Scoliosis Bracing in Victoria and Vancouver

The goal of Scoliosis.Solutions in Victoria and Vancouver BC with INFANTS, CHILDREN and ADOLESCENTS is reduction of the developing spinal deformity while the spine is still growing. The smaller the curve(s) and the earlier the treatment is started, the more potential for correction there is. An important point to consider is that all LARGE curves started out as SMALL curves - this is why treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Outdated approaches like "WATCH and WAIT" are NOT supported by the current research and professional guidelines. Both the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) and the Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) agree that a combination of bracing and scoliosis-specific exercises is the current standard for conservative (non-surgical) treatment of a scoliosis in both children and adults.

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common type of spinal deformity. It is a progressive curvature of the spine that can result in significant deformity, disability, arthritic degeneration, a shortened lifespan, cardio-vascular compromise (due to compression of the heart and lungs), as well as numerous other health issues.

Idiopathic scoliosis affects millions worldwide. One in ten people have scoliosis. Early detection and proper treatment of idiopathic scoliosis is essential to optimize results. Idiopathic scoliosis can start at any age before skeletal maturity. The most common type is adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) as the postural disorganization of a developing scoliosis is most often noticed when children are growing rapidly during early adolescence.

Scoliosis.Solutions provides more than one type of custom brace, depending on the condition and needs of the patient. Scoliosis.Solutions is a fully accredited provider of the ScoliBrace - a new type of 3D Rigid Bracing used for the treatment of Scoliosis and/or Kyphosis. Traditional rigid braces (like a Boston Brace or a Cheneau Brace) are "three-point pressure" systems, which apply pressure towards the mid-line, effectively immobilizing the spine. 3-point pressure braces try to contain the natural progression of a scoliosis but cannot correct it, and may also cause weakness and muscle atrophy.

However, a modern 3D Brace called ScoliBrace is specifically designed to correct the spine by elongating and moving the spine into the "mirror image" of the person's posture. A ScoliBrace does NOT immobilize the person wearing it and research has shown that the weakness and muscle atrophy problems experienced by people using a 3-point pressure brace does not occur when using a ScoliBrace. A ScoliBrace has true corrective potential during growth.

To visit the ScoliBrace website, please click HERE.

The ScoliBrace is covered by most private insurance plans. A ScoliBrace is classified by insurance companies as a Thoraco-Lumbo-Sacral-Orthosis (commonly referred to as a "TLSO" brace). In order to be covered under your benefits, many insurance companies require that a custom spinal brace (or "orthosis") be rigid and made of metal or plastic. The ScoliBrace is a rigid brace, and therefore may be covered by your insurance plan.

"Dr Gage is one of the best doctors I have ever met. When my daughter was diagnosed with scoliosis, the IHA doctors/surgeons were less than sympathetic, only offering a solution of waiting for 6 months and if she got worse, then let’s do surgery!! Dr. Gage when he met my daughter, promptly spent the time, and lots of time, getting to understand my daughter’s activities, her illness and how it was affecting her. Utilizing all the tools at his disposal, Dr. Gage, checked, confirmed and reconfirmed the best treatment for my daughter Susie and worked to deliver his solution. Dr. Gage over the two years he worked with Susie, not only arrested the curving of my daughter’s spine, but actually brought back some of the curvature and put her back to a more normal situation. Dr. Gage then found us a support here in Kelowna, with another Dr. (Dr. Mendes) who with feedback from Brad, continued to support the work that Brad had started.

We have referred others to Brad and we are very comfortable in doing so. While Susie will always have her scoliosis, she is not at risk of surgery in the immediate or foreseeable future. We owe Dr.Gage, a big load of gratitude and I can only hope that any referral we offer is well received."
- Walter Morel, Kelowna, BC

Considering Other Types of Braces?

This is a Milwaukee Brace... Imagine being in this type of brace for 20 hours per day!