A derivative of the Cheneau brace, the original Gensingen brace (GBW) utilises the latest technology to provide optimum comfort and results in the treatment of Scoliosis. The wearing comfort of the original GBW after a few days of getting used to it remains unsurpassed.
The GBW brace actively reduces the curvature by off-loading the vertebrae three dimensionally to change their shape and alignment. This will reduce the Cobb angle or stop progression of the curves whilst growth completes. Bracing can also help with pain management, improve cosmetic appearance and can also reduce the likelihood of surgery.
Your Schroth Best Practice program, if completed during brace treatment will help to change the length and strength of muscles, this is important for when you wean out of bracing so that your out-of-brace posture is central and balanced and without muscle distortion and you are more likely to keep the improvements made.
In Detail
What is the Gensingen Brace?
The Gensingen brace is a derivative of a Cheneau brace and was designed Dr Hans-Rudolf Weiss. The Cheneau brace was designed in 1970’s and was the first asymmetric brace to consider correction of a scoliosis in all planes. The Gensingen brace evolved from this concept and was designed with optimum correction and correction in mind. CAD/CAM technology is used to standardise the design process according to the Augmented Lehnert-Schroth classification system.
If you would like to organise an initial assessment or would like to discuss this process further, please contact me.
The Gensingen brace is designed for early onset and adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Whilst it is still a rigid plastic brace, its design allows it to be highly corrective without excessive bulk to improve the compliance of the patient, thus improving results. It is highly effective in reducing the curvature, improving cosmesis and balance, and reducing the likelihood of surgery.
When growth has finished and the individual is a fully matured adult, the aim of the treatment is to improve posture and to balance the curves, so that the risk of progression is reduced, and to reduce any pain which may be present. At this stage it is not possible to affect the Cobb angle, merely maintain the bony shape.
Evidence for the use of Corrective Bracing or Cheneau Style Bracing
The below links include various studies and papers detailing evidence for the use of Corrective or Cheneau Style Bracing, including the Gensingen Brace.
If you have any questions about treatment, whether you or your child are a suitable candidate, or anything else, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
