Scoliosis Progression
Jan. 2004 |
Mar. 2005 |
May 2006 |
Apr. 2005 |
Nov. 2005 |
Apr. 2006 |
When I turned 12 or 13, I started to get kyphosis and lordosis in my back. My mother was always trying to get me to stand up straight and I tried to the best of my ability. I went to physical therapy and was given floor exercises to do with no results. In the 8th and 9th grades I was placed in Adaptive PE. That did nothing for my back and a lot to mess up my confidence! Over the years I discovered that there were certain styles of clothing that I could not wear and I learned how to dress to some what camouflage the kyphosis and lordosis.
At the age of 54, I was back in physical therapy due to a frozen shoulder. My back was really messed up trying to live with pain and a small range of motion in my shoulder. At my second meeting with the physical therapist, he said that he could help straighten up my back and reduce the kyphosis and lordosis once my shoulder was treated.
The first time on the ATM is very memorable because when I got into my car I had to adjust the rearview mirror and could feel my hair brushing against the head rest! I had brought my camera with me and we took after photos. I wish we would have thought about before photos! After a few months of using the ATM twice a week, I could wear blouses that didn't sit on my lordosis shelf, I could wear necklines that I couldn't with kyphosis and I could wear dresses that fell over my body the way they should. The physical therapist was surprised that at my age we were able to change my body that much.
I decided that I wanted an ATM for my home so that I could continue to keep my kyphosis, lordosis and back pain at bay. I went on line and discovered that there was a home version being made for market. I contacted the company and arranged to get a home model. My physical therapist and I have arranged for me to visit him about once every 6 weeks to monitor my progress.
The ATM gave me a physical and mental make over! Thank you!
Vallorie Borchardt