Since introducing the Cheneau-Gensingen brace in North America, it’s been our privilege to have played a role in helping adolescents with scoliosis halt progression and/or reverse curvature to some extent. We are primarily a patient-centered practice. However, we are also committed to expanding the network of professionals seeking knowledge of Cheneau and Schroth method protocols. Asymmetric 3D bracing is still not well understood by some in the community of bracing professionals and we want to help change that by hosting Cheneau bracing course trainings.
The next Cheneau bracing course opportunity will be from February 7 – 10, 2018. Marc Moramarco, DC and Amy Heller, OTR/L of Scoliosis 3DC® will offer intensive training sessions alongside Maksym Borysov, CO, PT. This bracing course will include hands-on fittings for orthotists and other qualified medical professionals (MDs, DOs, DCs who are Schroth certified).
At the ISPO conference (International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics) last May, one of the presenters reported that about half of orthotists don’t consider the sagittal plane important when bracing scoliosis. Our clinical experience with the Gensingen brace shows otherwise. This 3D bracing technology is helping many patients achieve impressive results not typically seen with traditional scoliosis braces. This is partly because it takes all three planes into consideration to create spinal stability. However, it also offers numerous other benefits for patients, making it a more widely marketable brace.
The Cheneau-Gensingen brace weighs less than other braces and patients like that! This is because it is manufactured with a lighter, less dense, moldable, modified polyethylene. Designed and manufactured via CAD/CAM, each brace is custom-made and custom fit according to curve pattern. One open hip allows for overcorrection of the pelvis and makes the brace easier to conceal.
Perhaps the most important feature is that each Gensingen brace is designed to induce over-correction of the spine, whenever possible. With that said, individual spinal flexibility, starting Cobb angle, and fitting expertise will be factors in the degree of correction achieved.
The Gensingen brace also offers options for patients with severe curves. These patients are not typically offered bracing as an option because when curves are at 45º, 50º, or 60º, surgery is usually the recommendation given by orthopedic surgeons. However, curves of this magnitude are being braced successfully with the Gensingen brace – allowing patients to avoid surgery. Many patients are also achieving postural improvements not seen with other types of braces.
The advent of the Gensingen brace has opened up an entirely new sector of patients for bracing–adults. It is helping some adults manage pain, offers spinal support and may help prevent scoliosis progression. As a result, many adults are choosing to wear it on a part-time, as-needed basis. For years, this group of patients has been at a loss for help. For some, the brace is filling that void.
Participants from our first course are currently achieving excellent results with their patients. They include orthotists from Shriner’s Hospital in Honolulu and independent practitioners in the Toronto, Canada area.
*For more information about upcoming Cheneau bracing course trainings, please contact: Colleen Corbett (info@scoliosis3dc.com)
*Please email a current CV and provide a brief description of your experience working with scoliosis patients.
