For some teens, being diagnosed with scoliosis is minor, and means little more than monitoring by their primary doctor. However, in more severe cases, teens go through ongoing treatment that may include having to wear a brace that is bulky and noticeable. It may also include not being able to participate in sports or other physical activities. For teens, who require surgery, they may miss school and separation from friends while being treated and recovering. For teens that require ongoing treatment for their scoliosis, treating their physical symptoms is only part of their overall health needs.
Scoliosis Systems is a network of 15 regional centers that provide both doctors and therapists to take a multidisciplinary approach to health. They developed what they call the Scoli-Fit program. This program reduces the symptoms of scoliosis without surgery. The Scoli-Fit program can help young patients miss less of their everyday life, but it also provides the mental health support they will need during their treatment.
Depending on where the patient lives, they may need to travel and spend time in another city to be accessible to one of Scoliosis systems’ regional offices. For example, patients in Washington DC need to travel to New York for the closest scoliosis clinic. While this is workable for medical treatments, it may not be very easy to see a therapist in person regularly.
When these teens become adults, the physical symptoms of their condition will hopefully be treated, and they will be able to lead healthy lives participating in physical activities. However, the time they missed with their peers as teens, coupled with their inability to participate in normal activities and the feeling of being different may have a lasting impact on their mental health.
Due to the residual impact of scoliosis on their mental health, many adults that were treated for scoliosis as teens feel the need to seek out therapy. They may feel isolated and suffer from anxiety or depression as adults. For someone that was not going to therapy, the idea of finding a counselor that will understand their situation may feel overwhelming.
Therapy Group of DC has a proven process to ensure you get the therapy that is best for you. They will personalize your treatment by taking the time to understand what you need and what you are most comfortable with before matching you with a therapist in their system. You can learn more about them at therapygroupdc.com and get the contact information to the clinic closest to where you live.
When you go in for counseling, your therapist will be ready to work with you where you are at mentally and emotionally. Too often, counseling is generalized, which leads patients to feel that they are just another appointment. To assume that all patients will need the same level of care is not considering their situation. The problem of generalized care is what the Therapy Group of DC aims to eliminate.
They also take the approach that they want you to get to a point where you do not need intensive therapy. The Therapy Group of DC wants to help you heal, as opposed to just giving you someone to listen to your problems and concerns. They have a system of collaboration working with you and your therapist to ensure you are getting the most out of your treatment. Although the goal is to help you no longer need therapy, they assure all of their clients that they will always be available if you feel you need to go back afterward.
It is vital for adults to seek help when they feel they are suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues. Often, people who overcame illnesses or disorders are expected to feel nothing but gratitude, and mental health problems are not understood. You need to do what is best for you, regardless of what anyone thinks or suggests.
