Posture Pals

PosturePals™ Lumbar

This device is designed to encourage a neutral spinal alignment for the lower back and may help to reduce 'slouching' or 'slumped sitting' postures.

PosturePals™ exert a gentle force that encourages you to return to a neutral spinal position. This can be useful not only for maintaining a correct sitting posture but also for re-educating your lifting technique, golf swing or any other activity where your spine should stay straight. They can also be used at home or in the workplace to draw your attention to activities that require sustained or repeated bending. You can then modify your technique or workstation set-up accordinly.

PosturePals™ are your personal Posture Coach

PosturePals™ are adhesive spinal supports designed by a Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist to help you manage your spinal alignment or posture helping you to move better, feel better and look better.

PosturePals™ work in three ways:

1. RESTRICTION:

The supports are designed to prevent you from adopting poor postures by maintaining the spine at or near its neutral (unloaded) position.

2. RECOGNITION:

Although backs are made to bend you may find that you are habitually adopting poor postures or feel that slouched or flexed postures are a problem. PosturePals™ will help draw your attention to the positions or activities that take your spine out of the neutral posture (there will be more than you expect). You can then modify your activities accordingly.

3. RE-EDUCATION:

By force of habit slouching feels normal or comfortable while correct sitting feels abnormal or awkward. PosturePals™ help to correct this anomaly. PosturePals™ possess elastic characteristics. Therefore, whenever you move away from a good posture, PosturePals™ exert a gentle correcting force that prompts you to actively improve your posture. By this means PosturePals™ attempt to encourage your neuromuscluloskeletal system to adopt better postural habits. In other words, your body will learn to use the correct muscles, feel comfortable when upright and awkward when slouched.

Acute Back Pain is often caused by bending or lifting. As a result of injury spinal tissues can become sensitive to load. Further strain may be caused by bending or loss of the natural curves of the spine as is seen in slouched sitting.

Chronic Back Pain, Neck Pain and Headaches are often said to arise from repeated or sustained postures e.g. sitting at the computer, gardening, a long drive or flight. In this way, working in a poor posture can be thought of like bending your fingers back to the full extent and holding them there for a couple of hours. Pretty soon the body will signal to you (with pain) that the tissues are being overloaded and that this position if continued will soon cause damage.

Pain is not in itself a contraindication to use of PosturePals however if you are unsure if they are suitable for your situation please contact your doctor or physiotherapist.

PosturePals are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent or alleviate any injury, ailment, defect or disease.

POSTURE PALS FAQ:

Q . Are there different sizes?

A . The lumbar device is a ‘one size fits most’ design. The Thoracic device comes in the Original and a new Small size. The PosturePals Thoracic Small device measures 30cm across at the shoulders and 25cm high. This is compared to 36cm wide and 30cm high for the PosturePals Thoracic Original. Please remember that you must allow an additional centimetre or two in width across your shoulders to accommodate the stretch that is applied to the PosturePals support during application.

Q . How long do they last?

A . Depending on your requirements, we recommend that PosturePals remain in place for three days. If you are tolerating them well, have no skin reaction and they are continuing to prompt you to correct your technique, you can leave them in place longer. You may choose to use them as and when they are needed e.g. for a long flight or a long day at the computer come tax or exam time. Some people like to use them to create a good impression at job interviews or work presentations as they help them to look good and to maintain a strong, confident posture. Others still use them to correct technique whether they be ballroom dancing, running, riding a horse or swinging a golf club. In these circumstances you may only need to wear them while you are performing that particular activity. People’s skin can react differently. In high humidity or with excess sweating some people find that their skin will begin to itch necessitating premature removal. If this is the case we suggest that you try to use your PosturePals at times when you are less likely to be in the direct sunlight or sweating excessively. Some people find that the itching subsides as soon as they cool down. They are then able to continue wearing the device. If the itching continues it is best to remove the PosturePals support to prevent or limit skin irritation.

Q . Can I shower with PosturePals™ on?

A . Yes! We don’t expect you to go for a few days days without a shower. PosturePals™ are made from closed cell foam, which means that they do not absorb water. The adhesive should tolerate several quick showers before it begins to peel away from the skin or foam.

Q . Can I re-use my PosturePals™?

A . No. PosturePals™ are single use items. Once removed they are discarded.

Q . How do I remove the adhesive residue from my skin?

A . An aggressive adhesive is required to keep the device in place for an extended period. When you remove your PosturePals™ brace it is common to have some adhesive, generally an outline of the device, left on your skin. To remove work Baby Oil or Eucalyptus Oil into the skin and rub with a flannel/face washer or similar.

Please be very aware that this information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.