The Scoliosis Bracing Process and Treatment
The bracing process will start with a visit to the orthotist. He or she will evaluate your curve and review your goals for treatment. Your orthopaedic doctor will most likely have already chosen which brace you will wear, and the orthotist will take measurements and casts that are needed to custom build your brace.
Step 1: Brace fitting appointment
Once the brace is created, you will have an initial fitting with the orthotist. He or she will make final adjustments and make sure it fits comfortably. You will also be given instructions on wearing and caring for the brace.
Step 2: Easing into a schedule wearing a back brace
We recommend taking several days to ease into a schedule before you are able to wear the brace for the full prescribed time.
Day 1: Wear the brace for two hours.
Day 2: Wear the brace for four hours, broken into shorter times if desired.
Day 3: Wear the brace for six hours.
Day 4: Wear the brace for eight hours.
Day 5: Begin wearing the brace for the amount of time prescribed.
A line will be marked on the brace’s strap to show how tight it should be worn for the first week. A second line will be marked to show how tight to wear the brace the second week, as tolerated.
Step 3: Follow-up appointments
After two weeks, you will have an appointment with the orthotist. This is a chance to check the fit of the brace, address any issues and make adjustments. A week later, your orthopaedic doctor may have you get a follow-up X-ray to see if the brace is fitting correctly. You will have additional follow-up visits according to your doctor’s orders.