A SOUTH Woodford teenager who was diagnosed with a debilitating spinal condition has been able to return to her passion for dance – without surgery.

Ellie Passey, 13, of Waltham Road, who attends Woodbridge High School, was told she was suffering from scoliosis, or a curvature of the spine, last year.

She said: “It was scary, not being normal. I was told I would have to have surgery but I didn't want that.

“I also had to wear a brace.”

Following the surgery, her movement would have been restricted and she would have had to give up dance.

The aspiring ballet dancer, who takes lessons at the Central School of Dance, had all but given up hope when she was referred to a treatment clinic called Scoliosis SOS by another pupil.

The clinic, which opened four years ago, claims to be able to reduce spinal curvature and correct muscle imbalance without surgery, where previously an operation would have been the standard treatment.

Dad Tim Passey, 45, a teacher, said: “The NHS offered surgery but we weren't really happy with that.

“We went to SOS and Ellie started an intensive course of strengthening her muscles as well as learning about the back.”

Ellie was given a series of exercises to do with specialist equipment and has now returned to her ballet training.

But Kylie Hobson, of Scoliosis SOS, admitted people are often sceptical about the treatment.

She said: “People are very, very sceptical but then we show them the before and after photos.

“When people leave their consultation, they agree it makes more sense than cutting somebody open.”

The clinic claims to be able to give patients a visible improvement after four weeks of treatment.

For more information, visit scoliosissos.com