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Louise Stewart-Scott14-year-old British woman with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and scoliosis
Country:
 Great Britain |
Content:
- Biography of Louise Stewart-Scott
- A Life-Changing Diagnosis
- A Journey to Recovery
- A Return to Gymnastics
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and its Impact
- A Journey to Find Effective Treatment
- Non-surgical Treatment for Scoliosis
- A New Lease on Life
- A Dazzling Performance
- A Complex Treatment Approach
Biography of Louise Stewart-Scott
A Girl's DreamLouise Stewart-Scott, a 14-year-old girl from Britain, suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and scoliosis. Due to her curved spine, she had to give up her beloved gymnastics. However, she managed to fulfill her dream by performing on the trapeze. Louise hopes to join the renowned company 'Cirque Du Soleil' in the future.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
At the age of 8, Louise Stewart-Scott was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition that weakens the connective tissues in the body, including the skin, tendons, ligaments, organs, and bones. Later, at the age of 10, she was also diagnosed with scoliosis, a serious curvature of the spine. These conditions prevented her from pursuing gymnastics and led to frequent injuries.
A Journey to Recovery
To address Louise's health issues, her family decided to spend £4000 on a treatment course consisting of 120 injections to strengthen her joints. She received this treatment in the United States. After completing the course, Louise underwent non-surgical treatment for her curved spine at a clinic in London. This year-long therapy involved special exercises, pilates, massage, and acupuncture.
A Return to Gymnastics
Following her treatment, Louise Stewart-Scott returned to aerial gymnastics and even performed at the 'Island Games' competition. Her mother, Lorraine, considered this achievement the "highlight of the year." Lorraine expressed her gratitude for the money spent on Louise's treatment, stating that it was worth it as her daughter regained her health and could plan for her future again. Louise now dreams of becoming part of the internationally renowned company 'Cirque Du Soleil'.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and its Impact
Individuals with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome often have unusually flexible joints, highly elastic skin, and fragile tissues. Louise Stewart-Scott's condition was discovered when she was in Lapland and suffered a dislocation that required medical attention. The syndrome's effects on her joints made her susceptible to frequent dislocations.
A Journey to Find Effective Treatment
At the age of 12, Louise had to give up her beloved gymnastics due to the risks it posed to her health. Her parents decided to take her to Chicago, where she could receive the fashionable prolotherapy treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. This regenerative injection therapy involved injecting substances into the joint space, weakening the ligaments and tendons attached to the bones. The injections triggered a temporary inflammatory response, leading to the generation of new collagen, which strengthens the tissues and enables them to handle tension and load in the joints.
Non-surgical Treatment for Scoliosis
After returning to the UK, Louise sought treatment at the 'Scoliosis SOS' clinic to address her scoliosis without undergoing invasive surgery. She engaged in various exercises, including pilates, to avoid the insertion of metal rods into her spine. Additionally, she received massages and acupuncture to alleviate muscle spasms. This comprehensive treatment lasted approximately a year, after which Louise was able to resume aerial gymnastics.
A New Lease on Life
According to Louise's mother, Lorraine, her daughter's scoliosis stopped progressing from September of the previous year to September of the current year, bringing immense joy to the family. Before receiving treatment, Louise would often come home exhausted from the physical demands of maintaining her joints. She would need several hours to recover. However, now her life is fulfilling, and she can spend time with her friends after coming home. Lorraine notes that Louise's confidence has significantly increased, and they continue to make slow but steady progress.
A Dazzling Performance
In June 2015, Louise Stewart-Scott showcased her acrobatic skills in a performance at the 'Island Games' competition. The event took place on a massive stage, with representatives from various islands worldwide. Despite her health conditions, Louise performed remarkably well, thanks to her treatment. Her parents installed a hoop in their garage for her daily training sessions, helping her become stronger each day.
A Complex Treatment Approach
Although the comprehensive exercise program offered at clinics like 'Scoliosis SOS' may not benefit all patients with spine curvature, Louise's story demonstrates its effectiveness in her case. While there is limited scientific evidence supporting the notion that intensive exercises can "cure" scoliosis, these exercises can improve posture, muscular strength, flexibility, and appearance. However, there is currently no established evidence that exercises ultimately prevent the progression of spinal deformity, according to a representative from the independent group 'Scoliosis Association' in the UK, which supports individuals with scoliosis.
