Young gymnast can jump for joy after spinal course
A YOUNG gymnast from Bredbury who suffers from a back condition has been able to avoid surgery after attending a specialist clinic.
Charlotte Stone, 10, was diagnosed with scoliosis – a condition that causes curvature of the spine – when she was eight.
She and her family were told that if her condition continued to progress she would need a nine hour operation which would involve having metal rods fitted down her back.
If left untreated scoliosis can lead to fatal heart and lung problems, and after a number of x-rays and appointments with specialists Charlotte was told she needed surgery as soon as possible.
However, her mum Sara was concerned about the risks of surgery and was desperate to avoid it, and eventually it was agreed that Charlotte could try wearing a brace in an attempt to correct the curve in her spine.
She wore the brace day and night for two years, meaning she was unable to take part in gymnastics and ended up being home schooled.
Unfortunately at the end of two years it was found that the curve in Charlotte’s spine had actually increased.
But while researching the condition on the internet her mum came across a clinic called Scoliosis SOS.
Run by scoliosis sufferer Erika Maude it offers treatment following the ScolioGold method, which combines a number of non-surgical treatments.
Charlotte completed a four-week course, which has stabilised her condition and her pain free with better posture and lung capacity – as well as allowing her to return to gymnastics.
Sara said: “I feel like my daughter’s whole life has been a rollercoaster for the last two years.
“My emotions have been all over the place.
“I have gone from thinking that having metal rods fitted down my daughter’s spine was the only option to learning a completely new way of life.
“The exercises Charlotte has learnt over the last four weeks have given her the control back she initially lost when she was first diagnosed.
“Since completing the course Charlotte has returned to her old self.
“She is looking forward to getting back to gymnastics and building her strength back up.”