Does Wearing a Scoliosis Brace Weaken Muscles? New Research Says No!
At Bay Area Scoliosis Center in Alameda, CA, one of the most common questions we hear during initial consultations is: “Will wearing a brace weaken my teen’s core muscles?” Parents and teens navigating idiopathic scoliosis often worry about muscle weakness, but a groundbreaking 2024 study shows that the ScoliBrace®, paired with the ScoliBalance® exercise program, not only supports spinal alignment but also strengthens trunk muscles. Since adopting ScoliBrace® in 2013 and ScoliBalance® in 2022, we’ve helped countless families from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond, including those who travel from afar for our intensive treatment protocols.
A Game-Changing Study on Scoliosis Treatment
Published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (Marchese et al., 2024), a study by researchers from ScoliCare®, an internationally recognized leader in scoliosis treatment, explored the impact of ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance® on trunk muscle endurance in teens with idiopathic scoliosis. Conducted by Marchese, Du Plessis, Pooke, and McAviney, the study offers hope for non-surgical scoliosis management.
The research involved adolescents diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis who followed a structured treatment plan combining ScoliBrace®, a custom-designed scoliosis brace, and ScoliBalance®, a tailored exercise program. Using standardized protocols, the researchers measured trunk muscle endurance before and after the intervention. The results? A significant improvement in muscle endurance, directly addressing the concerns about core weakness we often hear from patients in Alameda, Oakland, and beyond.
Why This Matters for Bay Area and Traveling Families
For teens in Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and even those who fly in from across the country or internationally, this study validates the effectiveness of treatments we’ve provided at Bay Area Scoliosis Center since ScoliBrace® was introduced in 2013 and ScoliBalance® in 2022. During consultations, parents frequently express worry that bracing might weaken their teen’s core muscles, impacting posture or activity levels. The 2024 study confirms that our approach strengthens trunk muscles, supporting better posture, improving spinal stability, and enhancing quality of life.
Our center is renowned for its intensive treatment protocols, where patients travel from near and far to stay in Alameda for 1-2 week increments. During these visits, we provide comprehensive care, including custom ScoliBrace® fittings and personalized ScoliBalance® exercise programs, to maximize outcomes in a condensed timeframe. This approach is ideal for families seeking effective, non-invasive treatment without surgery.
How ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance® Work Together
- ScoliBrace®: Unlike traditional braces, ScoliBrace® is a 3D-customized orthotic designed to actively correct spinal curves. It’s comfortable, discreet, and tailored to each patient’s unique spinal shape.
- ScoliBalance® Exercises: These targeted exercises complement the brace by strengthening core and trunk muscles, improving balance, and promoting long-term spinal health.
This dual approach, which we’ve refined since adopting ScoliBrace® in 2013 and ScoliBalance® in 2022, addresses both the structural and functional aspects of scoliosis, reassuring families that core strength is enhanced, not compromised.
Why Choose Bay Area Scoliosis Center?
Located at 1708 Park St. Suite 130A, Alameda, CA 94501, Bay Area Scoliosis Center is a pioneer in non-surgical scoliosis treatments, offering ScoliBrace® since 2013 and ScoliBalance® since 2022. Our team is trained in the latest ScoliCare® protocols, ensuring you receive the evidence-based care highlighted in the 2024 study. We serve patients from Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, the broader San Francisco Bay Area, and beyond, including those who fly in for our specialized intensive treatment programs. Our services include:
- Comprehensive scoliosis evaluations
- Custom ScoliBrace® fittings
- Personalized ScoliBalance® exercise programs
- Intensive 1-2 week treatment protocols for out-of-town patients
- A compassionate, patient-centered approach addressing concerns like core weakness
Our center is easily accessible for Bay Area families and those traveling from afar, and we’re committed to helping teens achieve better spinal health with confidence in their muscle strength.
Take the Next Step
Don’t let worries about core weakness hold you back. The ScoliBrace® and ScoliBalance® combination, offered at our center since their inceptions in 2013 and 2022, respectively, provides a proven, muscle-strengthening solution for scoliosis. Whether you’re local to the Bay Area or planning to fly in for our intensive 1-2 week treatment programs, contact Bay Area Scoliosis Center today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your family’s journey to better spinal health.
Call us at (510) 225-6469 or visit www.bayareascoliosiscenter.com to book your appointment in Alameda, CA.