The Scoliosis Experience

17 Surgeries and Still Smiling: Susan's Inspiring Battle with Scoliosis

In this episode, I sit down with Susan, an incredible scoliosis warrior who has undergone 17 surgeries and emerged stronger than ever. Despite facing countless challenges, Susan's positive attitude and unwavering spirit have made her an inspiration to everyone around her.

She opens up about her journey through each surgery, the highs and lows, and how she found the strength to keep pushing forward. This even includes some of the largest scoliosis surgeries I have seen! 

Whether you're battling scoliosis, facing a different challenge, or simply need a dose of inspiration, Susan’s story is a powerful reminder that you can find resilience and hope, no matter the odds. Tune in to hear how she turned her struggles into a story of triumph and what keeps her motivated every day. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Smartphone App Surface Topography Imaging with Evan Dimentberg and Momentum Health

In this episode, I talk to Evan Dimentberg, who is the co-founder of Momentum Health. Momentum Health has developed an app that can 3D image the back and create a surface topography image, all from the cameras on a regular smartphone. 

(Check out momentum.health for more information)

Check out a recent YouTube video showing how this app works: https://youtu.be/BS-VqdMp1bw

This is a game changer in scoliosis monitoring in a few different ways.  First, scoliosis and kyphosis can be monitored without needing to step into a medical clinic because it can be done at home.  The potential is there for providers to keep tabs on their patient's scoliosis with the patient doing a scan on a regular basis at home. 

Second, surface topography, if used correctly, can limit the number of x-rays children with scoliosis are getting.  If we aren't seeing changes on topography, then we can push the next x-ray back and limit their exposure.  

Third, with AI modeling, this app can predict the Cobb angle better than before.  Surface Topography and X-ray will most likely never totally agree, but this is getting closer.  With more accuracy, we should be able to make better clinical decisions, along with limiting x-ray use.  

Evan talks about his company, Momentum Health, and how he got started.  He also shares how the technology works and what it entails to take a scan of someone's back. This is a very non-invasive, and very comfortable process. 

We also talk about how this technology could be used in the world of scoliosis treatment and how he is currently seeing it used.  

This is really cool technology and I hope to utilize it myself in the near future.  

Better Scoliosis Brace Under Shirts and Her Scoliosis Journey with Hope of Hope's Closet

In this episode, I sit down with Hope, who shares her inspiring journey from being diagnosed with scoliosis as a teen to becoming the co-founder of "Hope's Closet." After her scoliosis progressed to the point where she needed bracing, Hope and her mother struggled to find comfortable undershirts to wear under her scoliosis brace. Their search led them to create their own solution, and "Hope's Closet" was born. Today, they provide specially designed undershirts for individuals with scoliosis who wear braces, offering comfort and support during a challenging time.

Hope also opens up about her personal experience with scoliosis, including the discomfort of wearing a brace and her ongoing battle to improve her condition through the Schroth Method exercises. Her story is a testament to resilience and innovation in the face of adversity.

To learn more about "Hope's Closet" and their products, visit hopescloset.com.

For more information on The Schroth Method and how it can help manage scoliosis, be sure to check out our website.

Tune in for an episode full of inspiration, practical advice, and insight into living with scoliosis.

Chiari Malformation Surgery and Scoliosis with Will

In this episode, I sit down with Will, a brave young man navigating life with scoliosis, who recently underwent surgery for a Chiari malformation to help address the cause of his curve. Will opens up about his journey, from being diagnosed with scoliosis to wearing a brace and now focusing on healing post-surgery. Joining us is Will's dad, who shares his perspective as a parent, offering insights into the emotional and practical challenges families face when supporting a child through scoliosis and complex medical procedures.

Together, we explore the ups and downs of Will’s recovery, the ongoing process of managing scoliosis, and the resilience it takes to keep moving forward. This episode provides a candid look into the realities of living with scoliosis and the importance of a supportive family network.

For more information about scoliosis, treatment options, and resources, visit our website. Don't miss out on valuable insights that could help you or a loved one navigate similar challenges.

Dr Michael Gardner from the National Scoliosis Clinic on Better Treatment Options

In this episode, I talk to Dr Michael Gardner from Stanford about some awesome new options for treatment.  Historically, conservative treatment for scoliosis has been limited by distance, training, and referral.  Dr Gardner is looking to help those with scoliosis navigate those challenges and get the care they need. 

He and his colleagues have developed a way for those with scoliosis to receive conservative treatment online.  They have even developed a way to scan the back and produce a 3D image of the back to aide treatment.  

Check out this episode if you have scoliosis and are looking for conservative treatment.  Maybe you have felt let down with your options, or you don't have anyone in your area that does Schroth or other scoliosis specific exercise.  This would be a great place to start. 

