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Active Life and Align Clinic Partner to Bring Scoliosis Bracing Excellence to Southern California
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Active Life is proud to be the only Align Clinic certified facility in Southern California. The clinical and fabrication partnership Active Life shares with Align Clinic provides unprecedented access to the WCR Scoliosis Brace to patients who live or are willing to travel to Southern California. Jed Jacobson, CPO is Active Life's Certified WCR Brace practitioner who performs the evaluations and fittings for Active Life's clinics along with other clinical team members from Active Life. Grant Wood, CO is the co-founder of Align Clinic and has the unique qualification of having trained and mentored with Dr. Rigo and Dr. Cheneau since 1996. Since then, Grant Wood has worked on numerous research publications, studies and workshops on the Cheneau and Cheneau Rigo braces, and he has gone on to create his own brace type: the WCR Brace®. Jed and Grant collaborate at various stages of WCR Brace fittings to optimize the patient experience and bracing outcomes.
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From Left: Grant Wood, CO and Dr. Manuel Rigo M.D.
From Left: Grant Wood, CO, Jed Jacobson, CPO and Paul Burnette, CPO
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How to Request a WCR Brace Consultation
We would kindly requested interested patients and families who would like a consultation for the WCR Brace to arrange for an appointment following the instructions listed below. Active Life hosts recurring WCR Brace clinics in Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Diego County. The list below includes are next upcoming clinics. Please check back often as our clinic schedules are updated regularly.
San Diego, CA - Thursday, March 14th, 2019
Orange, CA - Thursday, March 28th, 2019
Glendale, CA - Thursday, April 11th, 2019
We are currently scheduling all of our WCR brace clinics, including follow up appointments, out of our Orange, CA facility:
Clinic Information for Orange, CA
Phone: (714) 602-6436
Fax: (714) 468-5148
Email: Orange@4activelife.com
San Diego, CA - Thursday, March 14th, 2019
Orange, CA - Thursday, March 28th, 2019
Glendale, CA - Thursday, April 11th, 2019
We are currently scheduling all of our WCR brace clinics, including follow up appointments, out of our Orange, CA facility:
Clinic Information for Orange, CA
Phone: (714) 602-6436
Fax: (714) 468-5148
Email: Orange@4activelife.com
Are All Rigo Cheneau Style Brace the Same?
No. The WCR brace is superior for a few reasons. Grant Wood, CO and Align Clinic began their journey to revolutionize scoliosis bracing over 20 years ago, leading to the successful creation of thousands of WCR braces throughout the County that have positively impacted its users' lives. The WCR brace is used across the country by leading scoliosis bracing orthotists that have been personally trained by Grant Wood, CO. The Align Clinic has carefully selected knowledgeable and experienced pediatric orthotists throughout the country to offer a partnership in this specific scoliosis treatment style. To become WCR certified, Active Life's orthotist (Jed Jacobson, CPO) was mentored by Align Clinic founder Grand Wood, CO for over a year and participated in many cases together both at Align Clinic and Active Life clinics. Some orthotists only attend weeklong courses to learn more about scoliosis but Align Clinic and Active Life both feel that the complexity of scoliosis requires more in-depth training and practical experience. These braces have very large expansion chambers and windows built into the brace which allows a dynamic correction of the scoliosis in all three dimensions. This is why they work so well with Schroth therapy. The Schroth method teaches the patient how to optimize breathing and body movements to function with these expansion and pressure areas. Every time the patient breathes, the scoliosis is corrected three dimensionally:
Other Rigo style braces are sometimes incorrectly classified for the patient and the wrong style of brace is given to the patient which can result in very negative outcomes.
Every WCR brace is provided with the input and backing of Grant Wood and the Align Clinic Scoliosis Team. This involves a team of scoliosis professionals from around the world collaborating with Active Life’s Orthotists and working on the patient’s classification of curve. The x-rays and clinical photos of each patient are used to individually classify that specific curve according to the Rigo Classification. Based on this classification, an individual brace design is selected for each patient. Subsequently, the measurements, x-rays, and clinical photos are used to design and fabricate a custom-made Wood Cheneau Rigo brace, all at their San Mateo laboratory, then sent to Active Life to be fit on the patient.
- Correction of the Cobb angle.
- Reduction of rotation.
- Sagittal plane normalization by allowing the spine to move from ventral (front) to dorsal (back).
Other Rigo style braces are sometimes incorrectly classified for the patient and the wrong style of brace is given to the patient which can result in very negative outcomes.
