Wearing Your Scoliosis Orthosis


Getting used to your brace is like getting used to new shoes.  The following program is designed to help your skin and muscles adjust to having the brace on.  Over a 13-day period, you will gradually increase to wearing your brace for the full 23 hours.  We have included a break-in wearing schedule below:

 Day 1: 1 hour
 Day 2: 2 hours
 Day 3: 4 hours
 Day 4: 6 hours
 Day 5: 8 hours
 Day 6: 10 hours
 Day 7: 12 hours
 Day 8: 14 hours
 Day 9: 16 hours
 Day 10: 18 hours
 Day 11: 20 hours
 Day 12: 22 hours
 Day 13: 23 hours

It may initially take two people, the wearer and a helper, to put the orthosis on.  This will keep the brace from twisting when it is put on; however you should be able to put the orthosis on without assistance within one month.

The orthosis is worn over a cotton undershirt with the underpants worn over the orthosis.  For females, the orthosis is worn over the bra.

Putting on the Brace

1. The wearer stands up and the helper stands behind, holding the brace in the left hand.
2. The helper puts the brace in front of the wearer, with the opening facing them.
3. The helper reaches around the wearer with one arm on each side of the patient and spreads the brace wide enough so the wearer can step into it.
4. Make sure all the straps are on the outside of the plastic girdle.
5. Make sure the brace is not twisted and is facing straight ahead.  The opening of the brace should be in the middle of the back so that the bumps on the spine and the crease between the buttocks are halfway between the edges.
6. Bend your hips and knees about 45 degrees so that the brace will fit properly.
7. With your hands on the “hips” of the brace, push the brace toward your feet so that the sausage-shaped pads on the inside of the brace fit above your hipbones.
8. Pull the extra cloth of the undershirt out at the brace opening.  MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO WRINKLES IN THE UNDERSHIRT. Wrinkles may cause pressure sores on your skin.
9. The helper then threads the straps through the buckles and fastens loosely.
10. Tighten the brace by applying pressure to the side of the brace opposite the buckle opening.  If you are unable to secure the brace this way, the wearer may lay on a firm surface.
11. If you’re using the side-lying method, secure the brace loosely, lie on the floor, bend knees and the helper leans on the side of the brace, squeezing the brace to the lines while pulling the straps.
12. At first, your brace will only be buckled up to the line marked on the strap by your doctor or orthotist. Once you are used to your brace, it will be buckled as tightly as the helper can do it.
13. Initially, the brace may be loosened slightly before meals if needed.  Eating smaller portions more frequently may help.