A.K., a 10-year-old girl, arrived at Bones and Beyond clinic with a diagnosis of scoliosis. Scoliosis is a condition where the spine develops an abnormal sideways curvature. In A.K.’s case, the curvature was convex to the left, meaning her spine curved to the left when viewed from behind. This curvature, measured using the Cobb angle on an X-ray, was 22 degrees. Such a scoliosis curve has the potential to cause pain, breathing difficulties, and cosmetic concerns as A.K. grows. Dr. Kieu, the attending physician at Bones and Beyond, carefully reviewed A.K.’s medical history and conducted a physical examination to assess the severity of her scoliosis and any associated scoliosis symptoms.

Treatment Plan Development

Given A.K.’s young age and ongoing growth phase, Dr. Kieu determined that active intervention was necessary to manage the scoliosis curvature and prevent further progression. Several treatment options exist for scoliosis, and the choice hinges on factors like the severity of the scoliosis curve, the patient’s age, and individual circumstances. In A.K.’s case, Dr. Kieu recommended a treatment approach utilizing the CLEAR method. While the details of the CLEAR method are proprietary to the CLEAR Scoliosis Institute, it’s generally understood to involve a combination of specialized exercises, bracing, and potentially other interventions specifically designed to address scoliosis. Dr. Kieu, being a CLEAR-certified practitioner, was qualified to implement this specific method at Bones and Beyond.

Treatment Course and Encouraging Response

A.K. opted to proceed with the CLEAR method as recommended by Dr. Kieu. The treatment involved an intensive care (IC) program offered by CLEAR specifically for scoliosis. The specifics of this program are not publicly available, but it likely involved a more regimented and time-intensive application of the CLEAR method compared to a standard treatment plan for scoliosis. After undergoing two weeks of the CLEAR IC program, A.K. returned to Bones and Beyond for a follow-up evaluation to assess her scoliosis. Encouragingly, a new X-ray revealed a significant improvement in the curvature of her spine. The Cobb angle had decreased to 15 degrees, representing a 7-degree correction in just two weeks of treatment for her scoliosis. This reduction in the scoliosis curve is a positive indicator, suggesting the treatment plan was effectively managing the condition.

Looking Forward with Continued Scoliosis Management

While this initial response to treatment for scoliosis is promising, it’s important to remember that scoliosis is a long-term condition requiring ongoing management. A.K. will likely continue with the CLEAR method, potentially transitioning from the intensive care program to a more regular treatment schedule specifically designed for scoliosis. Regular monitoring through physical examinations and X-rays will be crucial to track the progression of her scoliosis and ensure the treatment remains effective. This ongoing monitoring will also allow Dr. Kieu to adjust the treatment plan as needed throughout A.K.’s growth and development to manage her scoliosis.