Answers to common questions about scoliosis bracing with the Cheneau Gensingen Brace™ (GBW).
At what point should my child be fitted with a scoliosis brace?
Generally, children with curves of 20º to 25º with substantial growth potential should be fitted with a scoliosis brace. In some instances, scoliosis bracing should start even sooner in order to take advantage of spinal flexibility. The decision regarding when to brace requires the consideration of several factors. Doctors sometimes offer varying opinions on this topic. If it is recommended to postpone bracing and “watch” to see if progression occurs, parents must be vigilant and not let too much time pass before reevaluating that decision.
What evidence is there to support the Gensingen Brace™?
There is a growing body of evidence in support of the Cheneau Gensingen scoliosis brace. A recent study found the Cheneau Gensingen Brace™ to be 92.9% effective. Please see our Scoliosis Bracing Research page.
What results can be expected when a child/adult is fit with a Gensingen Brace™?
Stage of development, age at diagnosis, current age, spinal flexibility, in-brace correction achieved, curve-pattern, compliance, practitioner management and other factors influence bracing outcomes. Double or triple curves are less correctable than single curves. In general, younger children correct better than older children with comparable curves due to spinal flexibility.
With the exception of the rarest cases, patients who have worn, or are wearing, the Gensingen Brace™ – from all over the globe –are demonstrating, at minimum, halted progression. Many patients have demonstrated visually recognizable postural improvements and some degree of Cobb angle reduction as well. For this reason, the Cheneau-Gensingen is a very exciting development in the evolution of scoliosis bracing. Results have been excellent overall but as noted above will vary by individual.
How many hours per day will my child have to wear the brace?
Daily brace wear is determined according to the patient. As a rule, 18 to 20 hours per day of brace wear is the norm for progressive curves and for those with severe scoliosis. The Gensingen Brace™ can be fabricated as a night-time scoliosis brace. When this is the case, obviously, the number of prescribed hours is reduced.
What is the purpose of the openings in the Cheneau Gensingen Brace™?
Each Gensingen Brace™ is designed according to an individual’s scoliosis curve pattern offering ty for Schroth derotational breathing. The brace developer, Dr. Hans-Rudolf Weiss, is the third generation of a legacy of three esteemed practitioners who over the nine decades have developed, refined and elevated conservative scoliosis treatment to the point that it is quickly spreading internationally. Not only is Dr. Weiss the brace developer of this technologically advanced brace, but also the world’s foremost Schroth method expert. Dr. Weiss designs each brace for optimal corrective effect so that each breath taken while wearing the Gensingen brace is a corrective breath.
How long will it take my child to adjust to their scoliosis brace?
Becoming adjusted to a scoliosis brace varies by individual and will depend on the brace worn. Patients who wear the Gensingen Brace™ begin to wear the brace right away including sleeping in the brace that first night. Subsequent fittings will allow the brace to become more comfortable over the first few days. According to patients who have changed from other braces, the comfort factor of the Gensingen Brace™ is significantly better than other commonly recommended scoliosis braces. There are a few patients who may take up to a two weeks to fully adjust to the brace.
Is scoliosis bracing painful?
A well-designed, well-fit brace should address the curvature without inducing pain. If a child has been wearing a brace successfully for a few months and then begins to complain of discomfort, then the brace may need to be adjusted or replaced.
