Scolismart

[mariaf]

I'm not necessarily saying it's a scam, and maybe his method can work for very small curves, I don't know, but I do know that I see red flags. That group is one of the many scoliosis forums that I am part of because I'm always looking for families I can help by sharing my experiences, as well as any knowledge that I've accumulated over the years. I have seen folks receive advice from the founder that I don't agree with. I'm not a doctor but have learned quite a bit over the past 10-12 years about scoliosis in children. I've heard the founder tell parents of children with curves in the 60-70 degree range that he can correct it with exercise at his boot camp (which is quite expensive - although that in and of itself doesn't mean anything). But there is no way he is going to permanently correct a 65 degree curve - only surgery can do that unfortunately.

This is strictly my opinion - please know this is all meant to be helpful, not confrontational :-)

[burdle]

They are real people it is a flourishing Facebook group. Most of the people who use the bootcamp are parents of children with Scoliosis. He does have a lot of adults post surgery with problems who are big supporters and post a lot of support for him. Facebook seems to be taking over from forums such as NSF and the UK Scoliosis support.org. There groups are flourishing so I think it is vitally important that we are all aware.

I actually think he is onto something as I do agree that scoliosis is very much to do with the neuro transmitters etc. and I think it is time that patients were offered co-ordinated, joined up help and not just left if surgery is not an option. I don't think it is a scam by any means as the organisation is too big, but I do think that the medical profession should get involved.

[mariaf]

All I will say is that just because people "swear by" something, that doesn't mean anything. You don't even know who those people are or anything about them or their situation. Or if they are actual patients - they could even be plants. I would also be very wary of anyone who boots you from their group because you are probing their claims.

[burdle]

Hi,

I am in UK and we don't have Scolismart Clinics. I was wondering what you guys think of this company. There are many people on Facebook who seems to swear by the bootcamp that they offer.

I myself got banned from the Facebook group 'Scoliosis warriors' (along with many others) because I challenged the organiser (C Stitzel) who seems to be one of the main people behind Scolismart for published studies and also probed more deeply into some of his claims.

Nevertheless I can't deny that his aim is good- to find a better way of treatment etc. And I can't help feeling that more guidance needs to be given by the professional bodies ( SAUK, NSF) as to whether Scolismart can actually reduce curves etc.