The interview
Delphine Verstegen, Belgium
What is your profession?
I am a resident doctor in Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine at the University Hospitals in Leuven/Belgium. Our department specialises in the evaluation and management of musculoskeletal and spinal conditions, with a strong emphasis on conservative, non-surgical treatment strategies.
How is the rehabilitation treatment of spine diseases managed in your country?
Rehabilitation treatment for spinal diseases is generally multidisciplinary, involving physiatrists, physiotherapists, orthopaedic surgeons or neurosurgeons, psychologists, etc. While there is growing awareness of the importance of early identification and non-surgical management, there is still a need for more standardised protocols and evidence-based practices regarding scoliosis treatment, particularly.
Scoliosis: how is it treated?
In my country, scoliosis is most commonly treated through observation, bracing, and in more severe cases, surgery. Patients and families are actively involved in the decision-making process, and treatment plans are personalized based on the specific diagnosis and
clinical presentation. In the case of structural scoliosis in children, bracing is commonly used to prevent progression of the spinal curve during growth. In more severe or progressive cases, surgical intervention such as scoliosis fusion may be considered.
Conservative treatments such as scoliosis-specific exercises and physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises are gaining recognition but are not yet well implemented or consistently applied. There is an increasing interest among professionals in adopting more structured and scientifically validated approaches like the ones promoted by ISICO.
How did you find out about ISICO and the Online Scoliosis Master Course?
I discovered ISICO through professional networks and online research while looking for advanced training in scoliosis management. The organisation is well known for its research and commitment to conservative scoliosis treatment and leading experts in the field.
Are you satisfied with what you have learnt, and if you had to recommend it, what would you say?
Yes, I am very satisfied with the course and my visit to ISICO. It provided me a more comprehensive understanding of scoliosis management, combining theoretical knowledge with practical application. Building further on it in the future is, of course, important. I would highly recommend it to any professional looking to deepen their expertise in the conservative treatment of scoliosis. It is a valuable investment for both personal development and improved patient care.
Write some lines about your visit to the ISICO clinic in Milano.
Visiting the ISICO clinic in Milan was an enriching experience. It was inspiring to observe the clinical team in action, working with precision, empathy, and a deep commitment to evidence-based care.
I was particularly impressed by their multidisciplinary approach and the high level of patient engagement. The visit not only reinforced the principles taught in the course but also gave me practical insights into implementing them in my own clinical setting. Beyond the professional insights, the visit also offered a great opportunity to build meaningful connections with colleagues from different countries.
It was an enjoyable and engaging experience overall—I genuinely had a great time and appreciated the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Grazie mille!
