Scoliosis TLSO Use and Care Guide
Skin Care
It is very important to PREVENT SKIN BREAKDOWN (that is sore, red, raw skin). The
skin under the orthosis needs to be toughened up, especially where the orthosis applies
the most pressure.
To Protect the Skin:
•
Bathe daily
•
Pay special attention to pink areas of the skin where orthosis pressure is highest
especially by the control pads.
•
Always wear a snug fitting t-shirt (without seams) under your orthosis.
•
Wear orthosis as tightly as possible. A loose orthosis may rub and cause skin
breakdown.
Do not use creams, lotions or powders under the orthosis. They
often soften the skin.
If there is skin breakdown (sore, red, raw skin) the orthosis
must not be reapplied until the skin heals (one day or more). If this happens,
please call.
Breaking Into Your Orthosis
Over a period of 2-3 weeks, gradually increase the time per day in your orthosis. The
following program is designed to help your skin and muscles adjust to the orthosis:
Week I:
Wear orthosis 2-3 hours a day with a 20-30 min break in between.
•
Best accomplished after school and up to bedtime.
•
Apply orthosis for 1-1.5 hours.
•
Remove orthosis and check skin. If your skin is just pink over the pads, reapply
orthosis for 1-1.5 more hours for a total of 3 hours.
•
If your skin is sore and red, wait 30 minutes and wear for 1-1.5 more hours up to
3 hours total.
Week II:
Wear orthosis 4-6 hours a day with 20-30 min break in between.
•
Apply orthosis for 2-3 hours.
•
Remove orthosis and check skin. If your skin is just pink over the pads, reapply
orthosis for 2-3 more hours for a total of 6 hours.
•
If your skin is sore and red, wait 30 minutes and wear for 2-3 more hours up to 6
hours total.
•
Begin wearing at night after tolerating 4-6 during waking hours without
problems.
Week III:
Wear orthosis for prescribed wearing time.
•
Check skin.
•
Sleep in orthosis.
•
Once you are able to sleep in your orthosis, you have achieved your goal of
orthosis wearing!
•
Strictly follow the hours called for in your treatment plan.
