clinics
we know scoliosis Thank you for your interest in our unique and revolutionary system of scoliosis care. You may be wondering what separates the ScoliSMART brand from other clinics or treatment options. First of all, the ScoliSMART brand is not a specific treatment, but rather, a promise of integrity. When you choose one of our doctors you are choosing an expert in the field of non invasive scoliosis diagnosis, treatment and management. We are a focused group of doctors who have dedicated our careers to finding a better way to successfully treat scoliosis. All of our certified doctors are Fellows of the International Chiropractic Scoliosis Board. Our group of doctors has published scoliosis research, presented at SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic Rehabilitation and ), written hundreds of scoliosis articles, patented innovative exercise equipment, and taught post graduate classes on the topic of non-surgical treatment of scoliosis. We lead and operate dedicated scoliosis practices that are patient focused. We offer a variety of techniques, diagnostics, and management strategies to best serve you or your child s needs. We strive to make it easy for patients to succeed at avoiding invasive scoliosis procedures by minimizing the risk of progression and ultimately providing an effective program to alter the natural course of scoliosis, long-term. We practice in an environment of informed choice based on four principles Scoliosis treatment is tailored to the individual The alignment of your spine is controlled by your brain In order to permanently alter the alignment of your spine we must engage the areas of your brain that control alignment The most effective way to engage the alignment areas of your brain is to Un-Lock the Spine (i.e., increase flexibility) and Re-Train muscle memory using ScoliSMART exercises This core understanding allows our doctors to provide excellence in scoliosis treatment and management. Offering new and innovative scoliosis equipment, combined with our clinical experience. Ensure positive outcomes for patients and families. 2
Is ScoliSMART right for you? Find out quickly and confidentially by: STEP ONE: Submit a copy of your most recent x-rays to EMAIL: drsid@treatingscoliosis.com (jpeg or png files only) Or Upload to dropbox: https://dropbox.hightail.com/treatingscoliosis Or X-rays should be mailed to: ScoliSMART Clinics - New York 2 W 45th Street, Suite 404 New York, NY 10036 STEP TWO: Call to schedule a complimentary phone consultation with one of our doctors. 212-354-2020 There is NO CHARGE for consultations or second opinions Consultations can be conducted via email or phone once you have submitted x-rays and provided general information regarding your situation including: Ageandgenderofpatient Ageofirstdiagnosis TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 ScoliSMART Clinics 5 Small Curves Camp 7 Scoliosis Boot Camp 9 What Happens After a Camp? 10 ScoliPAIN for Adults with Scoliosis 11 ScoliSMART Exercises 12 Scoliosis Activity Suit 13 ScoliSMART Nutritional Support 14 ScoliScore Test 15 Patient Results Measurementwhenirstdiagnosed Currentmeasurements Currenttreatmentandrecommendedtreatment 1
clinics ScoliSMART clinics offer a unique and personalized treatment experience. The doctors who created this unique system of responsible scoliosis management have over 50 years combined clinical experience working directly with scoliosis patients of all age groups. Our clinics offer three programs to provide individual treatment plans to accomplish goals and deliver results. Our clinics are dedicated scoliosis treatment centers with caring, compassionate, and skilled staff providing excellence in non surgical scoliosis treatment and assisting you in reaching your goals. Our Programs: Small Curve Camp is a 5 day low intensity outpatient scoliosis exercise program designed to replace the observation phase ( watchful waiting ) prescribed by doctors when idiopathic scoliosis is first detected. This program is effective at reducing and stabilizing spinal curvature less than 25. It also includes home care equipment, monitoring, and a long term strategy for success. Scoliosis BootCamp is a 10 day moderate intensity outpatient scoliosis exercise program addressing idiopathic scoliosis starting at 25. The main goal of this program is to properly determine the type of curvature, risk of progression, and long term prognosis utilizing ScoliSMART exercises. This program is effective at slowing or stopping progression, reducing existing curvature, and stabilizing the spine, long term. BootCamp is available to children and younger adults where structural changes will not prevent reduction. ScoliPAIN is a 5 day outpatient treatment program designed to improve function, stability, and appearance as well as decrease or eliminate pain caused from adult scoliosis. A low to moderate intensity level allows for steady improvement in a short amount of time. It is ideal for adults who are suffering from painful scoliosis. 4
