Scoliosis bracing, master-trained in Lakewood Ranch.
Custom-fit scoliosis bracing and conservative co-management from Dr. Michael Banman — a master-trained scoliosis chiropractor who has been treating spinal curvature for over 23 years. Personalized care for adolescents, adults, and post-surgical patients.
- Master-trainedscoliosis specialty course
- 23+ yearstreating spinal curvature
- Custom-fitnever off-the-shelf
What scoliosis is — and why bracing matters.
Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine that often shows up in adolescence, but adults can develop it too. The right brace, fit at the right time, can make a real difference.
A three-dimensional spinal curve
Scoliosis is more than a sideways bend. The vertebrae also rotate, which is why one shoulder may sit higher, one hip may look uneven, or a rib hump may appear when the patient bends forward. We measure curve magnitude using the Cobb angle, taken from a standing X-ray.
Curves between roughly 10 and 25 degrees are usually classified as mild. Curves from 25 to 40 degrees are moderate. Curves over 40 degrees are typically considered severe and usually require a more involved care plan.
Slow progression and support posture
For adolescents who are still growing, evidence suggests that bracing may help slow curve progression — the goal is to keep the curve from getting worse during peak growth years. For adults, supportive bracing can help with posture awareness and pain management during longer activities.
Bracing isn't a stand-alone fix. It works best when paired with mobility-focused chiropractic adjustments, targeted exercise, and a realistic wear schedule. We build that plan together.
Master-Level Scoliosis Training
A focused, multi-week certification course in scoliosis assessment, bracing, and chiropractic co-management — completed in addition to standard doctorate-level training.
Master-trained at every step.
Dr. Michael Banman has been a practicing chiropractor since 2003 — over 23 years of hands-on care — and scoliosis has been a focus the entire time. On top of his doctorate, he completed a master-level scoliosis course covering curve classification, brace selection, and the conservative co-management of adolescent and adult patients.
He is also one of a small number of chiropractors trained and authorized to fit braces from Spinal Technology, Inc. — a leading U.S. orthotic manufacturer behind the Boston Brace™ family and other custom-fit scoliosis braces. That credential lets him prescribe and fit medical-grade braces in-office, working directly with the manufacturer's clinical specifications instead of referring you out to a separate orthotist.
That's the difference patients feel: every exam is anchored in a deep, structured framework — not a generalist's best guess. From the first postural assessment to the final brace fitting, you're working with a chiropractor who has spent his career studying this exact problem.
- 23+ years of chiropractic care, scoliosis-focused throughout
- Master-level scoliosis course completed (curve assessment, bracing, co-management)
- Spinal Technology, Inc. authorized provider — one of a small number of chiropractors approved to fit their custom braces
- Standing-X-ray Cobb-angle interpretation built into every exam
- Honest plans — we tell you when bracing fits, and when it doesn't
Scrub through twelve months of bracing.
Drag the timeline below to scrub through milestones in a typical adolescent bracing journey — see the curve respond and the pain score drop.
Starting Cobb angle: 32°
Initial postural exam and standing X-ray. Custom Spinal Technology brace ordered, fit, and broken in over the first weeks.
Outcomes vary. Treatment progression shown is illustrative and not a guarantee — book an exam to find out where you actually fall.
What to expect from start to finish.
Every scoliosis case is different, but the path through our office follows a clear, four-step rhythm.
Postural exam & imaging review
We start with a full postural exam — shoulder, hip, and rib alignment, forward-bend test, leg-length check — and review your standing scoliosis X-ray to measure the Cobb angle. Bring imaging if you have it.
Custom brace selection & fitting
Based on your curve pattern, age, and growth status, Dr. Banman recommends the right brace style and orders it through Spinal Technology, Inc., a leading U.S. orthotic manufacturer he is authorized to work with directly. Every brace is custom-fit to your spine — we don't dispense generic, off-the-shelf braces — and we walk through how to put it on and adjust it at home.
Co-managed chiropractic care
Bracing works best alongside chiropractic adjustments and targeted mobility work. We schedule adjustments around your wear plan to keep adjacent joints mobile and supporting muscles balanced.
Re-evaluation at scheduled checkpoints
We re-measure at predictable checkpoints — typically every few months — and adjust the brace, the wear schedule, or the chiropractic plan based on what your spine is actually doing.
Who scoliosis bracing is built for.
Bracing isn't right for every spine — but for the right candidate, it's one of the most studied, most conservative options available.
Adolescents (still growing)
Idiopathic scoliosis caught in the growth-spurt years — the most studied case for bracing.
Adults with mild-to-moderate curves
Adult scoliosis (often degenerative) where bracing supports posture and helps manage daily pain.
Post-surgical support
Patients recovering from spinal-fusion surgery who need supportive bracing as part of rehab.
Curves with related disc issues
Curves contributing to disc-related low-back or leg pain — bracing as part of a broader plan.
Postural concerns & uneven shoulders
Visible asymmetry — uneven shoulders or hips, rib hump on forward-bend — that hasn't been formally diagnosed yet.
Second opinions
Already braced or already considering surgery? A master-trained second opinion never hurts.
Quick answers about scoliosis bracing.
What kinds of scoliosis braces do you fit?
We work with custom braces from Spinal Technology, Inc. — a leading U.S. orthotic manufacturer behind the Boston Brace™ family. Dr. Banman is one of a small number of chiropractors authorized to prescribe and fit their braces directly in-office. Options include rigid TLSO-style braces for adolescents and lower-profile, flexible bracing for adults. The right choice depends on your curve pattern, Cobb angle, growth status, and how the brace fits into daily life. Every brace is custom-fit — never off-the-shelf.
What ages benefit most from scoliosis bracing?
Bracing is most studied in adolescents who are still growing, where evidence suggests it may help slow curve progression. Adults with mild-to-moderate curves may also benefit from supportive bracing for posture awareness and pain management. We tailor the recommendation to the individual.
How many hours a day will I need to wear it?
It depends on the brace type and goal. Adolescent rigid braces are often worn 16 to 23 hours a day during peak growth. Adult supportive braces are typically worn for shorter, activity-based windows — during work, exercise, or longer outings. We map out a realistic wear schedule together.
Do I still need chiropractic adjustments while braced?
Many patients combine bracing with chiropractic adjustments to keep the surrounding joints mobile and the supporting muscles balanced. The brace stabilizes — adjustments help the rest of the spine adapt. Both are scheduled around your wear plan.
Will insurance cover scoliosis bracing?
Coverage varies. Some plans cover medically necessary bracing for adolescents with a documented Cobb angle threshold. HSA and FSA funds are widely accepted. We're transparent about cost up front and help you understand your options. See payment options →
What kind of outcomes can I realistically expect?
Evidence suggests bracing may help slow curve progression in adolescents who are still growing, and may help with posture and pain in adults. Outcomes depend on age, curve magnitude, wear compliance, and overall health. We don't promise miracles — we map a realistic plan and track progress at scheduled re-evaluations.
Do you accept second-opinion consultations?
Absolutely. If you've been told you need a brace, or already have one and want a fresh master-trained look at the plan, we're happy to review your imaging and exam findings. Reach out →
Find out if scoliosis bracing fits your spine.
The fastest path is a quick call. We'll answer your questions, review your imaging if you have any, and get you booked with Dr. Banman.