The Center for Conservative Care for Spine and Scoliosis

The Center for Conservative Care for Spine and Scoliosis is our newest service, designed for the treatment of early-onset scoliosis in young children, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, and adult spine conditions, as well as enhanced mobility for the aging spine. Dr. Michael Vitale and our team of Schroth therapists, nurse practitioners, and NYRC bracing experts are renowned leaders in the field of conservative treatment approaches for scoliosis, as well as in the care and treatment of patients for pre- and post-surgical intervention to improve outcomes and maintain healthy results.

Schroth Physical Therapy

The Schroth Method is a conservative physical practice for individuals with scoliosis and other spinal deformities. Through specific exercises and corrective breathing techniques, the Method aims to elongate the trunk and correct the imbalances in the body. By developing the inner muscles of the rib cage, the Method changes the shape of the upper trunk to correct spinal abnormalities.

Specific goals of the Schroth Method are to stabilize the curve(s), mobilize stiff body parts, improve postural alignment, teach activities of daily living, enhance neuromuscular control, and increase strength and endurance.

Our therapists are members of the Conservative Care for Spine and Scoliosis team at Columbia Orthopedics and work collaboratively with adult and pediatric orthopedic spine specialists to treat early-onset scoliosis in young children, adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, adult spine disorders, and conditions that affect the aging spine.

NYRC Brace

The New York RC Brace (NYRC brace) is based on the tried and true principles of Dr. Manuel Rigo and Dr. Jacques Cheneau, while maximizing in-brace frontal curve correction and sagittal balance, specific to your patient’s native pelvic incidence. The 3D biomechanical design of the NYRC brace complements the Schroth Physical Therapy Method. To slow the progression of scoliosis, Schroth therapists teach patients to improve their postural alignment through specific exercises and positions. The NYRC brace helps achieve the greatest 3D in-brace correction possible, supporting the Schroth treatment, exercises, and physical therapy. Sagittal balance has proved important in adult spinal deformity; maintenance of balance during scoliosis treatment has lasting effects. Both the therapists and the bracing system work to achieve this goal.

The NYRC Brace is a highly customized orthosis manufactured with the most advanced CAD/CAM technologies and developed to provide, in each case, the most reliable and effective results during the conservative treatment of idiopathic scoliosis. Each NYRC brace is carefully designed and fabricated in New York (U.S.A.).

John Tunney, BOCPO NYRC brace Expert, and East Coast Orthotic & Prosthetic Corp. are available directly in our office so you can see them at the time of your visit with your physician.

For more information on the New York RC brace, please visit the East Coast Orthotic & Prosthetic Corp. website or call 631-392-2237.

Expert Clinical Care

Jennifer Hope is a Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner who manages the Scoliosis Conservative Care Program at Columbia Orthopedics. She began her career at NewYork-Presbyterian in 2007 as an RN, caring for pediatric patients with scoliosis in the postoperative setting. She then earned a Master’s Degree in Nursing from Columbia University in 2014 and is thrilled to continue her work in orthopedics as an NP. In 2015, she attended an intensive seminar on this topic presented by Dr. Manuel Rigo. Jennifer believes in family-centered care and in taking a holistic approach to treatment. She is a strong advocate and an excellent resource for families interested in preventing scoliosis through bracing and Scoliosis Specific Physical Therapy. Jennifer has a keen interest in research and is actively studying the role of proper brace wear in preventing progression to scoliosis surgery. She holds degrees from Columbia University, Quinnipiac University, and Loyola University.

EOS Low-Dose Imaging Technology

In addition to access to world-renowned spine surgeons for consultation, patients are offered the latest in low-dose imaging technology, including EOS X-ray, available at multiple sites.