Scoliosis Curvatures Less Than 25 Our 5 day Small Curve Camp is the foundation of early intervention designed for children diagnosed with spinal curvature below 25 degrees. Our system features ScoliSMART exercise therapy, combined with gentle cyclical traction equipment to reduce spinal rigidity often found at the apical (peak of curve) region of existing curvature. This program accomplishes the following: Provides a proactive, effective approach to the passive, traditional, and risky wait and see do nothing concept Determines risk of progression Creates a comprehensive long term plan for your child s scoliosis Slows or eliminates natural scoliosis progression Reduces existing spinal curvature Eliminates posture asymmetry Induces stability Our doctors will provide detailed timelines, homecare protocols, and treatment goals empowering parents and children thereby significantly decreasing the risk of developing moderate to severe spinal deformity. In most cases early intervention will significantly reduce or even eliminate risk of progression while reducing existing mild scoliosis often to single digits. Postural and balance based ScoliSMART training is the main focus, designed to cause a different brain-muscle communication and change muscle coordination, asymmetry, and muscle memory. Statistically if scoliosis curves reach the 25 range the chance of progression is near 70%. In most cases when scoliosis curvatures measuring less than 25 degrees are treated using neurological based rehabilitation the scoliosis can be defeated, stabilizing the spinal curves at less than 10 degrees. In order 5
Example Small Curve Camp Schedule: for this to occur it is important to re-educate the postural neurology before the 30 degree mark occurs to maintain the upper hand regarding soft tissue adaptations. When your child performs ScoliSMART exercises using Auto Response Training, your child s spine will react to specific exercise induced stimuli, causing their brain to initiate and reorganize their posture, creating a more stable alignment with gravity. This will reduce existing spinal curvature and significantly decrease the chance that their scoliosis will worsen as they grow. Unlike traditional physical therapy or chiropractic care, ScoliSMART rehabilitation requires specialized equipment combined with a knowledgeable doctor to achieve the desired outcome. We hope that you will choose our program for your proactive scoliosis treatment. We look forward to meeting you. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Consult & Exam from from from from 8am-1pm 1st treatment Home Care Review Dismissed from from from from 2-4pm 2-4pm 2-4pm 2-4pm CLINIC SCHEDULES WILL VARY BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER 6
Scoliosis Curvatures 25 or Larger Our 10 day moderate intensity exercise based program is designed to: Stop or slow progression Reduceandstabilizeexistingcurvature Improvefunctionandcosmeticappearance Eliminatetheneedforinvasivebracingorsurgery This program uses a unique process to first Un-Lock the spine by decreasing scoliosis rigidity caused from neurological and soft tissue adaptations. Followed by ScoliSMART training using patented scoliosis exercise equipment specifically designed to create new muscle memory. Scoliosis BootCamp comes complete with homecare equipment and instructions, timelines, and re-evaluation points. Thousands of children and adults have been through our Scoliosis BootCamp program achieving lasting scoliosis reduction, cosmetic improvement, and have avoided more invasive scoliosis procedures like bracing or spinal fusion surgery. The 5 R s of a Successful BootCamp Program Reduce Curve Rigidity Every patient s curvature will carry a certain amount of rigidity. Your doctor will determine what treatment is necessary to decrease curve rigidity. Retrain Muscle ScoliSMART exercises are used to recruit new muscle memory which holds the spine in a new straighter position. Repeat Home Training Multiple sessions of ScoliSMART exercise training at home will cause corrective adaptation and spinal stability. Re-Evaluate Periodic evaluations are needed to monitor success of your home care program and determine if more clinical treatment is needed. Re-Engage Additional treatment may be necessary to achieve greater scoliosis reduction levels. 7
Example Scoliosis BootCamp Schedule: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Consult & Exam 1st treatment from from from from Weekend Care Review Rehab Session (4 Total) Dismissed Sunday from 2-4pm from 2-4pm from 2-4pm from 2-4pm Rehab Session (2 total) Rehab Session (4 Total) All Rehab sessions are conducted by the patient outside of the office according to the home rehab program prescribed by the doctor. Week Two: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday from from from from from Home Care Review Dismissed Sunday from 2-4pm from 2-4pm from 2-4pm from 2-4pm CLINIC SCHEDULES WILL VARY 8
What Happens After a Camp? Scoliosis is a progressive condition that is most active and aggressive during the adolescent years in which a child is experiencing periods of rapid growth. It is imperative that an ongoing scoliosis training program is consistently performed on a daily basis. The single most important factor in the continued long-term success of scoliosis stabilization is a high compliance rate with the home training program. It needs to be recognized from the very beginning that the home care program is a long-term commitment and must be continued to ensure stabilization of the scoliosis during these periods of rapid growth. The greatest factors in ensuring compliance to a long-term home training program are a positive patient attitude towards the program and a low confusion rate. Keep it fun/rewarding and keep it simple. While the patient will need to dedicate a fair amount of time and effort into the initial scoliosis training program during the curve reduction phase of treatment, they can often maintain their scoliosis reduction with less effort once the curvature has been stabilized. 3-4 months following Scoliosis Exercise Camps Static ScoliSMART Training Morning (1 session before school or work): Wear ScoliSMART Training Equipment 20 minutes Afternoon (2 sessions after school or work) Wear ScoliSMART Training Equipment 20 minutes Spinal molding program prior to bed 15 minutes if prescribed. Weekends (Up to 5 Sessions permitted) Dynamic ScoliSMART Training 1-2 hours daily movement wearing the Scoliosis Activity Suit Generally this routine is required for at least 6-8 months before scoliosis stability is achieved and a reduction of home care frequency can be considered, always consult your doctor when changing training frequency. 9
