There are many different styles and types of posture braces out there - but should you get one to help support your posture?

People are often aware that they may have poor posture and question if a posture brace would improve their posture.

So how do you decide if a posture brace is right for you? 

Often poor posture is due to a combination of muscle imbalances from weak and fatigued muscles through the back, and tight and short muscles at the front of your chest. Lack of movement throughout the day can also contribute to the fatigue of these muscles.

When we add a brace it can act as a good reminder that we need to reposition ourselves, so when we fall into a slouched position the posture braces restrict our body's movement. However, our bodies like to conserve energy so if there is a way to reduce how much our muscles need to work they’ll stop working as hard. The issue with this is, that we stop activating our muscles as we become more reliant on the brace so the muscles become even weaker and lazy.

For some people braces can be appropriate and have benefits, however what I generally recommend is that a strengthening program for certain muscles as well as a simple phone reminder to check posture can be effective as well. 

Everyone is unique in their body biomechanics and postures so seek individual advice from your trusted Osteopath if you are considering a posture brace.

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Dr Mariella Berry (Osteopath)

BSC (Osteopathy), MHSc (Osteopathy)