Ava’s Bracing Story: From Patient to Practitioner

Many people with scoliosis have their lives changed by bracing, but few are so intrigued and impressed by the experience that they end up entering the O&P field.
Named after Bill Miller, the founder and inventor of the Boston Brace, who had two great passions in his life – innovation and compassionate care for patients.
By reading these blog posts you will learn more about conditions including scoliosis, plagiocephaly, and lower limb and neuromuscular conditions, including technological advancements, treatment options, and how Boston Orthotics & Prosthetics is working to improve the lives of the people we serve. Bill's spirit lives on here.
Many people with scoliosis have their lives changed by bracing, but few are so intrigued and impressed by the experience that they end up entering the O&P field.
Many people have never heard of scoliosis before they are diagnosed. That was not the case with 13-year-old Ava Krukonis.
Physical therapy is used to increase function, range of motion, and strength in a specific part of the body. When paired with other treatments or interventions, it can help improve outcomes and have longer-lasting results. There are many physical therapy specialties, and physical therapy for scoliosis requires a specific training program that certifies an individual to practice in that sub-specialty.
Books can help us understand and get through the biggest of life's challenges, and scoliosis is no exception. Check out these great books about scoliosis for every level of reader.
Roxy is 12 years old and has weakness in her hind legs, has undergone four surgeries, and at one point almost lost a limb. Fortunately, surgery saved her leg, so she still has all four. That’s right: Roxy is a dog, and her mom, Hillary Sussman, is using her story to help differently abled kids gain more confidence and overcome their physical limitations.
At age 4, Kendall was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis. Her mom bought her a Higgy Bear to help her cope with wearing her brace and to use as an educational tool when explaining the brace to her peers.
Let me introduce you to an exceptional, inspiring teenager: Ava from emBrace.
When Robin found out her son James’s clinician, Shelley Sherbondy, CPO, was leaving her current clinic in New Haven, her reaction was immediate.