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What is a Posture Strap?
A posture strap is a device that is worn under the clothes for the purposes of improving posture. This item will not be prescribed by a doctor, as a back brace will. Instead, a posture strap may be purchased in some fitness stores or online, is fitted by the individual who purchases it, and is typically made up of a series of cloth straps. Some people find that this can be a helpful way to improve posture or to sit more comfortably at a computer all day.
Clothes are worn over the posture strap, but undergarments are worn under it. It typically features two straps that go over the shoulders, forming an "x" in the back. When the posture strap is worn, it helps to pull the shoulders back, open the chest, and straighten the spine. This is because the "x" of the posture device will typically press into the thoracic spine, the area of the spine in the upper back where a rounded appearance can occur due to poor posture or sitting slumped at a computer.
A posture strap is useful for correcting mild or moderate postural problems that are not caused by any true spinal deformity, such as kyphosis or scoliosis. In those cases, a strap will generally not have any effect on the condition. Those cases typically require treatment from an orthopedic doctor, and may require an actual rigid posture brace, physical therapy, or even surgery in order to correct the problem.
Keep in mind that a posture strap may be worn for postural support, but it is no substitute for exercise and practicing good posture on one's own. It is necessary to strengthen the muscles in the abdomen as well as the back in order to have good posture. A strap can help retrain muscles that have become tight, or pull back shoulders that have become rounded, but unless the muscles are exercised, they will simply stay weak and will go right back into the poor postural position once the strap is removed.
It is best to wear the strap only as much as necessary until the posture improves. Practice good posture by sitting up straight at one's desk, with the shoulders back, and be sure to get up regularly to take breaks and walk around. A posture strap is made to be unnoticeable under clothing. It is also necessary to wash it regularly, since it will be up against the skin whenever it is worn.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
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![Posture straps are not meant to be used by people with spinal deformities like scoliosis.]()
By: laurent dambiesPosture straps are not meant to be used by people with spinal deformities like scoliosis. -
![Physical therapists are qualified to perform posture assessments for patients.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroPhysical therapists are qualified to perform posture assessments for patients. -
![Poor posture over an extended period of time may cause neck pain, requiring the use of a posture strap.]()
By: Photographee.euPoor posture over an extended period of time may cause neck pain, requiring the use of a posture strap. -
![A posture strap will have no effect on individuals suffering from kyphosis.]()
By: Petr NadA posture strap will have no effect on individuals suffering from kyphosis. -
![A posture strap can be worn to correct mild postural problems that are not caused by a true spinal deformity.]()
By: Syda ProductionsA posture strap can be worn to correct mild postural problems that are not caused by a true spinal deformity. -
![If a posture strap does not help, rigid bracing or physical therapy may be necessary.]()
By: Monkey BusinessIf a posture strap does not help, rigid bracing or physical therapy may be necessary. -
![The thoracic spine can take on a rounded appearance as a result of poor posture.]()
By: Yuriy ShevtsovThe thoracic spine can take on a rounded appearance as a result of poor posture.
Discussion Comments
@burcidi-- I know which type of strap you're referring to and I agree with you that those are not the best.
You need to get the one with straps that overlap in an x-shape at the back. These straps are much more comfortable, they can be adapted to your body shape. They're often called "posture support braces" even though they're not really braces, they are straps.
My grandmother has osteoporosis and she uses one all the time. She loves it. It's just a matter of finding the right one.
@ysmina-- I bought one that simply goes around the shoulders and pulls them back forcing me to fix my posture. To be honest, I couldn't use it because it was way too tight. It's actually the tightness that keeps the shoulders back and the spine straight. But it was giving me a lot of discomfort and I couldn't keep it on longer than an hour. When I took it off, there were deep red marks where the straps were.
I think posture exercises found in pilates and yoga is much more beneficial. These exercises encourage me to change my posture on my own and there's a bigger chance that it will be a permanent change.
I badly need a posture strap. I work on the computer all day and as much as I try to correct my posture, I often forget to sit straight. My colleague told me the other day that I look like a humpback while I work.
Is anyone using a posture corrector strap right now? Is it effective?
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