Adult ScoliSMART Activity Suit Infographic

ScoliSMART Study Infographic created by Treating Scoliosis (ScoliSMART)

ScoliTalk with Guest Dr. Dovorany - Topic: Auto Response Training

ScoliTalk with Guest Dr. Brian Dovorany

Topic: Auto Response Training

A special thanks to Dr. Dovorany for this interview about Auto Response Training. Watch to learn about this treatment approach - how it works, how to find out if you're a good candidate, learn about treatment outcomes, ect.  Also, at the end of the interview I asked a question that many have inquired about - WATCH THE YOUTUBE INTERVIEW BELOW TO FIND OUT!

Auto Response Training is one of the core components of the ScoliSMART program.  In fact, Dr. Dovorany invented the Scoliosis Torso Trainer™ which is being used in over 50 clinics around the world. 

  
Dr. Dovorany received his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1997.  He specializes in the reduction and stabilization of scoliosis. He's trained doctors from all around the world on reducing and stabilizing scoliosis in adults and children by effectively recruiting new muscle memory using custom neuromuscular training systems. 

According to Dr. Dovorany, "the Scoliosis Torso Trainer was invented in 2011 in an attempt to create deep layer intrinsic muscle adaptation for thoracic primary curves. The patient reacts to the devise through subconscious postural righting reflexes; since there is no counter compression under the left arm it allows tremendous elongation ability and also decreases spinal and rib cage rotation."  The Torso Trainer was presented at the 2013 SOSORT orthopedic convention.  

Here is an x-ray comparison to show how my spine reacts with the Torso Trainer.

Left: Pic of x-ray without torso trainer,  Right: Pic of x-ray wearing torso trainer

For many years I didn't have any treatment options available to me; I'm ecstatic that there's now a means to fight and want others to know - THERE IS HOPE!  

I hope you enjoy this episode of ScoliTalk.  

ScoliTalk - Episode 1

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An additional video of Dr. Dovorany discussing Auto Response Training.




www.scolitalk.com

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INSIDE LOOK: My ScoliSMART Wisconsin Experience (Video)

Last week I spent time in treatment at ScoliSMART Wisconsin.  It was truly an amazing experience.  I can't say enough wonderful things about Dr. Dovorany and his staff.  Here's an inside look at my experience.  I will miss everyone so much!

Doctors' Day- 7 Ideas to Honor Your Doctor (Plus, a Tribute to the Doctors that Changed my Life!)

Today is a special day to give honor to the doctors who have impacted our lives. A day to shine a spotlight in their direction and let them know just how appreciated they are!  Many spend lots of hours conducting research, caring, showing compassion, and basically fighting for us every day.  Don't let this day end without giving honor to those who have dedicated their lives to help change ours!♥ 

A Brief History

Doctors' day was first observed in Winder, GA on March 30, 1933. Eudora Brown Almond (wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond) selected this day to honor doctors which is the anniversary of the first use of general anesthetic in surgery. Doctor's day was celebrated by sending cards to doctors and their wives as well as placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors.  The U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution commemorating Doctors' Day on March 30, 1958. Legislation was approved in 1990 establishing a National Doctor's day.  President George H.W. Bush signed the resolution with the first National Doctors' Day being celebrated on March 30,1991. 

Ways to Celebrate and Honor Your Doctor

1) Send a special card to show your appreciation. Making or designing a card is a nice way to personalize your appreciation and make the gesture more meaningful; but regardless, cards are a nice and thoughtful way to express your gratitude.  Fun Fact: Hallmark created its first National Doctors' Day cards in 2003. 

2) Bring your doctor lunch or a restaurant gift card. Doctors spend countless hours helping patients and doing research, a healthy meal or treat is sure to be appreciated.  You could always check with the office staff to learn about the doctor's favorite foods.

3)  Write a Testimonial. If your doctor has changed your life then tell others about it!  Testimonials are extremely important - not only for the doctor, but also for potential patients.  Writing a Google or Facebook review is typically highly appreciated. 

4) Create a personalized poster with one of your doctor's favorite quotes. Use a photo of your doctor and perhaps one of his/her favorite quotes to design a poster for the office.  I designed this poster for Dr. Nick at walgreens.com for a very reasonable price - and I was able to pick it up the same day. 

5) Volunteer your time. I think one of the most precious gifts one can offer is time.  Ask to see if the office has any volunteer opportunities, or needs help with any upcoming projects/events.  For example, my doctor has Kid's Day each quarter and it's fun to volunteer to help with that event. 

6) Bring your doctor a red carnation- the symbolic flower for Doctor's Day. It represents the qualities of sacrifice, charity, courage, bravery, and love.

7) Make a donation to the doctor's practice, or to a favorite charity. Perhaps donate to help patients who are unable to afford treatment, or create a treatment scholarship that can be given to a patient. 

