Why Scoliosis Care should go beyond the Spine: What I Learned from SRS IMAST

Written By Colleen Collins

I had the privilege to attend the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) International Meeting on Advanced Spine Technologies (IMAST) recently hosted in Toronto from April 15-17, 2026 and it was an eye-opening experience.

As a Registered Psychotherapist specializing in scoliosis and chronic pain, I walked into a room primarily filled with surgeons and researchers. On paper, I might have seemed like the outlier.

But what I quickly realized is this:

We’re all working toward the same goal.
Better outcomes for people living with scoliosis.

And yet… how we define “better outcomes” may not always be the same.

Here are some things that I learned while attending SRS IMAST:

1. Surgeons Are Human Too

One of the most important takeaways for me was recognizing the human side of surgery.

Surgeons are often seen as highly confident, decisive, and certain. And while that’s true, they are also navigating complex cases, evolving research, and high-stakes decisions every single day. Surgeons are human too and mental health matters for them.

There isn’t always a perfectly clear answer.

This matters because many patients (and parents) feel pressure to “get it right” when making treatment decisions. But the reality is, even within the medical community, there can be differing opinions.

Uncertainty is part of the process.

2. There Isn’t Always One “Right” Approach

There appears to be ongoing discussion and, at times, controversy around the best surgical approaches and scoliosis care strategies.

That doesn’t mean care is ineffective.
It means the field is still evolving.

For patients, this can feel overwhelming:

  • One provider recommends surgery

  • Another suggests waiting

  • Another emphasizes conservative care

3. Technology Is Advancing Rapidly

One of the most fascinating areas discussed at the conference was the use of robotics in surgery.

Robotic-assisted systems are helping improve precision and can increase efficiency during procedures.

While this is exciting and promising, it’s also a reminder that innovation in healthcare is ongoing, and not always equally accessible to everyone.

4. Mental Health Is Entering the Conversation

This was, without a doubt, one of the most encouraging takeaways.

There are surgeons and healthcare providers who are actively considering:

  • Quality of life

  • Emotional wellbeing

  • The lived experience of scoliosis

5. Expectations Shape Outcomes More Than We Think

A powerful theme that stood out was the role of patient expectations.

Two individuals can undergo the same procedure with similar clinical outcomes, but walk away feeling completely different.

Why?

Because outcomes are not just physical. They are psychological.When expectations are unclear, unrealistic, or not aligned with reality, it can lead to:

  • Disappointment

  • Increased anxiety

  • Difficulty adjusting post-treatment

Supporting patients in understanding and processing expectations is a crucial, often overlooked, part of care.

6. The Parallel Between Surgeons and Athletes

Interestingly, many surgeons use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse procedures.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is.

Athletes use visualization to:

  • Prepare for performance

  • Build confidence

  • Reduce uncertainty

This overlap highlights something important:

The brain plays a critical role in performance, whether it’s in sports or in the operating room.

7. Conservative Care Lacks Standardization

Compared to surgical pathways, conservative (non-surgical) scoliosis treatment can feel fragmented.

There are multiple approaches, varying recommendations, and less consistency in care.

For patients and families, this can feel like:

  • “Where do we even start?”

  • “Who do we trust?”

  • “Are we doing the right thing?”

This lack of standardization can increase stress and uncertainty during an already challenging time.

8. Access to Care Matters

One quote that stood out to me came from René Castelein:

“Innovation isn’t innovation if it’s only available in high resource countries.”

This highlights a critical issue in healthcare.

Not everyone has access to:

  • Advanced surgical technology

  • Specialized care teams

  • Integrated mental health support

Which means outcomes can vary not just based on treatment, but on access.

The Bigger Picture: We Need a More Holistic Approach

If there’s one overarching takeaway from this experience, it’s this:

There is a growing community of professionals who care deeply about improving scoliosis care. But we need stronger collaboration.

Between:

  • Surgeons

  • Physiotherapists

  • Chiropractors

  • Mental health professionals

About STC Therapy

At STC Therapy, we specialize in supporting individuals with scoliosis and chronic pain through a mental health lens, helping bridge the gap between mental health and scoliosis care.

If you’re looking for support, resources, or guidance, you’re not alone.

If you are a Parent of a child or teen with scoliosis and looking for support check out our upcoming support group.

Have you checked out the digital Scoliosis Wellness Journal yet?You can find it HERE.

Colleen Collins
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