Klippel-Feil Syndrome Treatment

The Scoliosis SOS Clinic has now been open for over 10 years, and in that time we’ve treated a number of people who suffer from Klippel-Feil syndrome. Today, we’d like to look at this rare disorder in detail – read on to find out what Klippel-Feil syndrome is and how our physiotherapists can help those who have it.

Kilppel-Feil syndrome (KFS) is a rare congenital disorder that is thought to affect roughly 0.0025% of newborn babies. The human neck has 7 cervical vertebrae, but people who suffer from KFS are born with two or more of those cervical vertebrae fused together. This results in limited neck/head movement and – in most cases – a visible shortening of the neck.

 

People with Klippel-Feil syndrome also commonly suffer from a variety of associated issues, such as heart defects, respiratory problems, and scoliosis.

As previously mentioned, we at the Scoliosis SOS Clinic have treated numerous Klippel Feil syndrome sufferers over the years, including Jack Gaffney, an 18-year-old from the Republic of Ireland. Three of Jack’s cervical vertebrae were fused together, and he had also suffered from curvature of the spine since birth. Jack was told that he would need a spinal fusion operation, but he and his family were acutely conscious of the risks associated with surgery, and so they were desperate to find an alternative treatment option.

An internet search led the Gaffneys to our website, and they decided that – given what was at stake – it was worth travelling to England and spending 4 weeks in London while Jack attended a ScolioGold treatment course to help improve his poor posture and mobility.

 

The results were astounding. Jack’s condition improved to the point that it could no longer be classified as scoliosis, and our treatments helped his mobility to the point that he was able to start skateboarding again. It’s wonderful to know that Klippel Feil syndrome treatment helped give jack some of his independence back again.

Here’s what Jack had to say at the end of his time with us:

 

“My life was such a whirlwind…every consultant I saw told me something different and I was terrified of surgery. I had no confidence and my self-esteem was badly affected. Now I can say, with all honesty, that I feel 100% better. My spine is improving every day.”

 

Our exercise-based treatment courses can drastically reduce spinal curvature and boost Klippel Feil syndrome sufferers’ mobility, self-confidence, and overall quality of life. If you’d like to find out more, contact us now to arrange a consultation for yourself or a loved one. Don’t leave your Klippel Feil syndrome un-treated.