The last few months have been very meaningful for me as Clinical Director of Symmetry Health Center and Bay Area Scoliosis Center, as I continue to expand my knowledge and expertise in the area of scoliosis management. As some of you know and have followed me over the years, I have always tried to stay at the forefront of all things spinal correction. This all started with my love for Chiropractic BioPhysics® and years of running Symmetry with the most cutting-edge methods. In 2013 and then again in 2022, we added ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance® respectively, once again elevating the services and offerings related to conservative treatment of scoliosis. I have always done my best to train interns and chiropractors alike who have a strong desire to go above and beyond the typical chiropractic education by bringing them along for the ride. This past weekend, Dr. Alex Kha (one of Symmetry’s long term associate Chiropractors) attended the Fundamentals of Scoliosis Bracing course that was offered at ScoliCare® in East Phoenix, and I then flew in to take the Advanced workshop that was offered following. My team has been able to attend quite a bit of training this year, which always makes me proud and happy to see them grow in their careers. I have attended many specialized trainings over the years, but this year—after almost 20 years of practice—it’s all really coming to fruition with what has been built. To be able to simultaneously spend time with some of my greatest mentors and colleagues along the way always makes the experience that much more enjoyable. Many of these individuals have become some of my greatest and closest friends.
I was joined by my longtime collaborator and co-founder of Monmouth Scoliosis Center in New Jersey, Dr. Thomas Dandrea, D.C., owner of Monmouth Pain and Scoliosis Center, and my colleague Dr. David Rowe from New York City. Licensed in both California and New Jersey, Dr. Dandrea and I have collaborated on patient cases for many years, sharing a passion for Chiropractic BioPhysics® and the principles of ScoliBalance®, the evidence-based therapy method employed at both Bay Area Scoliosis Center and Monmouth Scoliosis Center. This workshop, dedicated to ScoliBrace® providers worldwide, provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen our expertise in conservative scoliosis management.
Held at the ScoliCare® East Phoenix Clinic (1355 S Higley Rd STE 103, Gilbert, AZ 85296) from October 24th to 26th, 2025, the Advanced Workshop was an immersive experience designed to elevate ScoliBrace® expertise by diving deep into advanced case management and brace modification techniques. The schedule included Day 1 from 2pm to 7pm, Day 2 from 9am to 5pm, and Day 3 from 9am to 12pm, allowing for focused, intensive learning that combined introductory and advanced topics tailored for brace providers.
Led by world-renowned experts Dr. Jeb McAviney, founder of ScoliCare® and the visionary behind the ScoliBrace®’s 3D correction using mirror image and spinal coupling principles, and lead bracing clinician Dr. Juan de Plessis, a seasoned clinician, the sessions brought decades of combined experience to guide us through complex scenarios. Together, they ensured we left with actionable insights to enhance patient outcomes. We explored precise torso scanning methods that achieve millimeter-perfect ScoliBrace® fits in under five minutes, customization strategies to improve compliance in pediatric patients, and the latest evidence on long-term outcomes for adult-onset curves. Rose Mirenzi, head of research and education at ScoliCare®, contributed insightful data from recent studies, reinforcing how these approaches integrate seamlessly with ScoliBalance® protocols—combining bracing with targeted exercises for optimal results.
A key focus was mastering advanced case management. As ScoliBrace® providers, we’ve laid the groundwork, but this workshop took us further by exploring intricate case studies involving juvenile and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and adult degenerative cases, where tailored brace adjustments can make a significant difference. We learned to assess more complex cases and refine modifications to optimize results—skills critical for managing progressive curves and avoiding surgery.
The workshop also emphasized enhancing brace modification skills. Brace modifications are an art form, and through hands-on practice under expert guidance, we honed our ability to customize the ScoliBrace® for individual needs. From modifying for spinal coupling to ensuring 3D correction or stabilization in more challenging cases, this expertise improves patient comfort and compliance while positioning us as leaders in non-surgical scoliosis care, aligning with SOSORT guidelines for effective treatment.
Additionally, the event provided a prime opportunity to network and grow our practices. In an intimate setting, we connected with a select group of ScoliBrace® providers, exchanging ideas and discussing real-world challenges and solutions. This collaboration fostered professional growth, opening doors to potential referrals and strengthening our clinics’ reputations.
The hands-on labs and case studies were particularly impactful, allowing us to refine fitting techniques and analyze real-time patient scans. Networking with fellow providers sparked meaningful discussions on non-invasive scoliosis care, leaving our team energized and equipped to elevate patient outcomes. Back in Alameda, we’re already implementing these innovations at Symmetry Health Center and Bay Area Scoliosis Center, with plans to collaborate further with our partners in New Jersey.
This experience underscores our commitment to cutting-edge, patient-centered care. If you’re seeking specialized scoliosis treatment, contact us to learn how ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance® can make a difference.