Posture corrector

Currently, elastic recliners of the thoracic spine, such as "FOSTA" and "WILSON A", better known as a posture corrector, have been developed and successfully used in a complex of functional treatment and prevention of posture disorders. They are designed in such a way that they exclude undesirable side effects with the maximum possible positive effect and are intended for the treatment and prevention of posture disorders and diseases of the spinal column.

The posture corrector has such elasticity that it is calculated in such a way that when used, the necessary range of motion of the spinal column is maintained and at the same time, the curvature is corrected and the vertebral bodies are unloaded.

Indications for use of a posture corrector

The use of correctors significantly reduces the damaging effects of a static body position. This allows them to be used to prevent posture disorders and prevent diseases of the spinal column for those who are forced to remain in a static position for a long time. A posture corrector is indicated for professional increased loads on the spinal column, carrying heavy objects. In this case, they are used to unload the spinal column during breaks.

For children aged 6-8, the most commonly used posture corrector is the F4401, which has a non-specific effect and is used for a wide range of indications. Its effect is more "disciplining". If the child begins to slouch or raises one shoulder higher than the other, the corrector "reminds" of the need to keep the back and shoulders in the correct position. This corrector is especially effective for winged scapulae. It is also suitable for adults with minor posture disorders and for prevention.

How does a posture corrector work?

The posture corrector has the following mechanism of therapeutic and preventive action. During the static position of the spinal column, the muscles experience an unchanging load and are in an asymmetrical tone, and the intervertebral joints and discs are motionless for a long time.

When the corrector is applied, the contraction and relaxation of muscles alternate. The elastic posture corrector and the contracted muscle act as a spring pendulum. The spinal column makes light oscillatory movements, slightly bending and unbending with a frequency of 5-10 movements per minute. This happens reflexively, and a person practically does not notice that even in a static position the spinal column continues to move and make oscillatory movements.

Reflex pendulum-like movements, on the one hand, give a break to overstretched hypotrophic muscles, and on the other hand, force them to contract in a new correct position. The tone increases and the excitability threshold decreases. Muscle mass increases and the contraction force is normalized. Moreover, this happens not due to an increase in the load on the spinal column, but due to the alternation of rest and tension. This unique reflex therapeutic gymnastics allows achieving a positive effect. During reflex pendulum-like movements, muscles in hypertonicity stretch, relax, and their tone decreases. A similar mechanism of muscle relaxation is present in manual therapy.

Gradually, reflex pendulum-like movements bring the spinal column into the correct position, in this position a new skill of maintaining posture is formed and the restructuring of one's own muscular corset occurs. Due to the unloading of the vertebral bodies (reclination), the force vectors acting on the articular and ligamentous apparatus are distributed more correctly, as a result of which their normal functioning is restored over time. The pain subsides, the range of motion increases. When wearing the posture corrector, the patient is encouraged to independently hold the body in the correct position, forming a stable skill.

Alternating contraction and relaxation of the muscle improves its blood supply. The muscle receives a sufficient amount of oxygen and nutrients, it maintains normal tone and elasticity. In addition, by correctly distributing the load on the antagonist muscles, the posture corrector promotes their symmetrical development and the formation of its own muscular corset, holding the spinal column in the correct position. With reflex pendulum-like movements, the trophism of the intervertebral joints and discs improves, their degeneration is prevented, and the normal range of motion is maintained.

The effect of the posture corrector also reduces and optimizes the distribution of the load on the vertebral bodies both directly and as a result of the formation of a muscular corset. The likelihood of developing osteochondrosis and other diseases of the spinal column is reduced.

Types of posture correctors

The W711 posture corrector is designed in the same way as the F4401, but is made of a highly elastic material. It is recommended for small children and people with weak muscles. The corrector is not designed for significant loads. It is usually used in cases where the use of the F4401 causes discomfort.

The F4402 posture corrector is designed to prevent and eliminate kyphotic deformity. It helps relieve the vertebral bodies and practically does not hinder movement. The corrector is recommended for use by children aged 10-12 and adults with kyphosis, osteochondrosis, diseases of the spinal column that require relief of the vertebral bodies (osteochondrosis of the vertebral bodies, consequences of injuries and operations) and for prevention. It is ineffective for scoliosis.

The F4602 posture corrector has a complex effect on almost the entire thoracic spine (from vertebra T3 to T5-T12). The posture corrector unloads the vertebral bodies, reduces kyphotic deformation. When using it, there is also a uniform distribution of lateral loads, which contributes to the symmetrical development of muscles and the reduction of arcuate deformations of the spine in scoliotic disorders. It can be used by children from 6-8 years old and adults. The posture corrector is effective in the complex treatment and prevention of kyphosis, scoliosis and their combination, according to wide indications for diseases and consequences of injuries and operations of the thoracic spine for the treatment, rehabilitation and prevention of complications.