Orthotic Back Brace Tips for the School Year
As summer comes to an end, it’s time to prepare for the school year. This transition can be both daunting and exciting, especially for kids who wear back braces. Here are some helpful tips from Annabelle Smith, a patient at the National Scoliosis Center, to make the school year a bit easier.
Clothes: Loose-fitting shirts and blouses are some of the best ways to keep cool in the summer and still provide coverage. Thicker fabrics, like sweaters or sweatshirts, are also great at hiding your brace. Wearing a jacket or cardigan over tighter clothes is always a great option, too!
Telling Friends: Your friends might have questions, so it’s best to be prepared to explain what scoliosis is and why you wear a brace. Keep a picture of your brace on your phone and have a “script,” so you can easily explain these things to anyone who asks.
Keeping Cool: Stay hydrated! You’re going to sweat in your brace, especially during the summer months, so bring a water bottle to school and make sure you’re drinking plenty throughout the day. Wearing something beneath the brace, whether it’s a cami, brace sock, or something else, will keep the sweat from sitting on your skin and allows you to change into something fresh on particularly hot days.
Physical Education (P.E.) Class: If you’re in middle or high school, chances are you’ll have to change for P.E.. The first step is to contact your school nurse and P.E. teacher to let them know about your brace.
When it comes time for class, you can choose to change in the nurse’s office or in the locker room. If you’re still uncomfortable changing in the locker room, though, you can always change in private and join everyone else as soon as you’re done!
Once you’ve changed, be sure to store your brace somewhere safe. It’s not always safe to leave it on the floor or try to put it in your locker, so ask if you can keep your brace in your P.E. teacher’s office or in the nurse’s office during class.
Getting Around: Make sure you give your back a break. Keeping your backpack light, using standing desks when available, and even carrying around a cushion are great ways to stay comfortable while at school.
Have Fun!: Last but not least, remember to have fun! Your brace won’t stop you from doing anything, so don’t be afraid to try out for sports teams, join the orchestra or the band, or stay after school for clubs.
KIDS AFO, KAFO, DAFO, Shoes, and More
School playground season is here! Let’s get them ready for recess!
Our team of pediatric specialized orthotists will evaluate your child’s bracing / orthotic needs and tailor a plan for another successful year. Let us determine if your child needs a new brace with an updated cool transfer pattern or just a review and re-order.
Visit www.unionop.com to complete our easy-to-use online appointment request form or call us at 412-622-2020 to make an appointment at one of our 19 convenient locations.
Check out our orthotics resources page, which includes a wide array of colorful orthotic transfer patterns for your child to choose from.
Good luck to all of our patients on their upcoming school year!
Resources for Parents of Limb-different Children
Here are valuable resources and tools for parents of limb-different children to help with the back-to-school season.
Raising Amputees: Let the Kids Be Kids
Parents of limb-different children often worry about how their youngsters will meet life’s challenges. The moms and dads often end up learning surprising lessons.
Amplitude
Explaining Limb Difference to Your School Community
Your child’s experience at school can be affected by how their limb difference is understood and talked about with the staff, students and the wider school community.
Limbs4Kids
Kasey Galik Normalizes Disability in Gym Class
“All through elementary and middle school, I tested in a separate room. I had an IEP (individualized education program). And I really feel like that has made me stronger at my profession and connecting with kids who have disabilities.”
Amplitude
Books to Help Children Understand Limb Loss and Limb Difference
Reading books about difficult concepts, such as limb loss and limb difference, is a safe and familiar way to introduce children to the topic. These books can help a child with limb difference or limb loss have greater self-esteem as they can identify with characters that “look like me” or are “different like me.” Children can find encouragement to talk about their limb difference openly and answer questions from friends.
Amputee Coalition
Returning to School After a Limb Amputation
Going back to kindergarten, pre-school or school after an amputation can be stressful and emotional for you and your child. To help make the return to school as smooth as possible, it is a good idea to involve your child, your health and support service providers and the school in the conversation.
Limbs4Kids
Ready, Set, School! Program at Center for Independence
Ready, Set, School! is designed to help prepare children to function optimally at school and in other settings. The program is offered by the Center for Independence. Professionals from Behavioral Health, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology will work with children who participate in the program.
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh
About Union O & P
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. is a family-owned and operated company with over 100 years of service in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. We have always been dedicated to providing the highest quality of patient care with a professional and compassionate approach. Our services and techniques are continuously being upgraded to achieve the highest standard of excellence. Union O & P is proud to provide patients with resources to stay active and connected with the community.
Locations
Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. and De La Torre Orthotics & Prosthetics Co. now offer 19 locations throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Services may vary by location.
