dear Peaky,

I must say that my first answer was aimed at the people wanting to know more about the "Scroth method" and having read your thread again I thought I should answer your questions as well.
THE big problem with progressing Wikipedia reference-linkscoliosis is that breathing (+ pain) becomes a problem. I expect that that was the reason that your patient had this big operation.

In your case, I would try to get hold of the specialists treating her. Pain after surgery does tend to happen a lot and can even be a sign that something is wrong. There is quite some literature about surgery going wrong or post-op problems. I would say you have to be very sure that that is not the case first.
If you can team up with her specialist, it is his/her responsibility as well, you may be able to do much more.
Then, yes, take her problems very seriously, she has her whole life ahead of her. I would certainly give her the names of all the scoliosis sites you can find because being able to communicate with peers with the same problems might help a little.

If I were not certain that I could give her the best treatment, I would try to get her to a colleague that does, or at least visit one for a second opinion.

Good luck for you both

Esther