Brace Alternative Program
Most kids struggle with scoliosis bracing. There is another option.
Most kids struggle wearing a brace 18-23 hours a day at school, at night, and during daily life.
We offer a modern alternative to scoliosis bracing that includes genetically guided functional medicine, reflexive response rehab, and the patented ScoliSMART Activity Suit that allows a kid to still be a kid.
For children who:
- Have been prescribed a brace
- Want an alternative approach
- Are still growing
The ScollSMART Activity Suit Is a personal rehab system for scoliosis, not a brace
Designed for families who want:
- Active treatment
- Personalized plan
- Less time commitment
- Real curve reduction
Why many families look beyond bracing
Traditional braces are rigid shells often worn 18–23 hours per day. They can be uncomfortable, limit movement, and affect confidence at school or during activities. While braces can help hold the spine in position, they DO NOT increase core strength, create a new posture memory or lead to long-term curve reduction.
Maintaining an active physical and social lifestyle
Wearing a brace makes participation in physical activities like sports or dance virtually impossible, and can be socially embarrassing for most teens.
Discomfort and core weakening
Braces trap body heat, irritate skin, and even prohibit breathing. The passive mechanism of a brace weakens spinal muscles leading to “brace dependency”.
Psychological scarring
Published research finds most teens who wore a brace felt it left lifelong permanent psychological damage and anxiety.
Scoliosis is more than a curved spine.
A different way to approach scoliosis care
ScoliSMART offers a comprehensive brace alternative program designed to work with the body rather than restrict it. Instead of immobilizing the torso, we focus on posture control, biological support, and daily reinforcement.
Clinician-led strategy
We start with a clinical X-ray review and map out a plan with clear steps and targets.
Active neuromuscular rehab
We retrain reflexive posture systems and build stability the body can hold automatically.
Daily reinforcement at home
Progress is reinforced with a structured home routine and the ScoliSMART Activity Suit.
The ScoliSMART 3-Step Brace Alternative Program
Our program combines personalized functional medicine, reflexive response rehab, in less than 10% of daily recommend brace wear time with a home exercise program that can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for a scoliosis brace.
1
Genetically guided, scoliosis-specific nutrient support
Modern research links adolescent idiopathic scoliosis to combinations of genetic variants that affect posture control and coordination during growth spurts. We use scoliosis-focused testing to identify relevant patterns and build a targeted nutrient plan that supports stability during growth.
- Identify actionable biological patterns
- Personalize nutrient and lifestyle recommendations
- Support neuromuscular stability and recovery capacity
2
5-Day Scoliosis Boot Camp (in-clinic)
Re-gain momentum in the right direction. Our physician led scoliosis rehab program gets things moving in the right direction again quickly.
- Correct asymmetrical reflex patterns
- Improve spinal stabilization
- Strengthen brain-to-muscle communication
- Enhance coordination and balance
3
Daily use of the ScoliSMART Activity Suit™
Unlike rigid braces that restrict motion, the Activity Suit turns daily movement into therapy. It uses natural walking/running mechanics and subtle resistance to stimulate corrective posture reflexes during normal activity. Many patients use it less than 10% of the recommend time for wearing a brace.
- Allows full range of motion
- Does not compress the rib cage
- Encourages strengthening instead of immobilizing
- Turns everyday movement into corrective reinforcement
Brace vs ScoliSMART Activity Suit
Both tools aim to influence progression, but they work differently. Many families prefer an approach that increases core strength, improves posture memory, and still allows their kid to still be a kid.
Traditional rigid bracing
- Applies external pressure to hold position
- Often requires long daily wear time
- Can limit movement and activities
- Does not train posture reflexes
ScoliSMART Activity Suit™
- Reinforces corrective posture during movement
- Designed to fit active daily life
- Allows full range of motion
- Works as part of a Doctor-led program
Respectful, individualized guidance
Some families choose bracing, and that choice deserves respect. Our role is to provide a structured alternative for families who want to explore active, whole-body care.
Start with a No Cost Clinical Strategy Call
Upload your child’s X-rays and basic history. We’ll map out the most effective next steps and explain how our Scoliosis Brace Alternative program works in your child’s specific situation.
Meet the Physicians Leading Your Child’s Care
Families travel from across the United States and around the world to work with our clinical team. These physicians specialize in modern, non-surgical scoliosis treatment and have helped thousands of patients pursue alternatives to bracing and spinal fusion surgery.
Dr. Clayton J. Stitzel, DC
Dr. Stitzel is recognized internationally for his work advancing modern scoliosis rehabilitation. His research and clinical work focus on integrating genetics, neurology, and metabolic testing into personalized scoliosis treatment programs designed to address the condition beyond the spinal curve.
Dr. Aatif Siddiqui, DC
Dr. Siddiqui brings extensive clinical experience in spine health and musculoskeletal care. Known for his careful and patient-focused approach, he works closely with families to evaluate scoliosis progression risk and guide individualized treatment strategies.
Dr. Brian T. Dovorany, DC
With decades of experience treating complex spinal conditions, Dr. Dovorany specializes in spinal biomechanics and neuromuscular rehabilitation. His work focuses on improving spinal stability, posture, and functional movement patterns in patients with scoliosis.
Cost & Insurance
Many families ask whether insurance will cover ScoliSMART treatment. While coverage varies by plan, some patients are able to receive partial reimbursement through out-of-network benefits.
Our team can provide the documentation needed for patients to submit claims to their insurance provider.
- ScoliSMART treatment is also commonly paid for using HSA or FSA funds, which allow families to use pre-tax healthcare dollars.
- To help make care more accessible, flexible payment options and financing plans may also be available.
- If you have questions about cost or insurance reimbursement, our team is happy to help you understand your options during your consultation.
Families Travel From Around the World for ScoliSMART Treatment
For many families, traveling for scoliosis care may feel like a big step—but when it comes to your child’s health and future, finding the right treatment can make all the difference.
Every year, families from across the United States and around the world travel to ScoliSMART clinics seeking modern, non-surgical solutions for scoliosis.
- Many parents tell us the same thing: “We were willing to go anywhere to help our child avoid braces or surgery.” That commitment often leads them here.
- Our clinical team works closely with traveling families to make the experience as smooth as possible. Treatment programs are structured to be efficient, allowing families to complete the most important parts of care in a focused visit, with continued support once you return home.
- For countless families, the trip becomes more than just a medical appointment—it becomes a meaningful step toward giving their child the best possible opportunity for a healthier future.