At Scoliosis SOS Clinics, we use a radiation-free back scanning technology known as the Formetric system. This helps us to clinically measure and document patients’ progress before, during and after treatment. We also use it at any subsequent check-up appointments they may attend.  The advantages of this scoliosis measurement system are that unlike x-rays, which use harmful radiation, a Formetric scan is completely non-invasive and carries no risks regardless of how many times it is repeated.

How does scoliosis Formetric measurement work?

A Formetric scan is a radiation-free surface topography measurement that enables a 3D reconstruction of the spine.  During a scan, a light projects a pattern of parallel lines onto the patient’s back and this is recorded by the inbuilt camera.  The scan is taken over a 10 second period to allow for minor differences in standing position and therefore produces a highly reliable measurement.  Biomedical software then analyses this captured image and generates a three-dimensional model of the patient’s posture and will highlight any asymmetries that may be present.

Why is radiation-free scoliosis measurement beneficial?

The average scoliosis patient who is diagnosed with the condition as an adolescent will have upwards of 25 full spinal x-rays during their lifetime. There are scientific concerns that repeated exposure to radiation increases the risk of breast cancer by 140%.  X-rays are commonly used to diagnose a scoliosis. However, non-invasive measurements have proven effective at monitoring the condition to detect any significant progression.

What can a Formetric scan measure?

From a scan your therapist will be able to calculate:

• Spinal alignment
• Any leg length discrepancies
• Posture-related pain symptoms
• Pelvic or spinal rotation
• Hyper-kyphosis or lordosis
• Muscular imbalances

Where can I get a scoliosis measurement scan taken?

All of our clinics have a Formetric scanner installed. Therefore, regardless of your location you can be sure of your therapist having access to a fast, clinically-accurate measuring system.  We offer a Formetric scan as part of our Initial Consultation. Patients attending for treatment will typically have a scan taken weekly (on our intensive courses) or every 10-20 sessions (for 1:1 care).

Call us on 0207 488 4428 to book an appointment for your radiation-free postural assessment.

Smoking and degenerative discs

• Coughing – This is much more prevalent among smokers and can increase the risk of degeneration in the discs. Coughing causes increased pressure between discs, which puts added strain on both the spine and discs, resulting in a greater risk of ruptures and bulges. This is particularly common in a spine that’s already been weakened by smoking-related toxins.

• Inactivity – This is often associated with a smoker’s lifestyle, and can result in a higher frequency of back pain. Unfortunately, pain caused as a result of degenerated discs can make an active lifestyle even more difficult to adopt and enjoy.

Smoking and failed spinal fusion

Treatment at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic

More About ScolioGold >    Book a Consultation >

Lavinia, 44

Lavinia was a housewife and keen gardener who was struggling to cope with her scoliosis. Her spinal curvature was so severe, doctors warned her she might not be able to stand up straight again. Lavinia had been diagnosed with scoliosis in her twenties, but hadn’t pursued treatment at the time. It was only when her condition visibly worsened in her forties that she explored our exercise-based therapy options.

” I feel so much better about my body and I have gained so much confidence.”

Read Lavinia’s Story Here >

Nishtha, 14

Nishtha from Birmingham was a keen ballet dancer before her scoliosis worsened and started to cause her pain. Medics warned her that she may have to quit dancing, which left Nishtha heartbroken. She was even having nightmares about her condition. Our exercise-based treatment programme allowed Nishtha to get back to doing what she loved and sleep easy again!

“I can finally get back to dancing, and I’m no longer scared about closing my eyes at night.”

Read Nishtha’s Story Here >

Helen, 75

Helen, a grandmother from Birmingham and another keen gardener, was in severe pain due to her scoliosis. Doctors told her that she had two options: live with the pain or undergo invasive spinal fusion surgery. Luckily, we were able to offer her a third, exercise-based option.

“I am so pleased with the results I have achieved. I truly believed that I was going to need to have my spine fused. I feel like I am back in control and I am getting used to being able to attend to my flowers again without pain.”

Read Helen’s Story Here >

Lucy, 12

Lucy was told her scoliosis was so bad that she might not stand up straight again. She had to face the prospect of spinal fusion surgery at a very young age, and she started to lose interest in the activities she loved. Luckily, her parents discovered our clinic and were able to bring her to us for a 4-week course of treatment. Her condition is now under control and she is no longer a candidate for surgery.

