure the process is as smooth and pain-free as possible. Scoliosis braces have come a long way in the last few decades, and we’re proud to utilize the latest technology to ensure a proper fit. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits of a custom built orthoses, call us to schedule an appointment today!
Staff Spotlight
Jessica is our Patient Care Coordinator. She recently celebrated her 2-year anniversary at Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics! She’s the friendly voice you hear on the phone when you call our offices. She coordinates our patients’ appointments and collects their health insurance information. She JESSICA PERRETTA Patient Care Coordinator
helps our patients obtain the needed documentation from their health care providers. Jessica is 15-year Certified Nursing Assistant, CNA. Her medical background has facilitated HOP in the collecting of the needed medical data. More importantly, she makes sure the data shows the medical necessity. This medical necessity is what is needed for the health insurance to pay for the prescribed device(s). She is very persistent in seeking the needed medical data from your health care providers. We had a doctor from Watertown who called us while on his vacation to let us know he would get the requested data she needed as soon as he got back from his vacation! Doc returned from his vacation and the data she needed was provided and we were able to provide the care needed. We lovingly refer to her as our office “bulldog.” Jessica enjoys playing horseshoes and spending time with her daughter.
• Are you in pain? • Have you sustained an injury? • Does your brace or prosthesis Need a Tune-Up?
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PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
Success Story - Wendy J. “I Howard Orthotics. Miss Sara just put my orthotics in my shoes today. She has been SO helpful. I can’t wait for my left foot to feel better (I have plantar fasciitis).Thanks Miss Sara.”
TYPES OF SCOLIOSIS
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REFER A FRIEND! Do you have any friends or family unable to do the following? • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently and securely If you know someone suffering from aches and pains, or in need of prosthetic or orthotic assistance, refer them to Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics today. Share this newsletter or have them call (315) 786-8973 directly.
Does your brace or prosthesis Need a Tune-Up? • Consult with our experts • Review your problem • Receive Recommendations on relieving your pain and improving motion
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316 Sherman Street Watertown, NY 13601 Tel: (315) 786-8973 Fax: (315) 786-7993
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www.howardrehabcenter.com Our Mission We strive to provide our patients with the highest quality of service and products while ensuring a standard of excellence in all of our patient care. It is our goal to exceed our professionalism with a high level of integrity, unsurpassed customer satisfaction, and compassion towards each patient we serve.
Roger Howard, CPOs, Director
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