Originally posted by SLS
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I just got off the phone with Dr. Mendelow, and he asked that I convey what we talked about. I've known Dr. Mendelow for several years, and we've spent time together at SRS meetings. (I wouldn't normally contact a surgeon unless I knew him/her, and felt that they might be interested in a specific discussion.)
Dr. Mendelow believes that alternative programs such as Schroth or yoga may play a positive role in the treatment of some scoliosis patients.
Here are the key points of our discussion:
- 1) While he feels that alternative programs such as Schroth may play an important part in the treatment of some individuals, such programs will not change the natural history of said individuals.
2) Alternative programs such as Schroth may help certain individuals who are in the surgical range, postpone surgery for some time.
3) These programs may help some individuals avoid surgery altogether, assuming that their curves are moderate, and the program is continued. He agrees that any improvement in curves will be lost when the program ceases.
4) He feels it's important that any individual undertaking an alternative therapy be closely supervised by a scoliosis specialist. One important reason for this is that some kids who are candidates for short segment fusion now, will develop into kids who require long fusion if they wait too long.
Regards,
Linda
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