For Adult Scoliosis Sufferers A less intense 5 day outpatient program for adults suffering from pain associated from scoliosis, degeneration, or kyphosis specifically designed to increase function levels and decrease pain using a combination of cyclical traction, muscle detoxification, and exercise. In addition, a supportive neoprene Scoliosis Activity Suit can be used to help stabilize postural collapse, the number one pain inducing problem with adult scoliosis. Unlike progressive juvenile or adolescent scoliosis adult curvature can be very painful and create unwanted function changes. We have worked with hundreds of adult patients with scoliosis, although overall corrective levels may be reduced due to spinal degeneration, function can be significantly improved and pain can often be reduced or eliminated. Cosmetic Improvement after Just One Week of ScoliPain 10
What Makes ScoliSMART exercises so SMART? ScoliSMART exercise is the first scoliosis treatment approach that uses nutritional support principles in combination with both static and dynamic Auto Response Training equipment. Recent clinical studies have shown that certain neurotransmitter (brain chemical) imbalances are commonly found in scoliosis patients. These neurotransmitters are directly related to your spine s reflex control mechanism which affects your spine s alignment. Our doctors test these neurotransmitters and provide supplementation to support, Rebalance, and prevent spinal fatigue during exercises. Neurotransmitter monitoring in combination with Auto Response Training create a unique environment for positively influencing these spine reflexes and reducing your scoliosis. Auto Response Training is performed using specialized equipment such as the TorsoTrainer, Scoliosis Cantilever and the patented Scoliosis Activity Suit. ScoliSMART exercises focus on your spines reflexes and subconscious brain control. Like the beating of our heart, the alignment of our spinal column is controlled by your brain. Like your heart beat, your spinal alignment cannot be directly controlled by you. You can, however, indirectly influence this control mechanism by causing a reaction. Our doctors use innovative exercise equipment, this equipment effectively engages the muscles influencing your spine s alignment. This equipment influences how the brain contracts your spine s deep muscle layers, the layers controlling alignment of your spine. You do not think about which muscle to contract, rather your spines natural righting reflexes automatically do it for you. This is known as Auto Response Training. If you were to run up a flight of stairs your heart would automatically increase its rate in order to produce more blood flow. It is an autonomic reflex that increased the heart rate; we use this same principal to cause your spinal reflexes to react causing more symmetrical muscle firing resulting in a straighter spine. 11
We use two types of Auto Response Training: Dynamic, with movement, and Static, without movement. Your spinal reflexes are constantly controlling your spines alignment and stability when sitting, standing, or walking. There are different muscles that are firing in a sequence during each of these actions. The static training is performed standing while balancing on a vestibular disc using specialized cantilevers that create forces on the head, torso, or pelvis which in turn cause a corrective response by the spinal reflexes that reduce your scoliosis. The dynamic training is performed while walking wearing a specialized neoprene suit that creates torque forces which cause your spinal reflexes to reduce your scoliosis. The use of neurotransmitter testing and support enhances your potential for new muscle programs to form. By creating a custom nutritional support program we can help strengthen your spinal reflexes which in turn leads to a stronger exercise induced response, better scoliosis reduction, and overall stability of your spine. IT S NOT A BRACE! A dynamic ScoliSMART exercise program used in combination with outpatient care. Designed to work with the natural torque pattern of human locomotion, the Scoliosis Activity Suit is the latest innovation in scoliosis treatment. New Scoliosis Activity Suit harnesses energy of human s natural movement to create new muscle memory. This new muscle memory reduces and stabilizes asymmetrical muscle firing thereby reducing risk of curve progression and helping the spine unwind naturally, never forced. With each step, the body resists the Scoliosis Activity Suit s force, changing the muscle s stored energy and firing sequence. Like muscles, the spine adapts in terms of time and need according to demand. Unlike bracing, the Scoliosis Activity Suit does not use direct pressure on the peaks of the curves to force correction as forcing correction does not induce new muscle memory. 12
