A scoliosis brace is a custom-made medical device used to slow, stop, or in some cases correct the progression of a spinal curve. One of he most advanced options available today is the ScoliBrace, a 3D corrective TLSO brace designed for both children and adults. The ScoliBrace is built using a 3D scan of the patient’s body, allowing it to apply precise corrective forces that move the spine toward a more natural position.
Doctors typically recommend bracing for children and teens with curves between 20 and 45 degrees, where growth can worsen scoliosis if untreated. For adults with degenerative scoliosis, the ScoliBrace may improve posture, reduce pain, stabilize the spine, and provide functional support. Worn consistently for the recommended hours each day, the ScoliBrace can make a significant difference in both spinal health and quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- ScoliBrace is a 3D corrective TLSO for children and adults. It is designed to guide the spine toward better alignment rather than only holding a curve in place.
- Every ScoliBrace is custom-made from a 3D body scan for precise correction. CAD and CAM design tailor the brace to the exact curve pattern and body shape for comfort and effectiveness.
- ScoliBrace targets rotation, side shift, and posture at the same time. Its design applies corrective forces in three dimensions to support de-rotation, lateral balance, and sagittal alignment.
- The best window for ScoliBrace in teens is during growth spurts. Early assessment and bracing between 20 and 45 degrees can help control progression before curves reach a surgical range.
- Adults with degenerative scoliosis can benefit from ScoliBrace too. Typical wear time is 6 to 8 hours per day to support posture, reduce pain, and improve stability.
- ScoliBrace wear time matters. Teens are commonly prescribed 16 to 23 hours per day to maximize results during growth. Consistent daily wear is the single most important factor.
- The goal of ScoliBrace is to stop progression and reduce the need for surgery. Outcomes vary, but early detection, a corrective 3D design, and strong compliance improve the chances of success.
- ScoliBrace is available locally with a certified provider in Vaughan, ON. Book a consultation with Dr. Walter Salubro at Back To Health Chiropractic Centre to get a personalized plan.
How it Works
Applies pressure
The ScoliBrace employs a uniquely over-corrective, three-dimensional pressure strategy, far beyond the simple stabilization methods of traditional braces. Its design intentionally guides the spine into a mirror image posture: positioning the body in the opposite direction of the curvature to encourage anatomical correction.
This design leverages spinal coupling, a biomechanical principle where movement in one plane influences motion in another. Instead of relying on the conventional three-point pressure system, which holds a spinal curve in place, the ScoliBrace’s asymmetrical architecture creates targeted forces that direct the spine to de-rotate, shift laterally, and realign in the sagittal plane, all simultaneously.
But its role goes beyond passive force application. By placing the spine in this corrective posture, the ScoliBrace encourages the brain, joints, and muscles to relearn and adopt a straighter alignment. This neurological retraining reinforces better posture even when the brace is not worn.
Moreover, the ScoliBrace supports movement within a corrected posture. This helps preserve and even enhance muscular endurance and spinal flexibility, especially when combined with scoliosis-specific exercises.
Finally, the ScoliBrace’s patient-centric design, constructed from detailed 3D scans and fine-tuned with CAD/CAM tools, ensures the pressure is applied precisely where needed, optimizing correction while minimizing discomfort.
Influences growth
For children and adolescents, the ScoliBrace is designed to utilize the body’s natural growth phases as a therapeutic advantage. By applying deliberate corrective forces precisely over curved areas of the spine, the brace gently guides growth toward a healthier, more aligned trajectory. This approach helps reduce the chance of curve worsening during rapid growth periods such as puberty.
Starting ScoliBrace treatment early in the growth window increases its ability to shape spinal development in a positive way. When a growing spine is held in a corrected position, even small gains in alignment can become permanent as the body adapts. Clinical observations support that if the ScoliBrace is fitted before or during key growth stages, correction achieved early on often holds steady as the child matures.
The design of the ScoliBrace also allows for adjustments as the child grows. This adaptability makes it suitable not only for adolescents but for younger children with juvenile or even infantile scoliosis. The brace can accommodate anatomical changes while continuing to apply corrective guidance to the developing spine.
Moreover, recent findings emphasize a neurological benefit: by positioning the spine in an improved alignment during growth, the body learns and internalizes better posture. This retraining effect can contribute to sustained alignment even when the brace is not being worn.
