The Different Types of Posture Correctors are:
- Cross-Back Elastic Brace
- Longline Back Brace
- Electronic Posture Reminder
- Molded Upper Back Brace
Depending on the type of back posture corrector, you can use it to correct slouching and other forms of bad posture. This gives you a more upright, healthy, and attractive posture by supporting and holding your shoulders, back, or neck in the proper position.
Types of Posture Correctors
There are different types of posture correctors for different types of physical conditions. Using the wrong one won’t help you achieve your desired posture goals and may even complicate or make things worse. Let’s take a look at the different types and how they are used.
Cross-Back Elastic Brace
Wearing this basic brace is comfortable and will support your clavicle, chest, and back to correct your posture. It is easy to use and works by pushing your chest forward. You can easily purchase one online or at a physical therapist’s office.
Molded Upper Back Brace
This is similar to the cross-back elastic brace but might be a bit more uncomfortable to wear. It has a metal or stiff plastic piece at the back that fits between your shoulder blades to keep your posture up.
It offers more support than the cross-back elastic brace, which makes it more suitable for more serious cases of bad posture. Because of its bulky design, though, this brace may be visible through your clothing, making it unsuitable for wearing outside the house.
Longline Back Brace
This brace is for individuals with the most extreme cases of bad posture. It is also suitable for people with lower back pain.
It works by providing support from the base of your neck to the top of your hip. It is adjustable to provide the level of support you need and can support your entire back from top to bottom. Like the molded upper back brace, its size makes it visible under clothing, so you might be limited regarding wearing it outside the house.
Electronic Posture Reminder
Unlike the braces above that provide physical support, an electronic posture reminder corrects your posture by alerting you whenever you slouch.
It is a wearable device that you connect to the skin of your upper back. When you start to slouch, it will vibrate to alert you to straighten up. The posture reminder may also come with an app to help you monitor your stats and progress.
How to Use a Posture Corrector
A posture corrector can improve your gait, but if you misuse the brace, it could end up doing more harm than good. For example, excessively using a physical brace can lead to your back muscles weakening and becoming dependent on the brace for support. This can lead to even worse damage to your posture.
Correctly using a posture corrector requires you to consult a doctor or physical therapist. After examining you, your doctor will recommend the best posture correctors to help improve your condition and will also explain how to use them.
Using a brace alone isn’t enough to improve your posture. It is recommended to perform posture-strengthening exercises regularly as well as using the posture brace. Such exercises include routines that will strengthen your lower and upper back, core, hips, and glutes.
Using a brace alone isn’t enough to improve your posture. For best results, combine the use of the brace with posture-strengthening exercises such as yoga and Pilates. Such exercises include routines that will strengthen your lower and upper back, core, hips, and glutes. If you need help holding the correct posture during these types of exercises, try using a cheap yoga bolsters (no need to go expensive) to give you some support.
The stronger the muscles in these areas are, the better you’ll be at holding your body in a proper posture. Over time, holding such a posture will become something you do unconsciously and without effort.
Conclusion
A posture brace may be designed to help improve your posture, but it’s not an automatic solution. It will only deliver the results you want if you use the right type of brace in the right way. To prevent slouching, combine the use of posture correctors with physical exercises. The brace will help you hold the right posture, while the exercise will strengthen your body to hold that posture gracefully.
Within a short time, your muscles will adapt to holding up your body in a manner that’s much more attractive. If you need help figuring out the right type of posture brace and exercises to help with your gait, you can consult with a physical therapist. He/she can help you with postural reeducation.
References
- Types of Posture Correctors and How They Improve Posture – Posture CorrectorBrace
- Do Posture Corrector Devices Actually Help you Stand Straighter? Experts Weigh In – Women’s Health