If you have any additional ideas, or an awesome doctor story you would like to share  - add it to the comments.  I'd love to see it!

Honoring the Doctors Who Have Impacted My Life

A personal "Thank You" video to the doctors who have impacted my life!

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ScoliSMART Activity Suit: Week 1

I'm so excited to finally have my Scoliosis Activity Suit, and wanted to share all about my first week wearing it. 

                                   

                                                

I walked in the door and saw the box on my kitchen table.  I was "over the moon" excited and had to snap a picture to share in the Scoliosis Warriors group - had to share the excitement with my Warrior friends.

And then had to message a pic to my family/friends with the news!

Here's the individual pieces of the suit.  It's made of Neoprene.  It can be washed on gentle cycle in cold water - then hung to dry.  Good thing since it's an "ACTIVITY SUIT" - need to keep it smelling fresh.☺

The suit can be worn over or under clothing.  I've done both.  It fit perfectly under my scrubs. 

I put on the suit at 7:30 a.m. then began getting ready for work. I was interested to find out if I'd be able to wear it all day, or if I'd slowly have to increase my time each day to allow my body time to adjust.

On the drive to work I noticed how the suit helped me maintain good posture. I wasn't slouching or leaning forward like I sometimes find myself unconsciously doing; it helped create postural support in a comfortable way. 

I'm currently going through a job transition.  I've had a desk job for 15 years and recently accepted a position as a chiropractic assistant (begin full-time in February), which means I'll be on my feet most of the day - I'm very happy about this!  For the last few months I've been working my new job on Friday's, and my desk job Monday - Thursday. On Friday's I was having low back pain, which I attributed to the job change (standing versus sitting for the majority of the day). This day while wearing the suit I didn't experience low back pain.  That was fabulous!

At 11:30 a.m. I started to feel a little soreness around my lower left ribcage - where my rib protrudes outward on the left side - in the area of the lower costal arch. 

Clinically Oriented Anatomy Fifth Edition - Page 91

 

The suit is designed to use active resistance and the body's motion to help the spine return to a more neutral and straight position, so I expected to feel minor soreness especially in the beginning of wear.   

After work I went shopping; by the time I returned home at 8 p.m. I was ready to remove the suit for the day.  So, the first day I wore it 12 1/2 hours - and was mostly on my feet. Adults can wear it all day every day, but in order for the suit to do it's job (provide a corrective anti-rotational effect) the patient needs to be weight bearing (standing upright).  

The next day my nephew came over and we played the Michael Jackson Experience dancing to the song Thriller.  The suit is easy to move around in - no problem dancing and moving. 

Again, the suit is easy to move around in.  Here I'm wearing it while making bone broth chicken soup.  I'm wearing onion glasses so my eyes won't water when cutting onions - in case you're wondering.☺

The work week began and it was back to the desk job.  I knew I'd be sitting most of the day, but decided to wear it to work anyway because of the postural support.

One of my favorite things about the suit is that you can wear it while doing life; reaping the benefits of the suit while doing normal daily activities. 

At work I had a few people ask what I did to my leg. They thought I was wearing a leg brace.  It created a great opportunity for me to tell them all about the suit. It was great because a few of them had family/friends with scoliosis so I got to share with them all about it.

On a funny note - one morning we went out for breakfast.  I ordered the lumberjack plate.  I was feeling pretty snug in the suit after finishing my plate. ☺   

At the end of the week I went shopping in the suit.  At the register one of the cashiers asked about the suit because she hadn't seen anything like it.  I got to share with her about it.  She just raved how great she thought it was.  Come to find out my cashier had scoliosis and overheard our conversation.  She said she wished the suit was around when she was younger.  I explained the stand alone treatment for adults. She was interested where to purchase one.  It makes me so happy to share hope with others.  She didn't realize there are options available that may be able to help her these days. My aunt told me that I should wear a sign that says, "ask me about my suit." LOL!

Speaking of where to get one - ScoliosisKC in Belton, Missouri (where I go for treatment) is one of the fitting centers.  Here's a link where to learn more about the suit and see other fitting center locations.  ScoliSMART Activity Suit

Until next time♥♥♥

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A Day at Rhino Scoliosis Center - Denver, CO

I'm in a great rehab based scoliosis treatment program with Dr. Nick Weddle at ScoliosisKC. While on vacation in Colorado I didn't want to miss treatment, so visited Dr. Jane Leavell at "RHINO SCOLIOSIS CENTER". Here's a short video of my visit.  It was an awesome experience!

    Here's a video from RHINO Scoliosis Center showing some great patient results.

Scoliosis Activity Suit - A Weapon of Warfare in the Scoliosis Fight!

Scoliosis Activity Suit - A Weapon of Warfare in the Scoliosis Fight!