By combining over-correction principles with smart design features, the ScoliBrace not only prevents curve progression but also fosters permanent, healthier spinal growth in young patients.*
Custom-made
Every ScoliBrace begins with an ultra-precise 3D body scan. This process captures the full contours of the patient’s torso and spine in three dimensions, providing a highly accurate digital model of their anatomy and scoliosis curvature.
These scans are paired with digital x-rays, posture photography, and clinical records. This complete collection of data is fed into computer-aided design (CAD) software guided by a proven design system tailored to the patient’s specific curve type and treatment goals. Each brace is then manufactured using computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems that guarantee exceptional precision and consistency across every unit produced.
Unlike generic mass-made braces, no two ScoliBraces are the same. Each one is crafted to reflect the patient’s anatomy and scoliosis pattern, ensuring a fit that is snug, comfortable, and effective in delivering corrective forces.
Because each brace is custom-designed, it lies flatter under clothing and reduces bulk visibility. This encourages patients to wear the brace for the recommended daily hours, which is key to treatment success. The patient-friendly build also enables the brace to open and close easily from the front and offers personalization options in color and pattern, making it more inviting for patients to wear day after day.
The ScoliBrace’s custom-made process delivers a brace that fits with precision, applies targeted corrective forces accurately, enhances comfort, supports patient adherence, and elevates outcomes compared to off-the-rack alternatives.
Who Needs a Brace?
Growing children and adolescents
The ScoliBrace is most effective for children and teenagers who are still in their growth years. During periods of rapid growth, such as pre-adolescence and puberty, the spine is highly adaptable. This is when scoliosis tends to progress the fastest, as growth spurts can cause spinal curves to worsen quickly if left unmanaged. By introducing the ScoliBrace during this stage, corrective forces can guide the spine toward improved alignment and prevent curves from reaching severe levels.
Research and clinical observation have shown that bracing has little effect once skeletal maturity is reached, which is why early detection and timely intervention are critical. When the ScoliBrace is fitted during active growth, it may help slow down progression and may also help reduce the curve and improve posture, appearance, and spinal balance.
Children and adolescents also benefit from the brace’s custom-made design, which ensures comfort, better wearability, and higher compliance. Since long daily wear is required for results, a brace that is easier to tolerate dramatically increases the likelihood of success. For parents, this means peace of mind knowing that their child is receiving a modern, corrective approach designed specifically for young, growing spines.
Moderate curves
The ScoliBrace is most often recommended for patients whose spinal curves measure between 20 and 45 degrees. At this stage, scoliosis is classified as moderate. This is a critical window for treatment because curves in this range are at high risk of worsening, especially during growth spurts in children and adolescents. If left untreated, a curve can progress rapidly and cross the threshold where surgical intervention is considered.
The goal of the ScoliBrace is to prevent moderate curves from ever reaching that point. By applying corrective three-dimensional forces, the brace not only holds the curve but also guides it toward improved alignment. This is especially important in younger patients, where continued growth can either worsen or stabilize the condition depending on whether bracing is used.
For patients with curves below 50 degrees, the ScoliBrace is often effective enough to avoid invasive treatments like spinal fusion. Families who choose bracing at this stage give their child the best chance of maintaining spinal health into adulthood without the risks, costs, and long recovery associated with surgery. For adults with moderate scoliosis, the brace can also provide postural support and pain reduction, helping manage the condition conservatively while improving daily function.
Benefits of Bracing
Stops curve progression
The primary aim of the ScoliBrace is to stop a scoliosis curve from getting worse. For children and adolescents in particular, scoliosis often progresses during periods of rapid growth. Without intervention, a mild or moderate curve can increase in size, sometimes reaching a level where surgery may be considered.
The ScoliBrace is designed to counteract this by applying targeted corrective forces that hold the spine in a more balanced, aligned position. When worn consistently for the prescribed number of hours each day, the brace gives the spine the best possible chance to remain stable during growth. In many cases, patients experience a stabilization of their curve, and some may even see improvement in posture and alignment.
While no treatment can guarantee results, the ScoliBrace has shown strong outcomes in clinical practice. Its 3D corrective design, combined with early detection and consistent wear, makes it one of the most effective non-surgical tools available for managing curve progression in growing spines.
Avoids surgery
One of the most important goals of the ScoliBrace is to help patients manage scoliosis in a way that reduces the likelihood of surgery. For children and adolescents, bracing is often recommended when a curve has reached the moderate stage. If progression can be controlled during growth, many patients may be able to avoid their curve crossing into the severe range, where spinal fusion surgery is typically considered. The earlier the brace is fitted and the more consistently it is worn, the better the chances of maintaining a curve at a non-surgical level.
