ILAB for ASC

25/03/2026

25/03/2026

Why choose ILAB for ASC?

At ILAB, we understand that surgery is only one part of your journey. What happens after matters just as much.

As the in-house rehabilitation and post-surgery programme at The Institute for Spine and Scoliosis, we are here to guide you every step of the way—from preparing your body and mind before surgery to helping you rebuild strength, confidence, and trust in your body afterward.

Six years ago, we developed this Mind–Body Programme alongside Dr. Darryl Antonacci, creating a unique approach that is now used by patients around the world.

Our focus isn’t just on healing your spine—it’s on helping you feel like yourself again. We work with you to reduce fear, understand your body, and move with confidence as you recover.

Because we are part of your surgical team, your care is connected, consistent, and tailored specifically to you. You’re not navigating recovery alone—we’re with you through it.

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. It’s a supportive, personalized experience built from real patient journeys, designed to help you move forward safely and confidently.

21/03/2026

Get started today with our comprehensive approach that includes ASC surgery, pre surgery rehab, and post surgery rehab to ensure a smooth recovery!

19/03/2026

What is Body dysmorphia (Body Dysmorphic Disorder, BDD) ? It’s mental health condition where a child or teen becomes intensely focused on a perceived flaw in their appearance—often something minor or not visible to others.
The incidence in North America is 1.7-2.9 percent. The ratio female:male is 1:1

It can take over daily life. They might spend a lot of time checking mirrors, avoiding photos, comparing themselves, or seeking reassurance.
• It causes real distress. It can lead to anxiety, depression, or withdrawal from friends and activities.
• It’s treatable. Therapy (especially CBT) and support can make a big difference.

A helpful way to think about it:
It’s less about how your child looks, and more about how their brain is interpreting what they see.
It’s important to understand that your child can shift their thoughts with family support and helpful information.
We do this!!!

07/03/2026

Hi Coach Maddy!!! Thank you for your wisdom and encouragement!

01/03/2026

What is remodeling? Bone remodeling takes place during growth mostly, but resorption of old or damaged bone takes place on the same surface! The mechanism is called osteoblasting. We think of it as the bone shooting out new bone ( pew pew pew🤣) to replace bone that has been resorbed. Did you know that even without injury or exercise 5-10 percent of bone is remodeled annually. Now imagine what exercise can do!

06/11/2025

📚 – Research & Data Update
Dr. Antonacci and the ASC team are compiling new data covering over 126 thoracic and 80 lumbar curves using the modern ASC technique. These landmark findings support ASC as the future of scoliosis surgery, showing outstanding correction rates and long-term durability through biological healing.

30/10/2025

Did you know? Practitioners at ILAB are regularly upgrading skills and education. Currently we are taking courses in Addiction and Mental health to better serve as counsel for our patients and their caregivers when worry or questions around prescribed pain control meds come up. Please note that all questions about doses, meds change and weaning should be directed to the practice. We are here to coach and help with resilience when patients have bumpy days.

22/10/2025

הערה לגבי יציבה לאחר ניתוח. לאחר ASC עמוד השדרה של המטופל נייד יותר. יותר משמעותית! אנו חושבים כמו אדריכלים כאשר אנו בונים כוח, בונים באופן שיטתי דרך שרירים ציריים כמו גם שרירים תוספתיים. תהליך זה לוקח זמן, ודוקטור א' מייעץ שהשיפוץ אורך 6-9 חודשים
A note about posture after surgery. After ASC the patient's spine is more mobile. More significantly! We think like architects when we build strength, systematically building through axial muscles as well as appendicular muscles. This process takes time, and Doctor A advises that the renovation takes 6-9 months after the operation.
לאחר הניתוח.

15/10/2025

In ILAB Mindset coaching, when developing motivation, we aren’t just using catchy motivational phrases! We teach tools to access over 10 different types of motivation, so that you can break through mental barriers at each stage of recovery.*

11/10/2025

A note on naps! It’s common for patients to have disrupted sleep in the weeks after surgery. The medication schedule will be provided by Dr. C or Nurse Maddie. « Usually « medication must be taken every 3 hours at first. This means waking the patient up through the night. At ILAB we encourage napping during the daytime. You still have to maintain your scheduled med dose, but sleep is an important part of healing. Even if children and teens are returning to school , we encourage naps in the first six weeks at a minimum. For us, sleep is as important as nutrition and water!

07/10/2025

A note about XRays! During surgery X Rays are taken, and when the Surgeon finishes he comes out to parents or family to show the final X Ray. It’s important to remember that this image is taken while the patient is still asleep and on the table. Standing X Rays present the spine while muscles are active. The spine looks different! When you see the 6 week XRay , do not compare the two as equally representative of the outcome. The correction is one thing, the six week muscle structure is still weak from resting. Once you are allowed to do PT etc, your muscles will support your correction. At ILAB we provide ongoing chat snd video call support ( What’s App) for those moments when you have questions!