Posture correction devices, any good?

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Well the title says it all really, after years of rugby and injuries I’ve got a bit hunched over and a shoulder internally rotated.

I’ve seen various mixed reviews but wondered if anyone had actually used one and it worked long term rather than short term.

Cheers (if I get any responses, it’s a random question I know)

 

[Which Tyler]

Professionally speaking - no; utter tripe (barring certain conditions where the bones are misshapen in the first place).

What we now know about posture is that it isn't particularly important; and that the most important aspect of posture is to change it frequently; so strapping yourself into 1 specific posture is just going to make things worse. As far as posutre itself is concerned though; it's only really important in terms of what it tells us about the function / strength of the muscles that maintain that posture.

If you're feeling hunched forwards, then there are exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles between the shoulder blades, stretch the pecs and U Traps etc; which will go a long way towards "correcting" that. If you're actually getting pain &/ muscle fatigue from it; then the exercises are even more important rather than bracing to reinforce the imbalance.

At risk of being told off for advertising myself (NB, if you don't live within a 10 mile radius of Tewkesbury, see someone else, not me if you need therapy)... here are some social media posts I've made on the subject:
https://www.facebook.com/BackInAction.Tewkesbury/posts/1534297486676147
https://www.facebook.com/BackInAction.Tewkesbury/posts/1514356808670215
https://www.facebook.com/BackInAction.Tewkesbury/posts/1728512643921296


If you feel that you absolutely have to brace; then use Kinesio type taping (brand isn't particularly important) to encourage the shoulders backwards and downwards (and externally rotate the one that needs that). At least then it's a gentle reminder to your weaker muscles that they need to hold tension; rather than forcing your shoulder to where you want them, so that the muscles don't feel the need to strengthen.

 

[Kiwiwomble]

i have bad posture all my life, rugby may have played a part in it

I have found a huge difference though since i have been doing reformer pilates, awesome workout and really forces you to use the correct core muscles

 

[General Melchett]

I think many posture issues stem from sitting at a desk in the wrong position (hunched/leaning forward) for prolonged periods.

 

[Don't Skip Leg Day]

Thanks for the responses. I’m think I might need to see a physio (I’m a stones throw from the wasps ground- so a saints fan obviously) so away from Tewekesbury I’m afraid.

I’ve noticed my inward shoulder also shakes when I do some warm up mobility drills (like band pull aparts) so some kind of weakness there.

 

[ratsapprentice]

https://www.rogueeurope.eu/donnie-thompson-formal-bow-tie-eu

https://www.rogueeurope.eu/donnie-thompson-casual-bow-tie-eu