then reading up on TLSOs , Jenn decided that it simply wasn ’ t an option . After some extensive research , numerous consultations with different experts and a healthy dose of doubt from medical experts , she designed her alternative to the TLSO : the CharleyWrap .
The “ CharleyWrap ” name alone separates this device from other alternatives because it speaks of nurturing growth and healing , not encouraging restriction . In fact , X-rays confirmed that shortly after Charley ’ s initial fitting for her namesake , her scoliosis ( spine curvature ) improved by 20 degrees . This was followed by a further 30 degrees three months later and a final 12 degrees , which keeps Charley below the threshold for corrective surgery . Clinton , a child with Marfan ’ s syndrome ( a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues ), met Jenn for his initial fitting and to everyone ’ s delight a little later , appeared to have forgotten that he was wearing anything !
Countless other testimonies poured in with accounts of children breathing more easily , having better posture and head control , and being easier to position and handle . An adult patient wrote in about her ability to wear clothes that she couldn ’ t have before with her “ plastic turtle shell thing ”.
Such consistently positive results were the fruits of Jenn ’ s careful thought and concern for the CharleyWrap design . Understanding the importance of comfort to patient buy-in , she opted for a boning frame securely tucked between layers of soft , breathable material . The double layer of fabric adds sturdiness while isolating the frame , thus preventing uncomfortable contact with the skin ( which inevitably leads to soreness ). The possibility of skin contact in turn reveals a potential make-or-break point for many teenagers needing truncal support : it can be worn comfortably and discreetly under the clothes , meaning that it spends more time in use and less time stuffed in a locker . More time on the body means more consistent truncal support , which , over time , could lessen or zero the likelihood of more spinal surgery .
At 17 years old , Charley , her parents and many other families around the world continue to reap the benefits of this “ boned corset of sorts ” and true to Jenn ’ s belief that the child will outgrow it before outwearing it , many are on CharleyWrap number two , three , or even five ! To the willing skeptics , she says to give it a try : while she can ’ t guarantee specific results ( the CharleyWrap has never been clinically researched or tested ), she can point to her own and countless other success stories . And what ’ s there to lose when other alternatives are significantly more expensive ? At the end of the day , if the CharleyWrap succeeds only in making your child more comfortable , isn ’ t that alone a worthy win ?
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