Stop the Curve. Preserve Their Future. Avoid Surgery.
A scoliosis diagnosis is overwhelming, but 'wait and see' is not a plan. Our elite, ISST Schroth-certified team uses advanced 3D Chêneau-Rigo bracing and targeted therapy to untwist the spine and keep your child out of the operating room.
Message Us to Book
The Danger of 'Wait and See'
As a parent, noticing an uneven shoulder or a rib hump on your teenager can trigger intense guilt and anxiety. You likely rushed to a pediatrician, only to be told, 'It's mild, let's just wait and see if it gets worse.' During a teenager's rapid growth spurt, waiting is the most dangerous thing you can do. Scoliosis is a progressive condition. Waiting simply gives the curve permission to grow until highly invasive spinal fusion surgery becomes the only option.
At TeraCare, we intervene actively. We offer a unified approach that is unique in the Philippines: Dr. Rabara is an ISST Schroth Certified Physiatrist, working alongside a Schroth Certified Physical Therapist and a Schroth Certified Prosthetist/Orthotist (P&O). From the medical diagnosis to the custom fabrication of a 3D Chêneau-Rigo brace, and through every specialized therapy session, our team communicates seamlessly under one roof to protect your child's spine.
Spinal Conditions We Actively Manage
Is Conservative Scoliosis Care Right for You?
You are an EXCELLENT candidate if:
- Your child has a Cobb angle between 15 and 45 degrees.
- Your child is actively growing (has not yet reached adult height).
- Visible postural changes like uneven hips, shoulders, or a rib hump.
- Adults suffering from degenerative back pain due to long-term curves.
You may NOT be a candidate if:
- The curve is extremely severe (>50 degrees) and actively crushing organ space.
- Full skeletal maturity has been reached (bracing is less effective for correction).
- Immediate surgery is required to preserve heart or lung function.
The Realities of Scoliosis Rehabilitation
Non-surgical correction requires extreme discipline and parent support. We believe in complete clinical transparency:
- Compliance is Paramount: To successfully halt a curve, the custom brace must typically be worn for 18 to 21 hours a day during the active growth window.
- Therapy Intensity: The Schroth Method is not a massage; it is a sensorimotor protocol requiring intense mental focus and asymmetrical effort.
- Surgery Avoidance Goal: Our primary objective is to halt progression and stay below the 45-degree surgical threshold, preserving natural spinal mobility.
Symmetric vs. Asymmetric Bracing
A symmetric plastic tube that 'squeezes' the child. It can push against the rib hump, often restricting breathing.
Custom-molded asymmetrical brace that pushes the curve while leaving 'voids' for the child to actively breathe and untwist into.
The Timeline to Skeletal Maturity
Adaptation & Fitting
Taking 3D scans, fitting the custom brace, and building up the teenager's tolerance to 18+ hours of daily wear.
Active Correction
The critical growth window. The child adheres to the brace and attends regular Schroth sessions with periodic X-ray monitoring.
The Weaning Phase
Once skeletal maturity is reached, we systematically reduce brace hours while maintaining exercise to secure the new posture.
Clinical Science & Technical Details
For our medical colleagues and highly analytical patients, we provide these transparent technical details on the pathophysiology and interventional protocols.
Explore the Clinical Science: 3D Biomechanics of Spinal Torsion
Scoliosis is not a two-dimensional lateral bend; it is a complex 3D torsion. As the vertebral bodies deviate, they rotate axially, creating the rib hump and compressing the growth plates (Hueter-Volkmann principle).
Our ISST Schroth protocols physically interrupt this cycle using Rotational Angular Breathing (RAB) to actively de-rotate the vertebrae from the inside out, utilizing pulmonary expansion to untwist the spinal column.
Detailed Diagnostic Pathways: Lenke Classification & Risser Signs
Accurate management requires precise diagnostic timing. Dr. Rabara utilizes Lenke typology and the Risser Sign (iliac apophysis ossification) to assess growth velocity.
A curve of 25 degrees in an actively growing child (Risser 0-3) represents an orthopedic urgency requiring immediate 3D bracing to avoid the surgical threshold of 45-50 degrees.
Advanced Orthopedic Guidelines & SOSORT Compliance
Our clinicial pathway is strictly governed by SOSORT (International Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment).
For curves between 10-25 degrees, Physiotherapeutic Specific Scoliosis Exercises (PSSE) are indicated. Above 25 degrees in growing children, rigid asymmetrical 3D bracing is the global medical standard.
Mitigating Brace-Induced Muscle Atrophy & Psychosocial Impact
Generic, symmetric braces carry a high risk of paraspinal muscle atrophy due to total immobilization. The Chêneau-Rigo design allows for active breathing and movement within the brace voids.
Simultaneous ISST Schroth exercises are mandatory to keep the core musculature robust during the months or years of brace-assisted spinal correction.
Our Unified 'Under One Roof' Pathway
Medical growth Mapping
Dr. Rabara analyzes X-rays, measures Cobb angles, and assesses skeletal maturity (Risser Sign) to determine growth stage.
3D Digital Fabrication
Our Schroth-certified P&O takes 3D scans of the torso. We custom-fabricate the 3D Chêneau brace specifically for the child's unique typology.
ISST Schroth Training
Your child works with our certified PT to learn de-rotation, asymmetrical strengthening, and functional breathing to untwist the spine from the inside out.
Common Questions
Does wearing the medical brace hurt?
A properly fitted 3D Chêneau-Rigo brace should not cause sharp pain. However, because it actively untwists the spine, it will feel restrictive during the 'break-in' period. We provide a structured schedule to allow the skin and muscles to adapt safely.
Will my teenager be bullied for wearing it?
This is a major concern, which is why we use the low-profile Chêneau design. It is manufactured from lightweight plastic that hugs the body. Under a normal school uniform or slightly loose shirt, it is virtually undetectable to peers.
Can my child still play sports?
Absolutely. We encourage staying active to maintain strong core muscles. They will simply remove the brace for the duration of practice or games and put it back on afterward.
Why is being ISST Schroth Certified important?
The Schroth Method is highly complex. If performed incorrectly by an uncertified therapist, it can actually make a curve worse. Having a fully certified team ensures the treatment is biomechanically flawless.
What if the curve is already over 45 degrees?
If the curve is severe and threatening organ function, Dr. Rabara will provide honest guidance and refer you to top spinal surgeons. Even in surgical cases, pre- and post-op Schroth therapy is effective for recovery.