There are 3 clinical indicators for bracing:

  1. The scoliosis is progressing
  2. For small curves, conservative rehabilitation alone has not been enough to stop  curve progression
  3. The curve has been big to start with, > 20 degrees
In the early days, the effectiveness of bracing has been questioned. However, over the years, bracing technology has improved tremendously. In 2013, the New England Journal of Medicine published a multi-centre study to determine whether wearing a brace would prevent the need for surgery. The study was cut short when early results were overwhelmingly in favour of bracing. 
Full research available at:
However, NOT all braces are the same. Traditional TLSO, Boston Brace  and dynamic flexible braces has the following limitations:
  • Not 3  Dimentional
  • A good Boston brace relies heavily on the skill of the orthotist making the brace
  • A dynamic flexible brace is not effective for large or rigid scoliosis curves
  • Often difficult for patient to wear which may result in non-compliance of patient
  • As in the photo to the right, it holds the scoliosis in place, but DOES NOT achieve CORRECTION of the scoliosis
  • May not be suitable for neuromuscular and congenital scoliosis

a good brace NEEDS the following features:

  • 3D designed and manufactured because scoliosis is a 3D condition
  • Easy for the patient to use and wear
  • Uses an OVER CORRECTIVE approach and not a 3-point pressure approach, so there is NO LONG TERM Muscle wasting and weakness
  • Can be used for all types of scoliosis
  • Easily concealed UNDER patient's clothing