Does using the brace make your stomach muscles weaker?
212847
The studies have consistently found it will not make you weaker. But I would recommend you strengthening your lower back multifidus muscles (see Treat Your Own Spinal Stenosis for more on that) - current research shows strong multifidus muscles can also prevent back problems.
212848
Related to one of these questions/answers...says not to wear while sitting...my problem is flare up of back pain while sitting (for example now in training for a job, hours of sitting in not good chairs)....so, what can I wear while sitting?
212849
my husband says he hasn't noticed anything different, but he only wears it when he's doing jobs that require lifting or twisting. my friend (who bought one to help her recover from fractured pelvis & ribs) says her therapist told her not to wear it all the time....for the reasons you mentioned. so....i quess if you wore it lots, it would weaken your abs, because you wouldn't be using them. hope that all makes sense :)
212850
I only wear the brace while I am lifting heavy items and then I remove it the rest of the day. While I lift I can still feel my stomach muscles being used so I wouldn't think using it would make them weaker.
212851
I hope I understand the question correctly-- but no it does not make your stomach muscles weaker. It mainly supports and keeps your back straight, it doesn't restrict or use your stomach muscles any less.
212852
Kim, I am not a doctor, but have had lower back pain off and on for years. I am very active and excise every day with both walking and exercise bike. Also do strength training. I use the back brace only when I have a flare up of pain. Suspect that frequent use of the back brace would tend to weaken you stomach muscles because the brace lessens the sole dependence on these muscles. Just my opinion and hope it helps you.
212853
I've been using one off and on for years and it hasn't made my muscles weaker. But you should not have on when sitting.
212854
I only used it for a few days, which may not have obvious effect on my stomach muscles. (in case that happened, I could have it in an opposite way)
212855
Kim, I don't believe so because I regularly do my exercises at the gym. Also, I am not dependent on the brace, I wear it only to help me heal whenever I hurt my back.
1725184
I don't recommend it. it is not elastic enough to provide good compression therapy. I returned this item. Mueller ankle brace (which I bought at Wal-Mart) is a lot better, less bulky, a lot more comfortable.
2036232
It does, for me. I use double bands on mine. When I do the reps, I feel tension on my neck. Tightens the neck muscles and skin in my case.
677100
I use the brace to play basketball after my acl replacement. The metal on the sides prevents lateral movement. And the lock prevents hyper extension. Your knee will only bend as it's supposed to. No problem with pushing off and landing. I recommend it.
962653
The answer is quite simple. If you keep the brace on it traps fluids which produces rashes bacterial fungal . The preventive measures consist of periodically opening the brace to drying it out . Using baby powder & or antiperspirant is helpful in keeping the brace & producing less skin irritation
1675963
It depends on your shape. I mean that seriously. Probably not. I found it top be one of the worst braces I have ever tried, despite the write-ups it has received.
1681239
Yes. My wife loves it. She says it feels more like a support wrap than a brace.
1967137
I think so. My posture really improved from wearing the magnetic brace. I recently had a bone density scan and my test was much better than last year. The doctor was impressed and told me to keep doing whatever I was doing because it was working. I only wear the brace at night while I'm sleeping.
845488
No, 3 hard plastic nibbs keep it from touching the majority of the brace. I have not noticed it wearing but over time three small spots might develop. No worse than buckel rash and it lets me play my basses (I bought 4 do far).
1659010
Band it by far exceeds any brace using an air pillow. The way a brace functions is to rest the tendon attachment at the elbow. Bandit fits better, stays in place and applies the correct amount of pressure....when applied properly, to rest the tendon without having to cut off the circulation to your lower arm.
730515
More or less. I wear two braces, I put them both on each night. You can get used to it. The alternative is not having any brace at all, and suffering pain.
138553
I wear this brace when I sleep sometimes. This brace is a compression brace and it works by reducing swelling in the joint. By reducing the swelling it reduces pain. It does also give support but I would not say thats it's main purpose. With that in mind it does not take much to reduce swelling and should not be tight. I found the longer I wore the brace the better my knees were and felt. If the brace was too tight I would not be comfortable wearing it for extended periods of time. I think a good way to judge the right pressure is.... You should not notice an obvious mark or difference in thickness of your leg above or below the brace where it ends. There should not be a bulge above or below... and even after removing there shouldnt be a noticeable mark. This brace has made a world of difference for me and actually returned my knees to a normal looking knee as the swelling in them from injuries and lymes disease. I am 45 and very athletic. I still cant run anymore but atleast I can move again and hope to run again someday. For now I cycle. Good luck! ps. I you are a guy you will probably go to tight. Men seem to believe if a little is good... Alot must be better. LOL NO NO NO!!!
170704
I wear the brace at night and on a daily basis. There isn't much to this brace, so I personally would not recommend it for use during a workout, although i suppose that very much depends on the kind of workout you wish to do. The metal bar that the brace is made up of would make it very difficult to grasp handles or weights.
957776
I suppose you are asking if you can play sports while wearing the brace? Yes. It will make you shoes a little tighter because it is thick, but I did cycling when I wore mine. I didn't do anything higher impact than that because I wanted to let the ligaments heal, but if you want to push it, I"m sure the brace will help.
1052415
It is a bit difficult to use without the brace with the stronger bands. The bands do break in and get easier to use. If you plan on using the stronger bands I do recommend the wrist brace. The wrist brace is quite cheap and we'll worth it when using the stronger bands.
286491
It can be worn under pants. I find it easy to bend and walk around with. I have used a similar Ace brace that is much heavier and bulky. This one is lighter and after you have it on, you really don't notice that you are wearing it.
1547543
My brace is very tight and use it for gym workout and tai chi...so use it an hour at a time.it is too uncomfortable to wear it over ang period of time.