Renowned Non-Surgical Scoliosis Dr. Patricia Pivonka D.C. Showcases 3D Scanner Technology At Aoma Annual Convention In Scottsdale, Arizona

Published on May 25, 2016

At the AOMA (Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association) Annual Convention held in April, Dr. Patricia Pivonka exhibited the Structure 3D Sensor and demonstrated how this technology has rapidly advanced effective, non-surgical scoliosis treatment options.

Commenting on the reaction among the doctors attending the conference, Dr. Pivonka stated, “We had a great response from the osteopathic community about the latest non-surgical treatment options that are now available for treating patients that have scoliosis. Our 3D scanner was a big hit. It is amazing how far technology has come in improving treatment options.“

The scanner is useful in a wide range of applications for developers, designers, engineers, Realtors®, gamers and doctors. For doctors, the technology is a user friendly alternative to obtain 3D scans of the human body instantly and with great precision.  For treating scoliosis, the scanner is used in conjunction BraceScan, a 3D imaging program, to customize a corrective brace to fit their unique needs and measurements.

Developed by Colorado-based firm Occipital, the Structure 3D Sensor is a powerful and easy-to-use portable 3D scanner which snaps into iPad, iPad mini and iPad Air devices; allowing for real-time 3D capture of almost anything, including 3D body scans.

Along with x-rays, use of 3D scanning technology assists chiropractors and other healthcare providers to diagnose scoliosis, check the magnitude of spinal curvature and to give some indication of the patient’s skeletal maturity, which may influence the treatment decisions.

WHAT IS SCOLIOSIS AND HOW IS IT TREATED WITHOUT SURGERY

Scoliosis is a progressive curvature of the spine resulting from a wide range of structural causes; although its most common form, idiopathic scoliosis, has no known cause. Scoliosis may result from congenital spine malformation or from spinal degeneration and affects both children and adults.

Scoliosis occurs in approximately 2-4% of adolescents while being more prevalent among girls. Its effects include: poor posture, muscle weakness, pain and shoulder humping. In rare cases, it can lead to lung and heart problems. 

The goal of scoliosis treatment is preventing the spinal curve from worsening and to stabilize severe spinal curvature. According to Dr. Patricia Pivonka, the best treatment results are achieved when scoliosis is detected early. “The best time for scoliosis is when children are young and still growing. Scoliosis curves usually develop between ages of 10 to 14. Early treatment of scoliosis in children can stop its progression and even correct this condition altogether.”

The Scoliosis Research Society echoes Dr. Pivonka’s statements, stating, “Bracing or casting programs may help by allowing growth while minimizing increases in the scoliosis. The need for surgery may be delayed and, in some instances, avoided.”

Scoliosis bracing is not exactly new but In the past, braces were bulky, uncomfortable, and not custom fit to the patient. 3D scanning technology has been a major turning point in non-surgical scoliosis bracing treatment.

NON-SURGICAL SCOLIOSIS TREATMENT OPTIONS

Non-surgical treatment is a safe alternative to the traditional method that involves surgery; which while being very reliable and generally effective, has numerous side effects. There are three primary methods of non-surgical treatment-observation, therapy, and bracing

Observation Approach

“The ‘wait and see’ approach to treating scoliosis is over”, stated Dr. Pivonka in a Yahoo News article exposing outdated treatment methods. “There are definitely times that surgery is recommended as the best option. This typically occurs when a scoliosis wasn’t caught early enough. This is why the early detection of scoliosis is so important”, she added.  

Therapy Approach

There are a wide range of therapy techniques for treating scoliosis. One of them is Chiropractic Biophysics, or simply CBP®, which involves reshaping the patient’s spine using exercises and mirror image adjustments.

Speaking more about this technique in a Business Innovators Magazine interview, Dr. Patricia added, “In CBP, we have identified what normal spines should look like. A deviation from the norm will commonly lead to problems ranging from back pain to headaches to back pain and allergies. Chiropractic Biophysics is actually one of the most scientifically proven techniques in chiropractic”.

Another therapy technique is called SEAS; an acronym for Scientific Exercises Approach to Scoliosis. This is a modern and effective evidence-based approach to physiotherapy specific scoliosis exercises, and it’s aimed at making the spine more stable. SEAS is based upon specific active self-correction exercises that are performed without any external aid. Evaluation tests give guidance on the appropriate choice of exercises for the individual patient.

Bracing Approach

Dr. Patricia is certified in the ScoliBrace® treatment technique, which is a unique bracing method that combines the best corrective principles of other current scoliosis bracing methods. It’s used in conjunction BraceScan, a 3D imaging program, which takes 3D scans of the patient to customize the brace to fit their unique needs and measurements.

Another bracing option that enables progressive Idiopathic Scoliosis correction from a Cobb angle of 15 degrees and above, is the SpineCor Dynamic Brace. It offers various combinations aimed at improving spinal alignment and posture, depending on the curvature type, its rigidity and severity.

  1. PATRICIA L. PIVONKA, D.C.

Dr. Patricia, together with her husband Dr. Anthony Pivonka-an Amazon bestselling author on non-surgical scoliosis treatment, have spent the last 23 years serving patients from all across Arizona and North America at Pivonka Chiropractic, their treatment facility located at Gilbert, Arizona. “We take a whole-body approach at our office, with non-surgical treatments that range from common adjustments, to strength training and even diet counseling. We treat more than just subluxations, and help our patients live healthier, more enjoyable lives”, Dr. Patricia said in an interview with Authority PressWire, an online news website.

Dr. Patty, as she is commonly known, graduated from the University Of Colorado State in 1988 with a BSC. Degree in Exercise and Sports Science. Dr. Patty is a certified provider of the Spinecor and the ScoliBrace treatments. In 2015, she became an Amazon bestselling author for her contribution to Winning Ways, a book about industry-leading entrepreneurs and their path to success.  

For more information on non-surgical scoliosis treatment options, or to learn more about Dr. Patricia Pivonka and Dr. Anthony Pivonka please visit www.CorrectScoliosis.com or www.PivonkaChiro.com

CONTACT

Phone: +1 480-892-0022

Physical address: 1355 S Higley Rd #102, Gilbert, AZ 85296, United States

The AOMA (ARIZONA OSTEOPATHIC MEDICAL ASSOCIATION) ANNUAL CONVENTION. 

This is the largest osteopathic medical convention in Arizona. This year, it was held in April whereby latest non-surgical scoliosis treatment options were showcased including CBP, SEAS, ScoliBrace and SpineCor bracing options.

AOMA comprises of more than 1,000 members – active, retired, interns, associates, residents, and students. AOMA was founded to promote the osteopathic profession within Arizona, provide various services to members, offer osteopathic continuing education, and advocate for high quality, cost effective healthcare. 

For more information, please visit www.az-osteo.org/

MEDIA CONTACT
Company Name: Pivonka Family Chiropractic
Contact Person: Dr. Patricia Pivonka D.C.
Email: info@CorrectScoliosis.com
Phone: 480-892-0022
Country: USA
Website: http://CorrectScoliosis.com