Dynamic TLSO's - this could be your missing link to pediatric mobility!
- David Patterson
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Is Your Child's Superpower... Slouching? Let's Talk Dynamic TLSOs!
If your child can somehow melt into every chair they sit in, congratulations... you've probably got a world-class sloucher on your hands. 😄 And trust me—they're not alone.
One of the biggest things we see in pediatric orthotics isn't just flat feet or toe walking. It's kids who struggle to keep their trunk upright because of low muscle tone, neurological conditions, or developmental delays. The good news? Sometimes the biggest breakthrough isn't happening at the feet... it's happening at the torso.
Wait... What's a TLSO?
TLSO stands for Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis.
(Yeah... that's a mouthful. We usually just say "TLSO.")
Think of it like giving your child's core muscles a really supportive teammate—not someone that does all the work, but someone that helps them stay upright while they learn, play, and grow.
Meet Our Two MVPs
At GOAL, we primarily use two different dynamic trunk braces.
🦸 The SPIO Vest
The SPIO is kind of like your favorite pair of compression workout clothes.
It's lightweight, stretchy, comfortable, and gives the body gentle sensory feedback.
Kids who need just a little reminder to "sit up tall" often do really well with a SPIO.
Think of it as a gentle nudge instead of a big hug.
💪 The Benik Trunk Orthosis
Now if your child needs a little more backup... Enter the Benik.
The Benik is made from a thicker material and includes custom-contoured support stays that help encourage better posture throughout the day.
One of my favorite descriptions came from my daughter Polly while trying one on during our video. "It feels tight, tall... and you can't slouch." Honestly...That's pretty much the perfect product review. 😂
Why Does Posture Matter So Much?
Imagine trying to carry a backpack while leaning forward all day. Pretty exhausting, right?
That's what many kids with low muscle tone experience every single day.
When their trunk collapses forward:
Walking becomes harder.
Balance becomes more challenging.
They tire out faster.
Everyday activities require more effort.
Sometimes we get so focused on what the feet are doing that we forget to ask what's happening above them. The trunk is where everything starts. When we improve posture, we often improve everything that comes after it.
Looking Up the Chain
One of the phrases we use all the time at GOAL is:
"Don't forget to look up the chain."
Sure, your child might have flat feet. Or toe walking. Or ankle instability. But sometimes those things are only part of the story. If their center of mass is shifted way out in front because they're slouched over, no foot brace in the world is going to completely solve the problem.
Sometimes helping kids stand taller is exactly what they need to move better.
Every Child Is Different
Some children only need a little sensory input. Others need more structured support. That's why there's no "one-size-fits-all" solution. Our job is to figure out why your child is moving the way they are—and then build the right team around them, whether that's an SMO, an AFO, a dynamic TLSO, therapy, or all of the above.
The GOAL Difference
At GOAL, we don't just chase feet. We look at the whole child.
Because sometimes the biggest change doesn't happen at the ankles...
It starts by helping a child stand just a little taller.
And sometimes, that's the difference that changes everything.
Thanks for your time and as always, let us know how we can help the children you serve!
Cheers,
Dave and Polly
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