#DOES SOFIE DOSSI HAVE A SPINE HOW TO#
#DOES SOFIE DOSSI HAVE A SPINE SERIES#

#DOES SOFIE DOSSI HAVE A SPINE SERIES#

“Each scoliosis curve is different, and children with scoliosis have varying levels of muscle strength and focus, so we develop an exercise series specific to each patient,” says Lien. Scoliosis is a complex 3-D-deformity of the spine and trunk, so the Schroth method of treatment addresses all three dimensions by using active exercises and breathing to assist with postural correction. Traditional physical therapy for scoliosis typically only addresses one or two dimensions with stretches and strengthening exercises. This means addressing the spine’s curve in three ways: left to right (frontal), front to back (sagittal), and from the rotation of the spine (transverse). The Schroth method is a three-dimensional approach that addresses scoliosis from the sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes. Lien guides Sophie through a series of Schroth exercises. She also has biweekly physical therapy appointments with Peiting Lien, P.T., who is certified in the Schroth Method, a special program to treat scoliosis. Sophie has regular appointments with Kristen every few months to measure her curve and discuss her progress. Keeping scoliosis in check is an ongoing process, so strong communication between the care team and Sophie and her family is very important. Lien assists Sophie with Schroth exercises. Because Sophie’s scoliosis was caught early, she does not need to wear her brace during the day and is not expected to need surgery. If bracing is needed, we choose to team with an orthotist who is highly specialized in making spinal orthoses,' says Venuti. Sophie, Robin and Kristen decided that the best approach for Sophie would be Schroth physical therapy (a special method to treat scoliosis) combined with a custom scoliosis brace that Sophie wears at night. Treatment for scoliosis should be tailored to each child, depending on the degree of curvature, expected growth remaining, age and behavior. A friend recommended Johns Hopkins pediatric orthopaedic nurse practitioner Kristen Venuti.Īt Johns Hopkins, “we aim to provide patient-centered care with a shared decision-making model,” says Venuti. At that point, Robin looked for a specialist who would take a more active approach to treating Sophie’s scoliosis. But a year after her original diagnosis, Sophie’s curve had progressed to 21 degrees. A curve between 10 and 25 degrees is considered mild scoliosis, and is often treated with a “wait-and-see” approach. If the spine curves more than 10 degrees, this is diagnosed as scoliosis.

A normal spine looks straight on an x-ray, but may have a slight lateral curve measuring between 0 and 10 degrees. When Sophie saw an orthopaedic specialist near her home in Carroll Country, Maryland, the curve in her spine measured 13 degrees. “I went straight home and screened all three of my children.” When Sophie bent over, Robin could see that Sophie’s back was asymmetrical, and made a doctor’s appointment right away. You just have the child bend over and touch their toes and check to see if their back is uneven,” says Robin.

#DOES SOFIE DOSSI HAVE A SPINE HOW TO#

In December 2015, Robin learned how to screen for the condition while enrolled in a physical therapy assistant training program. Sophie’s mother, Robin, was the first person to notice her daughter’s scoliosis. If untreated, the asymmetrical curve in her spine could become more uneven as she grows. But when she bends over to touch her toes, the right side of her back sticks up higher than the left. Most of the time, it’s not noticeable that she has a condition called scoliosis. Sophie is an energetic 13-year-old who loves to act, sing and dance. Treating scoliosis takes teamwork between the parent, child and health care providers.At Johns Hopkins, treatment for growing children with mild and moderate scoliosis takes a combined approach of proper screening, timely bracing, and customized physical therapy.

Sophie’s scoliosis was caught early, so she will not need surgery.

Thanks to an early diagnosis and a combined approach of bracing and Schroth physical therapy, Sophie will not need surgery to treat her scoliosis. Robin performs the scoliosis test on Sophie

Does sofie dossi have a spine