” I feel like myself again.”

Read Lucy’s Story Here >

Emily, 19

Emily, a passionate scuba diver, was told she might have to give up her dreams after she was diagnosed with scoliosis at 19. Internet research led her to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic, and our therapists helped Emily to regain her confidence and improve her spinal curve. Now, she’s going to university to study marine biology and can get back to doing the scuba diving she loves.

“I have my confidence back, and I am ready to throw myself into university and get back to going on as many scuba diving holidays as I can fit in!”

Read Emily’s Story Here >

James, 15

James, a keen tennis player from Birmingham, thought that his sporting career would be cut short due to his condition. He was in excruciating pain and found his time away from tennis soul-destroying. He wanted to find a scoliosis treatment that would still allow him to pursue his dream career as a sports therapist. He came to us for treatment and is now back to playing tennis regularly!

“It was amazing to believe that even though my spine was curving, I could prevent it from getting worse by doing a few simple movements. It has given me a new lease on life and I’m looking forward to the summer as I missed out on so many tennis games.”

Read James’ Story Here >

Ayesha, 18

Aspiring model Ayesha was left devastated when her curved spine started to impact her career prospects, but she wasn’t going to let scoliosis stand in the way of her dreams. She came to the Scoliosis SOS Clinic for treatment and continues to exercise every day to improve her posture. Ayesha has grown to be over an inch taller since visiting the Scoliosis SOS Clinic as her spine continues to straighten.

“I started to feel a change after a week. I started to feel a lot more comfortable. The visual effects became more apparent after a month, and my lung capacity has improved.”

Read Ayesha’s Story Here >

Paige, 13

This young kickboxer from Birmingham was distraught after she was told she’d need metal rods in her back to correct her scoliosis curvature. The surgery would prevent her from training or competing in the sport she loves, as a blow to the spine could be really damaging. Using a range of equipment and exercise techniques, Paige has learnt how to elongate her back and prevent her spinal curve from getting worse, so she’s been able to get back to kickboxing.

“With Paige having won the UK and European championships in kickboxing, we are all hoping that by avoiding the operation she can carry on with the sport she enjoys.”

Read Paige’s Story Here >

If you live in or near Birmingham and you’d like to find out more about our non-invasive scoliosis treatment courses, please contact the Scoliosis SOS Clinic today.

What is the student BaSRat conference?

How were Scoliosis SOS involved?

Great talk from @SianMcGinn of @ScoliosisSOS for the BASRaT student conference 2020. An engaging keynote from a newly graduated GSR. Excellent to see @basratorg producing such excellent graduates. #basratstudent2020 pic.twitter.com/lHXedNHjJ1

— Jonty Ashton GSR (@jontyashton) February 14, 2020

• Scoliosis education
• Screening tools that can be used to detect scoliosis
• Current treatment options provided by the NHS
• Our in-house ScolioGold method

About Scoliosis SOS   Our Birmingham Clinic

We at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic are huge advocates for scoliosis self-correction and treatment through exercise!

If you’re suffering because of your scoliosis, there are a lot of things you can do to relieve pain and prevent your spinal curve from worsening. One of these things is active self-correction (ASC), just one of the many treatment methods that make up our ScolioGold therapy programme.

Active self-correction is often referred to as the scientific exercise approach to scoliosis treatment. It involves a series of movements designed to stabilise the scoliosis curvature. Our ScolioGold therapists teach you how to actively self-correct by standing you in front of a mirror and showing you how you can physically unbend and de-rotate the curve in your spine.

Active Self-Correction

As much as we’d love to teach you how to actively correct your scoliosis with a few simple instructions, every spine is unique, and each patient needs to be taught how to correct their own curvature. See one of our patients actively self-correcting their scoliosis curvature in this video:

You can see how this patient’s spine moves into a much better position with a few simple, conscious movements. These movements are often called:

• Activation – ‘unlocks’ the curvature from its resting position
• Correction – encourages the spine to sit in a more healthy position
• Repetition – ‘locks’ the straighter spine in place (this involves retraining the postural control centre in the brain to accept the ‘fixed’ position)

See Our Patients Performing ASC >

Posture Awareness

Posture-Improving Exercises >

If you’re interested in finding out more about our exercise-based scoliosis therapy, don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 0207 488 4428 or submit an enquiry here.