Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about our scoliosis treatments and services.

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Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves sideways instead of growing in a straight line. The curve may look like a “C” or an “S” shape and can affect posture, balance, and movement. It is most commonly identified during adolescence, especially during growth spurts.

Common signs include uneven shoulders, a tilted waist, one hip appearing higher, or clothes fitting unevenly. In some cases, there may also be muscle tension or discomfort, especially as the body grows or becomes fatigued.

Many people with scoliosis experience little to no pain, especially in mild cases. Discomfort may occur when the curve affects muscle balance or movement patterns, which is why early assessment and proper guidance are important.

Some curves remain stable, while others may progress, particularly during periods of rapid growth. Regular monitoring helps identify changes early so appropriate care can be provided when needed.

If you notice changes in posture, uneven shoulders, or have been told there is a spinal curve, it’s helpful to have an assessment. Early understanding allows for better guidance and more proactive management.

The Cobb angle is the standard way doctors measure scoliosis. It is calculated using an X-ray and tells us how much the spine is curved. To measure it, the doctor identifies the most tilted vertebra at the top and bottom of the spinal curve. Lines are drawn along these vertebrae, and the angle formed between them is called the Cobb angle. This angle is measured in degrees and shows how far the spine has moved away from normal alignment. The Cobb angle helps determine whether scoliosis is mild, moderate, or severe. This information is important because it guides decisions on monitoring, exercise-based care, bracing, or further management.

We understand that patients and parents may have concerns about radiation exposure from X-rays. Your safety is always our top priority. To ensure accuracy while keeping radiation exposure as low as possible, we work closely with an imaging centre that uses the latest EOS digital X-ray system. This advanced technology delivers ultra-low radiation compared to conventional X-rays and is specifically designed for spinal assessments. EOS imaging captures full-spine images that allow us to build a 3D view of the spine before treatment begins. This helps us understand the curve, alignment, and rotation of the spine more precisely. After a period of care, follow-up EOS images may be taken to clearly assess how the spine has responded to treatment. Our goal is to obtain the most accurate clinical information using the lowest radiation exposure possible, so we can guide care safely and effectively.

Scoliosis is a complex condition that requires specialized knowledge and training to manage effectively. While many healthcare professionals—including chiropractors, physiotherapists, and medical doctors—provide excellent general care, scoliosis often benefits from a practitioner with scoliosis-specific training. General chiropractic training provides a strong foundation, but additional scoliosis-focused education allows practitioners to perform a more detailed assessment and design a targeted, customized treatment plan. Many chiropractors refer patients to specialists when more specific care is needed, and collaboration is common to ensure coordinated care. At All Well Scoliosis Centre, we provide fully customized programs using scoliosis-specific chiropractic techniques combined with complementary modalities. We frequently work alongside general chiropractors to ensure every patient receives safe, well-informed, and effective care throughout their journey.

At All Well Scoliosis Centre, we provide personalized scoliosis care tailored to each individual’s needs and goals. Our team is CLEAR Scoliosis certified, a trusted Scolibrace provider, and Scolibalance certified, combining evidence-based treatments with practical, everyday solutions. Unlike clinics that focus mainly on imaging or standardized protocols, we focus on the whole person—you or your child. Every individual responds differently to treatment, so we create programs that are manageable, comfortable, and effective. Our goal is to help patients improve posture, reduce discomfort, and gain confidence in daily life. At All Well, we are committed to making your scoliosis journey positive, supportive, and successful.

The CLEAR Scoliosis Treatment Method is a specialized, evidence-based approach designed to address scoliosis safely and effectively. Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan based on a comprehensive physical exam and X-rays. The treatment follows the CLEAR “Mix, Fix, and Set” approach: Mix: Prepares the body through warm-up exercises, massage, and muscle-relaxing therapies. Fix: Uses gentle, precise adjustments with advanced instruments (not manual twisting) to target the spine, neck, hips, and key areas. Set: Includes exercises to improve posture, balance, coordination, and muscle activation, helping maintain better spinal alignment. Treatment is individualized, so no two sessions are exactly the same. CLEAR chiropractors undergo rigorous training and certification, including nearly 200 hours of specialized education, exams, and ongoing peer-reviewed case studies to stay current with scoliosis research. For moderate to severe scoliosis, only CLEAR-certified chiropractors are trained and evaluated to provide scoliosis-specific care safely. General chiropractic care is not recommended in these cases.

At All Well Scoliosis Centre, we take a proactive, functional approach to scoliosis care. Rather than waiting for the curve to progress, we work early with patients to strengthen the spine, improve function, and reduce abnormal curvature. For bracing, we often prescribe the ScoliBrace when appropriate. Unlike traditional braces that apply lateral pressure, the ScoliBrace uses an over-corrective design to gently guide the spine toward better alignment. This supports spinal strength, improves posture, and avoids compression-related issues common with conventional braces. Each ScoliBrace is custom-made using advanced technology—BraceScan, CAD/CAM design, postural photos, and X-ray analysis—to fit the patient’s unique body and curve. The result is a lighter, more discreet, and comfortable brace, which helps patients wear it consistently. Decisions about bracing are made collaboratively with patients or parents, ensuring the plan fits individual needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Yes. We have seen improvements even in cases with Cobb angles over 100 degrees, though treatment for severe scoliosis is more challenging. Larger curves require more time, dedication, and a carefully guided plan, but our team works closely with patients to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Treatment starts with an intensive program lasting 10 to 14 days, with two sessions per day, each around four hours. After this initial phase, patients continue with aftercare sessions, which are tailored to each individual. The frequency and duration of these follow-ups depend on how much improvement is observed during the intensive treatment, ensuring the care plan remains personalized and effective.

Many people are told to “watch and wait” until scoliosis curves reach 20–25 degrees, and sometimes surgery is only considered for larger curves. This can feel stressful and uncertain. At All Well Scoliosis Centre, we take a proactive, non-invasive approach. Our goal is to treat scoliosis early and effectively, using evidence-based methods that can reduce and correct curves. With our approach, it is never too early or too late to start. Beginning treatment sooner can help prevent progression, improve posture, reduce discomfort, and provide confidence in daily life. We focus on giving patients and families a clear path forward, without the anxiety of just waiting and watching.

If scoliosis is not treated proactively, curves can worsen over time, affecting posture, comfort, and overall function. Even after growth stops, age-related changes and natural wear in the spine can cause curves to progress, which is why degenerative scoliosis is common in older adults. Starting early and effective scoliosis care helps protect long-term spinal health. Smaller, milder curves are easier to manage, so beginning treatment as soon as scoliosis is diagnosed gives the best chance to reduce progression, improve posture, and prevent future complications. At All Well, our goal is to support a stronger, healthier spine at every stage of life.

Scolibalance and the Schroth Method are both scoliosis-specific exercise approaches, but they differ in style, complexity, and practicality. Scolibalance was developed in Australia by Scolicare and is based on modern research and clinical experience. It is designed to be simpler, practical, and easier to integrate into daily life, focusing on 3D postural correction, strength, and functional movement. Schroth Method, developed in Germany, is one of the oldest physiotherapy scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE) methods. It emphasizes 3D corrective breathing, postural corrections, and precise setups to de-rotate and align the spine. Schroth sessions can be longer and more complex, and exercises may be harder to apply outside supervised practice. At All Well Scoliosis Centre, we use Scolibalance alongside the CLEAR Scoliosis Method. Combining these approaches allows us to deliver a targeted, practical, and effective program that supports lasting improvement.