ScoliSMART Nutritional Support Q) What are neurotransmitters? A) Neurotransmitters are chemicals used by our brain to communicate with the rest of the body. To use an analogy, our nervous system is similar to a long stretch of roads and highways. Along various roads we come to a traffic light. These intersections or junctions use neurotransmitters to allow nerve communication to continue on down the road, similar to the way a green light allows traffic through, and red tells it to stop. If there aren t enough green light neurotransmitters, the brain cannot effectively communicate with the rest of the body, thus contributing to neurological symptoms. Q) How are neurotransmitters checked? A) ScoliSMART clinics utilize urinalysis testing to look for direct measures of neurotransmitters. Urinalysis is an easy, noninvasive means of collecting this information. A single morning collection of urine is enough to evaluate the most common neurotransmitters. Q) How are neurotransmitter problems treated? A) Since neurotransmitters are created from amino acids, and metabolized by various enzymes, neurotransmitter imbalances can typically be corrected by individualized amino acid and/or enzyme supplementation. Once neurotransmitter imbalances are corrected via supplementation, ongoing maintenance can often be achieved by dietary modification, thus introducing food choices that are rich in specific amino acids or enzymes. Q) How do neurotransmitter imbalances relate to scoliosis? Preliminary research suggests that specific neurotransmitter deficiencies may contribute to the development or progression of idiopathic scoliosis. Some neurotransmitters are vital for the maintenance of normal postural control. Therefore, if those neurotransmitters are out of balance, postural control suffers, and therefore may create an environment favorable to the development of scoliosis, or the progression of an existing scoliosis. It is also important to restore normal neurotransmitter levels so that patients may improve their ability to participate in exercise-based scoliosis 13
programs. Since ScoliSMART exercises require repetitive stimulation of postural control centers, having normal neurotransmitter levels may help scoliosis patients get better results from their specifically prescribed ScoliSMART exercises. Q) Is neurotransmitter testing covered by my insurance? A) Yes, typically most insurance companies provide for neurotransmitter testing. However, Pharmasan Labs is an out-of-network lab, so please check with your insurance company to make sure out-of-network labs are a covered benefit. Also, for those who are underinsured/uninsured, Pharmasan Labs offers a very reasonable PrePay cash price to run the test. ScoliScore ScoliScore is a Prognostic Genetic Test that can predict the progression of scoliosis in the early stages of diagnosis and development. This test virtually eliminates the traditional wait and see method often prescribed by orthopedic specialists for patients with curves that are lower than 25 degrees. What are the results of the ScoliScore Test? The ScoliScore test results provide a Curve Progression Score that assigns a numerical value to the likelihood of a scoliotic curve progressing. This result corresponds to the likelihood of mild, moderate, or severe curves among adolescents between the ages of 9-13 years. This test adds information beyond the traditional factors your physician considers when evaluating the patient. It is important to note that a Low Curve Progression Score result does not mean that there is no chance that an Adolescent will have some curve progression. Instead, the Curve Progression Score provides information about the likelihood of curve progression it cannot determine with 100% certainty that there will be no curve progression. What are the benefits of using the ScoliScore Test? The test report delivers information for both physicians and patients with AIS that may improve their confidence that treatment planning will be based on an understanding of each individual patient s disease characteristics. 14
Patient Results Sustained Correction Without Bracing Maddie, now 16.7 years old has a lumbar scoliosis measuring 18º using the standard Cobb measurement. She and her twin sister started the program 3 years ago at age 13.7. Maddie presented with a 37º curve before the program. 37% Initial Reduction Kaylee is a 14.4 year old female Risser IV with a primary thoracic scoliosis and right body shift of 2 inches. Initial response to 2 week BootCamp resulted in a 37% reduction of her scoliosis from 49º to 31º. She was prescribed daily home exercises consisting of a TorsoTrainer and a vestibular disc to ensure new muscle memory will be achieved. She will be evaluated in 3 months to determine the effectiveness of home care. 80% Sustained Reduction 12 year old female high risk Risser II primary thoracic scoliosis. Two week initial BootCamp, one additional week of camp at 6 months and a total of 14 months home exercises using the TorsoTrainer. Sustained 80% reduction 29º to 6º after 14 months. She is now 13 and Risser III. On the Path to Curve Reduction Brent is a 16 year old male Risser III presenting with a 48º primary thoracic scoliosis. Following the Scoliosis BootCamp program, he was able to reduce his scoliosis to 30º. He has been prescribed a home care program consisting of auto response training using a TorsoTrainer for twenty minutes three times daily for four months. The probability of long term success with his case is high due to his age and initial reduction level. For more information, visit www.treatingscoliosis.com. 15
we know scoliosis www.treatingscoliosis.com