For adults, surgery is often suggested when scoliosis causes significant pain, disability, or curve progression. In cases of adult degenerative scoliosis, the ScoliBrace can offer a non-invasive option to provide postural support, reduce pain, and improve stability. While it does not reverse age-related changes, the brace can help many adults manage their condition conservatively and reduce the pressure to pursue surgical intervention.
Although outcomes vary and surgery cannot always be avoided, the ScoliBrace gives both teens and adults a valuable alternative that is modern, corrective, and focused on preserving function without the risks of an invasive procedure.
Types of Braces
TLSOs
A TLSO, or Thoraco-Lumbar-Sacral-Orthosis, is the most common category of scoliosis brace. These braces are typically made of rigid plastic and are designed to fit closely around the torso, from under the arms down to the hips. The primary goal of a TLSO is to hold the spine in a stable position and apply pressure to reduce curve progression.
The Boston brace is the most widely prescribed TLSO worldwide. It is a low-profile brace that fits under the arms and extends to the pelvis, usually worn under clothing. While effective in stabilizing curves, it is generally symmetrical in design, which means it focuses more on holding rather than actively correcting the spine.
The Milwaukee brace is one of the earliest scoliosis braces developed. It includes a neck ring with bars that extend down to the torso, making it bulkier and more visible than modern TLSOs. Although still used in certain cases, it is prescribed less frequently today because of comfort and compliance challenges.
The Chêneau brace represents a more advanced corrective approach within the TLSO category. Originating in Europe, it uses an asymmetric design that applies targeted pressures to encourage de-rotation of the spine. Many variations of the Chêneau brace exist, each with different design philosophies, but all aim to move beyond simple stabilization.
Compared to these traditional TLSOs, the ScoliBrace represents the next step forward. Like the Chêneau brace, it uses an asymmetrical, corrective design, but it is created using advanced 3D scanning and CAD/CAM technology to achieve a truly individualized fit. This allows for improved correction, greater comfort, and better appearance under clothing, which in turn supports higher patient compliance and stronger overall outcomes.
Variations
While there are many types of scoliosis braces available, the ScoliBrace stands apart because of its unique design and technology. It is not simply a variation of older systems but a completely modern approach to scoliosis bracing.
The process begins with BraceScan, a highly advanced system that uses digital 3D body scanning, x-rays, and posture analysis to capture every detail of the patient’s spine and body shape. This data is then used to create a brace that is custom-made, not just for the curve, but for the individual patient’s exact posture and anatomy. No two ScoliBraces are alike because every brace is designed to match the person who will wear it.
Unlike flexible or night-time braces that mainly focus on holding or stabilizing the curve, the ScoliBrace is a true 3D corrective brace. It is built to influence the spine in all three dimensions: front-to-back, side-to-side, and rotationally. This allows it to do more than just stop progression. It is designed to guide the spine toward a straighter, more balanced position.
The corrective forces are based on the mirror image concept, where the spine is gently positioned in the opposite direction of the scoliosis curve. This over-correction helps train the body to adopt a healthier alignment and can improve both posture and appearance over time.
Patients also benefit from the lightweight and comfortable design of the ScoliBrace. The brace is slim, lies flatter under clothing, and is easier to wear throughout the day compared to traditional rigid braces. This comfort and practicality improve compliance, which is critical for long-term success.
For these reasons, the ScoliBrace is regarded as one of the most advanced bracing options available worldwide. It offers a unique combination of precision, corrective power, and patient-friendly design that makes it a superior choice for both children and adults managing scoliosis.
Discomfort
It is normal for patients to experience some level of discomfort when first wearing the ScoliBrace. This is not because the brace is harmful, but because it is actively applying corrective forces to the body. These gentle pressures are necessary for the brace to influence the spine and posture. At the beginning, patients may feel tightness around the torso or notice that standing and sitting feel different while their body adjusts to the new corrective position.
Most people adapt to this sensation within the first few weeks of wear. The ScoliBrace is designed to be lightweight and patient-friendly, with padding and edges shaped to minimize irritation. Because it is custom-made, the fit is precise, which helps reduce unnecessary rubbing or bulkiness. This makes it more tolerable compared to many traditional braces that can feel rigid and uncomfortable.