Every WCR brace is provided with the input and backing of Grant Wood and the Align Clinic Scoliosis Team. This involves a team of scoliosis professionals from around the world collaborating with Active Life’s Orthotists and working on the patient’s classification of curve. The x-rays and clinical photos of each patient are used to individually classify that specific curve according to the Rigo Classification. Based on this classification, an individual brace design is selected for each patient. Subsequently, the measurements, x-rays, and clinical photos are used to design and fabricate a custom-made Wood Cheneau Rigo brace, all at their San Mateo laboratory, then sent to Active Life to be fit on the patient.
Align Clinic Laboratory
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a WCR brace?
The WCR brace is a thermoplastic scoliosis brace modeled on a hyper-corrected positive plaster cast of the patient. This is a 3-dimensional correctional brace which has significant pressure and expansion areas built into the brace, which provides correction in all three anatomical planes. It should follow the general correction principle as was written by Dubousset: “detorsion and sagittal plane normalization, which would affect correction of the coronal and transversal planes, resulting in some elongation of the spine, without any significant distraction force,” (Rigo, 2001, Wood 2003). The WCR brace utilizes both X-rays and clinical photos of the patient to determine curve type and brace design.
Do you need a prescription for scoliosis braces (WCR brace and other TLSO braces)?
Yes, a prescription by an MD is required to have a brace fit and delivered to a scoliosis patient.
Is the scoliosis brace (WCR) uncomfortable?
Once the patient has completed the 7-day break in period, the brace is normally comfortable for the patient. Most patients do well and tolerate the brace. My experience has been that these braces are more comfortable compared with other braces. This is because the pressures points are located in such a way that it places the body where it should be. As a result, the patient is usually more comfortable in the brace, compared with not wearing the brace.
Is the WCR brace heavy?
No, it is fabricated with a thermoplastic called polypropylene, which is thin and light.
Can you notice the brace under the patient's clothes?
This depends on how tight or loose the patient's clothes fit. Normally, the brace is unnoticeable from the front, but it may be noticeable from the back. Some curve types require different expansion areas and locations that could be more or less noticeable depending on their size and location.
Why does the WCR function well with Schroth Therapy?
These braces have very large expansion chambers and windows built into the brace which allows a dynamic correction of the scoliotic deformities. Furthermore, the therapy teaches the patient how to optimize breathing and body movements to function with this expansion and pressure areas.
How long will the WCR brace last prior to needing a new brace?
These scoliosis braces normally last 12 to 16 months prior to needing a new one. This depends on how quickly the patient grows, primarily in height, and secondarily in weight.
Does the Cheneau brace correct scoliosis?
There are studies completed that have demonstrated that the Rigo brace and Cheneau brace both improve and stabilize the deformity. You can view some of the studies here.
The WCR brace is a thermoplastic scoliosis brace modeled on a hyper-corrected positive plaster cast of the patient. This is a 3-dimensional correctional brace which has significant pressure and expansion areas built into the brace, which provides correction in all three anatomical planes. It should follow the general correction principle as was written by Dubousset: “detorsion and sagittal plane normalization, which would affect correction of the coronal and transversal planes, resulting in some elongation of the spine, without any significant distraction force,” (Rigo, 2001, Wood 2003). The WCR brace utilizes both X-rays and clinical photos of the patient to determine curve type and brace design.
Do you need a prescription for scoliosis braces (WCR brace and other TLSO braces)?
Yes, a prescription by an MD is required to have a brace fit and delivered to a scoliosis patient.
Is the scoliosis brace (WCR) uncomfortable?
Once the patient has completed the 7-day break in period, the brace is normally comfortable for the patient. Most patients do well and tolerate the brace. My experience has been that these braces are more comfortable compared with other braces. This is because the pressures points are located in such a way that it places the body where it should be. As a result, the patient is usually more comfortable in the brace, compared with not wearing the brace.
Is the WCR brace heavy?
No, it is fabricated with a thermoplastic called polypropylene, which is thin and light.
Can you notice the brace under the patient's clothes?
This depends on how tight or loose the patient's clothes fit. Normally, the brace is unnoticeable from the front, but it may be noticeable from the back. Some curve types require different expansion areas and locations that could be more or less noticeable depending on their size and location.
Why does the WCR function well with Schroth Therapy?
These braces have very large expansion chambers and windows built into the brace which allows a dynamic correction of the scoliotic deformities. Furthermore, the therapy teaches the patient how to optimize breathing and body movements to function with this expansion and pressure areas.
