As Founder, President, and Chief Orthotist of the National Scoliosis Center (NSC), Luke serves patients from all over the United States and the world at both his Fairfax and Baltimore locations. Luke’s passion is helping children and adults with scoliosis, furthering treatment options, and participating in scoliosis research. He attends conferences, training, and support groups; always with an eye on improving the scoliosis journey for all.
A lifelong learner, Luke is always curious about finding the best way to treat patients with scoliosis. That’s why when he learned of the success Dr. Jacques Cheneau and Dr. Manuel Rigo were having with the Rigo Cheneau brace, Luke decided to study with Dr. Cheneau and Dr. Rigo. In 2004, Luke became the first orthotist to introduce the Rigo Cheneau brace to North America and he has been using this brace for his patients ever since—making adjustments as technology has advanced and continuing his research on best methods of treatment.
Known as an internationally recognized expert in the field of scoliosis, Luke is an Associate Fellow with the Scoliosis Research Society, a founding member, and 2018-’19 president of the International Society of Spinal Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT), served on the BRAIST Bracing Evaluation Committee, and has been a co-researcher on scoliosis non-operative treatment studies. Additionally, he is a supporter of the National Scoliosis Foundation, Curvy Girls, and Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation. He has been featured in articles, books, and news programs, some of which include US News & World Report, Washingtonian Magazine, WUSA9, Washington Business Journal, Straight Talk Scoliosis – The Journey Continues, Spines: The Art of Scoliosis. He earned his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and is a graduate of the post-graduate certificate program in orthotics from Northwestern University in Chicago.
Luke Stikeleather’s CV
Colleges
- James Madison University, BS
- Northwestern University in Chicago, Graduate Certificate of Orthotics
Certifications
- Certified Orthotist
- Certified, Rigo Cheneau Style Bracing
Affiliations
- International Society of Spinal Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT)
· Executive Board Member 2012-16 & 2017-21, Secretary 2013-16, President 2018-19, Past-President 2019-21, Advisory Board 2021-Present - Scoliosis Research Society
· Member 2006-Present, Non-Operative Committee Member 2012-14, 2020-present - University of Iowa Brace Study
· BRAIST Evaluation Committee - Green Sun Medical
· Consultant - Fited
· Consultant - European Spine Journal
· Researcher
Speaker/Writer
- International Society of Spinal Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT)
- Pediatric Orthopaedic Society Of North America (POSNA)
- American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association
- Scoliosis Research Society
- American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists
- Curvy Girls
- Setting Scoliosis Straight Foundation
- Scolios-Us
- ScolioBend
Featured
- US News & World Report – At-Home Scoliosis Testing: What Is It? How Does It Work?
- Washingtonian Magazine – The Spine Whisperer
- Straight Talk Scoliosis – The Journey Continues by Theresa E. Mulvaney and Robin Stoltz, LCSW
- Fairfax County Times
- WUSA Channel 9
- Washington Business Journal
- Midday Maryland WMAR-TV
- The O&P Edge Magazine – Interview
- Scoliosis Spine Surgeons
- Spinal News International
- Scoliosis Journal
- Scoliosis Physiotherapy & Posture Centre Online
- SPINES: The Art of Scoliosis by Sydnee Lubar