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Whether your child has mild, moderate, or severe scoliosis, specialists at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at ºÙºÙÊÓƵ ensure that your child receives the best care possible every step of the way. Our child and family support services and resilience programs, provided by Sala Institute for Children and Family Centered Care, offer additional services, education, and resources to help guide families through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery from pediatric scoliosis.

Preparing for Surgery

If your child needs surgery for scoliosis, he or she may be cared for by a variety of specialists. Doctors known as pediatric hospitalists are pediatricians who work to ensure that surgery is always safe and medically appropriate for your child. They work alongside our orthopedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, physical therapists, and nurses to coordinate your child’s care before and after surgery.

Our hospitalists ensure that your family becomes acquainted with all the physicians on your child’s care team. They can identify medical, social, and emotional issues that may arise before, during, or after treatment for scoliosis. Our hospitalists also make referrals to other specialists, such as child life therapists, who can provide your family with a tour of the hospital and information about scoliosis surgery.

Rehabilitation After Treatment

Most children recover from scoliosis treatment without the need for long-term physical and occupational therapy. Our therapists offer education about basic body mechanics after scoliosis treatment, including tips on the proper way to lift everyday items, such as heavy backpacks.

Children with underlying neuromuscular conditions, such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy, may require more complex or extensive surgery. In recovery, they may need physical therapy and assistance with walking and other activities, such as getting dressed and bathing, on an ongoing basis. Physical and occupational therapists from ºÙºÙÊÓƵ’s Rusk Rehabilitation can work with these children to help restore function and improve balance after surgery.

Counseling for Children and Families

Our doctors understand that some children and teens with scoliosis may want to avoid wearing back braces and attending physical therapy appointments. Our social workers and psychologists offer counseling to children and families and can assist children with any concerns they may have about their appearance or frustrations during treatment or recovery from surgery. Your child’s doctor or hospitalist can provide you with a referral to a social worker or counselor at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.