It is important for patients and families to understand that some initial discomfort is part of the corrective process. As the body gets used to the new alignment, this sensation usually becomes less noticeable, and wearing the brace becomes part of the daily routine.
If discomfort continues or becomes painful, adjustments can be made by the provider to improve fit and ensure the brace remains both corrective and tolerable. The goal is always to balance effectiveness with comfort so that patients are able to wear the brace consistently for the prescribed number of hours each day.
Adjustments
The effectiveness of the ScoliBrace depends not only on the initial fit but also on how well it adapts to the patient’s body over time. As children grow or as adults experience postural changes, the brace may require modifications to continue delivering the right corrective forces. Regular follow-up visits are essential to monitor progress and ensure the brace remains both effective and comfortable.
When necessary, adjustments can be made to the brace to improve its fit or enhance its corrective action. This may include trimming or reshaping certain areas, altering strap placement, or refining the overall balance of pressure. In addition, corrective pads can be added inside the brace to target specific regions of the spine that need extra support. These pads allow the ScoliBrace to continue guiding the spine as the body adapts and as postural improvements begin to take effect.
Because the brace is designed with flexibility for ongoing customization, patients do not need to start over with a new device every time a change is needed. Instead, modifications are made to fine-tune the corrective forces, ensuring the brace keeps pace with the patient’s growth or spinal adaptation.
This ongoing process of adjustment is what makes the ScoliBrace a true long-term management tool. It is not a static device but a dynamic system that evolves alongside the patient, providing consistent corrective influence throughout the treatment program.
Daily wear
For the ScoliBrace to be effective, consistency is the most important factor. Patients are typically advised to wear the brace between 16 and 23 hours per day, depending on the severity of the curve, the patient’s age, and the treatment plan set by the prescribing provider. This extended wear time gives the spine the constant corrective influence it needs to stabilize and, in many cases, improve alignment.
For children and teenagers, maximizing daily wear is especially critical. The adolescent years represent a short window of opportunity to get control over scoliosis progression. Because growth spurts are when curves can worsen most rapidly, following the prescribed hours of brace wear during this stage provides the best chance of preventing a curve from advancing into the severe range. Even small lapses in wear time can allow the curve to progress, making strict compliance essential.
For adults, the recommended wear time is usually 6 to 8 hours per day. While the goal is not curve correction in adults, consistent wear can provide meaningful benefits such as pain relief, better posture, and stabilization of degenerative changes.
Patients and families should view brace wear as an investment in long-term health. By following the prescribed wear schedule closely, the ScoliBrace has the greatest opportunity to do what it is designed for: holding the curve steady, improving spinal balance, and giving patients a stronger foundation for the future.
ScoliBrace in Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area
If you or your child has been diagnosed with scoliosis, the ScoliBrace is one of the most advanced non-surgical treatments available today. At Back To Health Chiropractic Centre in Vaughan, Ontario, Dr. Walter Salubro provides expert scoliosis care and is a certified ScoliBrace provider.
With more than 25 years of clinical experience in corrective chiropractic care, Dr. Salubro has helped many patients manage scoliosis using modern, non-invasive approaches. He is certified in ScoliBrace fitting and management for both children and adults, and he has advanced training in Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP), a corrective technique that works in harmony with bracing to restore spinal alignment and function.
Patients travel from across Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area to access Dr. Salubro’s expertise in scoliosis treatment and non-surgical spine care. His patient-centered approach ensures that every brace is custom-designed to meet the unique needs of the individual.
Book Your ScoliBrace Consultation with Dr. Walter Salubro
The earlier scoliosis is identified and treated, the better the chances of preventing progression and improving long-term outcomes. Whether you are seeking care for a child in their growth years or for an adult with scoliosis looking for postural support and pain relief, the ScoliBrace provides a corrective, comfortable, and scientifically designed solution.
Dr. Walter Salubro
Back To Health Chiropractic Centre
20 Cranston Park Ave, #6
Maple, ON, L6A 2W2
📞 Call: (905) 303-1009
🌐 Book online: www.ibthcc.com
Take action today. Schedule your scoliosis consultation and discover how the ScoliBrace can help improve posture, provide stability, and give you or your child the opportunity to live a healthier and more confident life.
*Individual results may vary.
All images, videos, and cases are courtesy of ScoliCare, ScoliBrace manufacturer. Learn more about ScoliBrace at www.scolicare.com.