Check out his website at:

https://nationalscoliosisclinic.com/

Adam Waugh, CPO on Scoliosis Bracing and His Philosophy on Getting Great Results

In this episode we discuss scoliosis bracing with Adam Waugh, CPO.  Adam is an orthotist who works for Goal Pediatric Orthotics here in Utah.  He has been a great resource for bracing, and he has a great philosophy of how to get the best results possible.  

Check out this episode if you are looking at doing scoliosis bracing, or if you are braced.  He gives some tips and tricks on how to get the best results, as well as some insights into how providers can improve our treatment as well. 

We are excited to have him as part of our multidisciplinary team, and will be using him for scoliosis bracing in the future. 

To find out more about Goal Pediatric Orthotics, check out their website:

https://www.goalpediatrics.com/

Research Article: Scoliosis Treatment and Google Trends. How do you know what to do?

In this episode, I go over a recent research article looking at what the trends are with Google Searches related to scoliosis treatment.  This might seem like it doesn't apply to what we do, but it was fascinating to see what the trends are on Google for Scoliosis Treatment. 

One thing this brought to light was the terms "Chiropractic Manipulation" and "Schroth Method Exercises" are both trending upward in search terms.  I am glad people are searching for treatments and trying to educate themselves.  The problem is, while there is growing and good evidence to support Schroth Method Exercises, there is only very weak evidence to support Chiropractic Manipulation for the treatment of scoliosis.  

This is a problem where people are searching for Chiropractic Manipulation for scoliosis and trusting the sources they find on Google, but that treatment method doesn't have support in the literature.  It is concerning that people might be doing treatments they think are effective that aren't.  

In contrast, the growing evidence for Schroth Method Exercises is on an upward trend as well as searches for this.  This is a good thing and I hope people will continue to search for that and grow that Google Trend.  The truth with Google is that if more people search for a term, they bring that up in search results more often.  

If you have questions regarding this research study, check out the PubMed link:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37288184/

Charlene Nordhoff, PTA and Janessa Brink, PTA Talk About Schroth Method Training

One of the things that sets Align Therapy apart is the specialized training we receive on Scoliosis Specific Exercise.  All of our therapists are trained in The Schroth Method now that Char and Janessa received training this last year.  

In this episode they talk about how they were trained to treat patients before and after scoliosis certification.  They talk about their experience with current patients and how they feel this training has benefitted their practice. 

Janessa and Char are amazing therapists that have helped many patients with spinal deformities, including scoliosis and kyphosis, improve and live lives with less pain and less imbalance.  They are experienced in all kinds of scoliosis and kyphosis and would be great for any patient to work with. 

To contact them, you can email or call the clinic (801-980-0860)

janessa@aligntherapyutah.com

char@aligntherapyutah.com 

Gary Huntington, DPT Schroth Method Scoliosis Specialist in St George, Utah

In this episode, I talk to Gary Huntington who is one of the few Schroth Method physical therapists in Utah.  He is located in St George, Utah and has been treating scoliosis and other spine patients there for 10 years.  He shares his experience and introduction to scoliosis and why he loves treating this condition. 

He also shares some exciting news that he will be opening a scoliosis specific clinic in Southern Utah in St George, and is really excited to start treating patients with more of a multidisciplinary approach. 

One of the struggles with scoliosis specific exercise, is the lack of support from the other members of the scoliosis team.  Many times we struggle to get the support or buy in of the surgeons and orthopedic doctors, even though this treatment has been found to be effective.  

Being able to work more with all disciplines within the scoliosis treatment realm will be a huge benefit from him as he branches out in his own clinic.  

To reach out to Gary, you can email him at gary@aligntherapyutah.com. 

You can also check out the St George page on our website at:

https://aligntherapyutah.com/contact-information-physical-therapy-services-in-st-george-utah/ 

Professional Rock Climber Kyra Condie on Scoliosis Spinal Fusion and the Tokyo Olympics

Kyra Condie is a professional rock climber who had a spinal fusion as a teen to stop a rapidly progressing scoliosis curve.  On this episode, Kyra discusses what it was like to have scoliosis progress to needing surgery when her climbing career was starting to take off. 

Fast forward to the Tokyo Olympics and Kyra is the first athlete to compete in the Olympic Games with a spinal fusion.  

She shares a great story about the first surgeon she went to telling her that climbing wasn't going to be a big part of her life, so she should just not worry about it.  She ended up having a second opinion from a surgeon who took her goals into account when doing the surgery.  

One of the huge takeaways from this episode is to advocate for yourself...even if you are a teenager discussing with your parents.  If you are looking at surgery for scoliosis, Kyra also recommends getting a second, and maybe even a third, opinion.  

You can find out more about Kyra's journey and story by following her on Instagram:

@Kyra_condie

or on her website:

www.kyracondie.com

Kyra continues to do some awesome things in climbing, so watch for her on the world stage.  She was also such a cool person to get to know on this podcast.  Thanks Kyra!