Do Posture Correctors Work? The Final Answer

Do posture correctors work? A posture corrector serves as a wearable device that corrects posture problems by giving you a reminder to sit or stand straight with your shoulders back. Over time the posture corrector can take the strain off your joints and reduce pain. Keep reading to learn more about how posture correctors work.

How Posture Correctors Work

Posture correctors work by giving you a constant reminder to have proper posture. The straps wrap around your shoulders and upper back, pulling your shoulders upright. It makes it tough for you to slouch and conditions you to stay in an ergonomically correct posture. Over time your body will be trained to remain in the right position and you’ll find that your shoulders are back and you are sitting up without thinking about it.

Try other ways to improve posture here.

Benefits of Posture Correctors

Poor posture can take its toll on your overall well-being. While it is important to perform exercises you should also look into wearing a posture brace. It will encourage you to sit straighter, keep your shoulders back, and just have better posture. Here are some of the benefits of posture correctors that you will see after regular use.

• Feeling energized
• Less back pain
• Improved breathing
• Better confidence
• Less stress

How Long Does it Take to Show Improvement?

Slouching and hunching didn’t happen overnight, and correcting your posture won’t happen overnight either. When you start posture correction with a brace or other means it will take anywhere from weeks to months to see results. Be patient with yourself as you strengthen your back muscles and learn how to have good posture once again.

What to Look for in a Posture Corrector

If you’re going to invest in a posture corrector brace you’ll want to make sure it has the right design and features you need. Before you go out to make your purchase, talk to one of your doctors or physical therapists to determine if there are any health problems that need to be considered when choosing a product.

Next, it’s time to decide which posture corrector is right for you. Here are four main features that you need to review to help make your decision.

Design

When you’re looking for the best posture corrector one of the top features is how the brace is designed. You’ll want one that has adjustable straps and doesn’t slip off. If you plan to wear your posture corrector under your clothes make sure it’s not too bulky and discreet.

Comfort

To help you be compliant with wearing your posture corrector for long periods of time you’ll want it to be comfortable. Choose one that has breathable neoprene fabric, padded straps, and won’t pinch your skin. It’ll be easier to wear a posture brace that is so comfortable that you don’t even notice it’s on.

Size

This is a feature that can be easy to overlook. When determining the right posture corrector refer to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. Some products are intended for women, who have narrower shoulders than men. Read your labels and measure carefully.

Easy to Use

No one wants a posture corrector that’s hard to put on, take off, and adjust. Look to see how complicated the posture corrector is before you purchase. Does the adjustment straps look easy to use? Is the design straight forward?

Types of Posture Corrector

There are a few types of posture correctors to choose from. Some are simple strap based while others are electronic. In this section, we will cover your options and which situations fit each type.

Shoulder Strap Posture Corrector

When most people hear posture corrector brace, the shoulder strap posture corrector is the type of back brace people think of. It has straps that pull back your shoulders and wraps around your upper body. This type of back posture corrector is lightweight, comfortable, and generally easy to use. It will not cure your poor posture but it is effective for people who need a reminder to maintain correct posture.

Molded Upper Back Support Brace

This type of posture corrector is designed for those with a more serious upper back issue. It has a metal or plastic piece that fits between the shoulder blades to keep your upright position. You’ll get more back support from this brace but at the cost of less comfort and a bulkier design.

Electric Posture Trainer

If you’re into gadgets then an electric posture trainer might be a good option for you. This product includes a small device that is worn on the middle upper back and alerts you by vibrating when you start to slouch. The trainer might connect to your smartphone to help you see trends in your posture to give you a better picture of your progress. For an electric posture corrector device to be effective, you’ll need to wear it consistently to see progress.

When to Wear a Posture Corrector

There is no magic time to wear a posture corrector. You need to figure out when you are most susceptible to slouching and having overall poor posture. For many people, it’s when they work on their computers. If this is the case for you, then wear your brace during the day when you are seated at your desk. However, if you have an active job with lifting then you’ll want to wear it then.

Here is an excellent resource for someone who has a desk job and needs more information on proper sitting posture.

Are Posture Correctors a Good Long-Term Option?

Posture correctors are not intended to be a long term treatment option for poor posture. They are an aid that supports your joints and gives you a gentle reminder to sit up straight and keep your shoulders back. They will help you take the stress off of your joints and have less pain. 

Side Effects

There are real side effects if you do wear a posture corrector for too long. If your body becomes accustomed to the brace you can weaken your core muscles and cause even more injury and damage to your body. Your body will compensate for the new weak muscles by placing more stress on your joints.

A Safe Mindset for Posture Correction

Poor posture can create a slew of health problems throughout your body. A posture corrector is a brace that reminds you to use correct posture but it is not the only treatment option you should use. When combined with exercises to strengthen your core muscles and increased body awareness you’ll always be able to keep your shoulders back, sit straighter, and stand taller.