At National Scoliosis Center, we are dedicated to providing the best non-surgical techniques to treat scoliosis while also offering educational resources, support, a friendly smile, and encouragement to our patients and their families. A vital part of accomplishing this mission is continuous learning—staying informed about the latest research, technological advancements, and evolving best practices in non-operative scoliosis care. This is particularly true for our orthotists (our scoliosis brace makers), who play a leading role in the treatment of our pediatric patients.
Our orthotists’ dedication to staying up to date on the latest research and techniques is demonstrated by their participation in events such as the annual International Society on Scoliosis Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT) International Congress, SpineWeek, Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) conferences, and others. These conferences and events showcase the latest developments in scoliosis research and treatment. They include information on bracing, surgical, and physical therapy techniques—as we believe the best way to serve our patients is to have a complete understanding of all available treatment options. Additionally, these events allow our team to exchange ideas and build relationships with other experts in the field.
In addition to conference attendance, our orthotists are committed to specialized, in-depth training programs. This includes rigorous programs such as the ISICO Master Program, known for its comprehensive approach to scoliosis management, and the highly regarded Rigo Concept courses, which focus on the principles of Rigo Cheneau bracing. Furthermore, we actively cultivate knowledge-sharing within our center by inviting internationally recognized experts to visit our facility. We have been privileged to learn from esteemed professionals like Dr. Manuel Rigo, a pioneer in conservative scoliosis treatment; Dr. René Castelein, known for his contributions to spinal deformity surgery and non-operative care; Dr. Sabrina Donzelli, a leading expert in the ISICO methodology; Frédéric Barral, whose osteopathic perspectives offer a holistic view of spinal health; and Andreas Wuersching, recognized for his expertise in advanced bracing techniques. Their willingness to share their insights with our team enhances our understanding and ensures we are implementing the most effective, evidence-based practices.
We also recognize that education is a two-way exchange. At the most recent SOSORT International Congress (April 2025 in Croatia), our team participated in a “Bracing – Principles of Correction” demonstration, developed a poster presenting preliminary results of a “Growth Modulation in Scoliosis” study, and gave a “Time in Brace: Which Brace?” presentation discussing the pros and cons of nighttime versus full-time bracing.
Ultimately, our dedication to ongoing education is driven by a desire to serve our patients with the highest level of expertise, empathy, and compassion. We understand that the field of scoliosis treatment is constantly evolving, and we are committed to a journey of learning, growing, and improving. This commitment ensures that we can offer the most effective, research-backed care—empowering our patients on their scoliosis journey.