How long will the WCR brace last prior to needing a new brace?
These scoliosis braces normally last 12 to 16 months prior to needing a new one. This depends on how quickly the patient grows, primarily in height, and secondarily in weight.
Does the Cheneau brace correct scoliosis?
There are studies completed that have demonstrated that the Rigo brace and Cheneau brace both improve and stabilize the deformity. You can view some of the studies here.
Scientific Studies for Cheneau Bracing
Journal articles , papers and thesis completed on the Cheneau brace
Wood, G.I. (2013), To Brace or not to Brace- Three-Dimensional Nature and Growth Considerations for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Published in the Academy Today, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetist Special Edition Journal (AAOP), July 2013.
Gallo, D., Wood, G.I. (2011), Quality Control of Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment in 147 Patients While Using the RSC Brace. Published in the American Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, JPO. Volume 23 • Number 2 •April 2011.
Chen, R., Wood G.I. (2010), Inter-observer and Intra-observer Reliability and Reproducibility of the Rigo Classification for Idiopathic Scoliotic Curves. Poster presentation. Reno, NV.
Wood, G.I. (2003), Comparison of surface topograhpy and x-ray values during idiopathic scoliosis treatment using the Cheneau brace, Master of Science by thesis, University of Salford, UK.
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2001a), The treatment of scoliosis with a hypercorrection TLSO- The Cheneau brace system, part 1,Barcelona
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2001b), The hypercorrection Cheneau brace system utilising the classification of King in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, part 2, Barcelona.
Workshop and educational courses on RSC, Rigo Cheneau and Cheneau braces in Barcelona and Sevilla presented by Dr Rigo and Dr Cheneau.
Rigo, M. (2009), RSC practical and theoretical training. Germany.
Rigo, M (2007), RSC practical and theoretical training. Instituto E. Salva, Barcelona, Spain.
Rigo, M., Cheneau, J. (2000), 3rd Orthotics Workshop on the Cheneau brace. Instituto E. Salva, Barcelona, Spain.
Rigo, M. (2000), 3rd Workshop on the theory and practical aspects of the Cheneau brace. Instituto de Especialidades Ortopédicas, Sevilla, Spain.
Chêneau, J., Rigo, M., García, J. (1997), 1st Workshop on the theory and practical aspects of the Chêneau brace. Instituto de Especialidades Ortopédicas, Sevilla, Spain.
Rigo, M., Cheneau, J. (1997), 2nd Orthotics Workshop on the Cheneau brace. Instituto E. Salvá, Barcelona, Spain.
Seminars and Presentations of the Cheneau Brace
Wood, G.I. (2013), Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT): The Cheneau Brace using Rigo Principles and the Wood Cheneau Rigo (WCR) Brace. Chicago, IL.
Wood, G.I. (2013), American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetist Spinal Orthotics Society: Panel discussion on X-ray analysis. Orlando, FL
Wood, G.I. (2013), Rigo Classification of Scoliosis and Brace Design. 1st International Congress on Advanced Methods of Scoliosis Treatment, Isfahan Medical University of Iran, Isfahan, Iran
Wood, G.I. (2012), The Cheneau Brace by Rigo Principles. 1st Curvy Girls International Convention, Invited Guest Speaker,Long Island, NY.
Wood, G.I. (2012), Rigo System Cheneau (RSC) brace. Scoliosis Rehab, Stevens Point, WI
Wood, G.I. (2012), Rigo-System Cheneau (RSC) Brace. 38th Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting, Atlanta,GA.
http://www.oandp.org/publications/jop/index12.asp
Wood, G.I. (2011), Quality Control of Idiopathic Scoliosis treatment in 147 patients while using the RSC brace, University ofCalifornia at San Francisco.
Wood G.I., Chen, R. (2011), Inter-observer and Intra-observer Reliability and Reproducibility of the Rigo Classification for Idiopathic Scoliotic Curves, University of California at San Francisco.
Wood G.I. (2010), Specific Scoliosis Classification Correlating with Brace Treatment: Description and Reliability of Rigo Classification. ISPO 2010, Leipzig, Germany
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2009), Brace Design According to Biomechanical Principles of Correction in AIS – “The RSC Brace.”Reno, NV.
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2008), Principles of Correction Rigo-System-Cheneau. Germany.
Wood, G.I., García, J. (2001), The treatment of scoliosis with the Cheneau brace. Hospital Civil, Malaga, Spain
Wood, G.I., Rigo, M. (1999), The treatment of scoliosis with a hyper-correction TLSO- The Cheneau brace system. British Association of Prosthetist and Orthotists (BAPO) 5th Annual Scientific Meeting, Seminar 4, Harrogate, UK.