This weekend I had the opportunity to learn about the Scoliosis Activity Suit from the ScoliSMART doctors, so wanted to share my experience and some of the things I learned.

Being a scoliosis patient myself I was very interested to absorb as much information as possible.

I learned that the Scoliosis Activity Suit will be available for purchase for adults (ages 18 and older) in multiple locations throughout the United States very soon.  Patients will be able to locate a fitting center, send the doctor an x-ray (taken within the last 5 years), travel to the fitting center for measurements/x-ray, and order the suit for home delivery.  Here’s the link to sign up and receive a notification when the site is online – http://adultscoliosisrelief.com

Dr. Nick Weddle, myself, Dr. Clayton Stitzel

I got to practice measuring Dr. Clayton Stitzel and my doctor Nick Weddle for the suit.  It was pretty fun being in the doctors' shoes for a moment while they became my patients. I placed the suit on Dr. Nick Weddle.  I think I did a pretty good job, right! ☺

It only lasted a moment then I became the patient again. I tried on the suit and walked around a bit. I loved how it fit and how it felt during wear.  One of my favorite things about the suit is that you can wear it while doing life; reaping the benefits of the suit while doing normal daily activities. Here’s a picture of me in the suit – of course sporting my “SCOLIOSIS WARRIOR” pose.  I had to represent!

                  Scoliosis Warrior: Become one at - www.facebook.com/groups/ScoliosisWarriors

Before meeting with the doctors to learn more about the suit I read through Dr. Mark Morningstar’s Scoliosis Activity Suit Study multiple times to get a good understanding of how the suit works and the results patients have experienced from using it.  If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend checking it out – https://cdn.treatingscoliosis.com/images/research/2013-1291_suit.pdf


62 patients were in the 1 year study (26 skeletally immature AIS patients and 36 adult degenerative scoliosis patients).

Here’s just a few results that I thought were great in regards to the adult portion of the study:

·         Self-rated improvements in pain and daily function were observed in all adult patient curve patterns.

·         14 of the 36 adult patients saw their curves decrease more than 6 degrees (39% of adult patients)!

There’s more great results to read about in the study.  These two results jumped out to me because many scoliosis patients deal with pain.  I did before treatment, so I think it’s fantastic that all of the adults reported improvement.  Next, through the years I visited several doctors in search of treatment and was told that it was best to live with my moderate scoliosis.  From 2010 to 2014 my curve increased 7 degrees to 42.5°.  I was so afraid of what the future held until I found a rehab based treatment and now the fear is gone.  Many of us patients had no way of fighting this condition before – WE DO NOW!  So, I LOVE that 39% of the adults achieved correction above 6 degrees. 

Some confuse the Scoliosis Activity Suit with a brace, but there is a difference. Here’s what I learned.  A brace is intended to force the spine into a corrected position and acts as a barrier to keep the spine in a corrected position while the brace is worn.  According to the ScoliSMART doctors, “The activity suit uses active resistance and your own body’s motion to help the spine return to a more neutral and straight position.  Each time you take a step the suit activates muscles in your spine which helps to reprogram muscle firing and coordination of muscles.  By triggering a response every time you take a step, your scoliosis and posture will improve and become more functional and stable.”

Another thing I LOVE♥ ---- for these doctors this isn’t just a job, it’s a PASSION!  Their dedication to this work, finding a better way, and to helping patients overcome this condition is very evident.  Dr. Brian Dovorany held back tears as he discussed this treatment and the impact it’s made in patients’ lives.  Of course I started crying when thanking him for the work he’s doing to change the lives of scoliosis patients.  I tend to get emotional when thinking about how some patients will not have to experience the physical and emotional pain that I experienced because of the work these doctors are doing. 

Dr. Brian Dovorany

You may be interested to know that the Scoliosis Activity Suit can be worn by adults all day every day, but the patient needs to be weight bearing (standing upright) in order for the suit to do its job – to provide a corrective anti-rotational effect.  The suit can be worn over or under clothing and it works with fused and non-fused patients.  In the study the overall goal was to wear it 4-6 hours each day.

The suit is composed of 4 separate pieces: the Anchor which is wrapped around the thigh, the Lumbar which attaches to the anchor, The Torso which resembles a half-tank top, and The Tension Straps which connect the first 3 pieces in a rotational pattern, and according to the SAS study, “it introduces a variable amount of rotational force into the patient, to which he or she must react.”

Here’s a few pictures taken while learning to put on the suit. 

Thank you to the ScoliSMART docs for the education (Dr. Mark Morningstar, Dr. Clayton Stitzel, Dr. Brian Dovorany, and Dr. Aatif Siddiqui “Dr. Sid”) and to Dr. Nick Weddle for allowing me to join him for this learning opportunity.

Written by: Marce Kuhns♥

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