08/08/2025
"I have been diagnosed with scoliosis. I first started suffering from severe back pain when I was 13 years old. I went to my GP and I was told that it was just muscle pain and nothing to worry about. The back pain I was experiencing was worsening. My parents took me to an orthopaedic surgeon, and I went to two different biokineticists, but the treatment didn’t help me much. My dad was searching online one night for someone who could help me, and he came across Dr LouAnn Rivett (Physiotherapist), who then referred us to Dr Rowan Berkowitz (orthotist). The doctors then suggested that I use a brace, which could decrease the rotation and the curve of my spine. I was put on the bracing treatment at the age of 18; I am now 19, and the brace, as well as the exercises, have helped me tremendously. I no longer suffer from severe back pain, the curve of my spine is no longer visible as before, and my posture has also improved.
I am very grateful to Dr Berkowitz and Dr Rivett; if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know how I would cope, emotionally, living with scoliosis."
-Michaela Kupsamy