Wood, G.I. (2013), To Brace or not to Brace- Three-Dimensional Nature and Growth Considerations for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Published in the Academy Today, American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetist Special Edition Journal (AAOP), July 2013.
Gallo, D., Wood, G.I. (2011), Quality Control of Idiopathic Scoliosis Treatment in 147 Patients While Using the RSC Brace. Published in the American Journal of Prosthetics and Orthotics, JPO. Volume 23 • Number 2 •April 2011.
Chen, R., Wood G.I. (2010), Inter-observer and Intra-observer Reliability and Reproducibility of the Rigo Classification for Idiopathic Scoliotic Curves. Poster presentation. Reno, NV.
Wood, G.I. (2003), Comparison of surface topograhpy and x-ray values during idiopathic scoliosis treatment using the Cheneau brace, Master of Science by thesis, University of Salford, UK.
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2001a), The treatment of scoliosis with a hypercorrection TLSO- The Cheneau brace system, part 1,Barcelona
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2001b), The hypercorrection Cheneau brace system utilising the classification of King in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis, part 2, Barcelona.
Workshop and educational courses on RSC, Rigo Cheneau and Cheneau braces in Barcelona and Sevilla presented by Dr Rigo and Dr Cheneau.
Rigo, M. (2009), RSC practical and theoretical training. Germany.
Rigo, M (2007), RSC practical and theoretical training. Instituto E. Salva, Barcelona, Spain.
Rigo, M., Cheneau, J. (2000), 3rd Orthotics Workshop on the Cheneau brace. Instituto E. Salva, Barcelona, Spain.
Rigo, M. (2000), 3rd Workshop on the theory and practical aspects of the Cheneau brace. Instituto de Especialidades Ortopédicas, Sevilla, Spain.
Chêneau, J., Rigo, M., García, J. (1997), 1st Workshop on the theory and practical aspects of the Chêneau brace. Instituto de Especialidades Ortopédicas, Sevilla, Spain.
Rigo, M., Cheneau, J. (1997), 2nd Orthotics Workshop on the Cheneau brace. Instituto E. Salvá, Barcelona, Spain.
Seminars and Presentations of the Cheneau Brace
Wood, G.I. (2013), Society on Scoliosis Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Treatment (SOSORT): The Cheneau Brace using Rigo Principles and the Wood Cheneau Rigo (WCR) Brace. Chicago, IL.
Wood, G.I. (2013), American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetist Spinal Orthotics Society: Panel discussion on X-ray analysis. Orlando, FL
Wood, G.I. (2013), Rigo Classification of Scoliosis and Brace Design. 1st International Congress on Advanced Methods of Scoliosis Treatment, Isfahan Medical University of Iran, Isfahan, Iran
Wood, G.I. (2012), The Cheneau Brace by Rigo Principles. 1st Curvy Girls International Convention, Invited Guest Speaker,Long Island, NY.
Wood, G.I. (2012), Rigo System Cheneau (RSC) brace. Scoliosis Rehab, Stevens Point, WI
Wood, G.I. (2012), Rigo-System Cheneau (RSC) Brace. 38th Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists Annual Meeting, Atlanta,GA.
http://www.oandp.org/publications/jop/index12.asp
Wood, G.I. (2011), Quality Control of Idiopathic Scoliosis treatment in 147 patients while using the RSC brace, University ofCalifornia at San Francisco.
Wood G.I., Chen, R. (2011), Inter-observer and Intra-observer Reliability and Reproducibility of the Rigo Classification for Idiopathic Scoliotic Curves, University of California at San Francisco.
Wood G.I. (2010), Specific Scoliosis Classification Correlating with Brace Treatment: Description and Reliability of Rigo Classification. ISPO 2010, Leipzig, Germany
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2009), Brace Design According to Biomechanical Principles of Correction in AIS – “The RSC Brace.”Reno, NV.
Rigo, M., Wood, G.I. (2008), Principles of Correction Rigo-System-Cheneau. Germany.
Wood, G.I., García, J. (2001), The treatment of scoliosis with the Cheneau brace. Hospital Civil, Malaga, Spain
Wood, G.I., Rigo, M. (1999), The treatment of scoliosis with a hyper-correction TLSO- The Cheneau brace system. British Association of Prosthetist and Orthotists (BAPO) 5th Annual Scientific Meeting, Seminar 4, Harrogate, UK.