1 reply to this topic

[gsp23]

I am wondering if there are any type of supports for the back that actually work. I see them all over the place but I think most of them are just posture correction for AB. I no longer go to rehab but when I did they didnt even want to talk about this subject telling me that I needed to use the few muscles that I do have to help build them. I totally get that but I am looking for something to help me out when doing certain recreation tasks, specifically hockey. I have some paralysis in my back and the muscles I do have are not strong and dont hold up for very long. When I am playing a hockey game is not the time to "work on building muscles" as I need to be able to sit upright while playing instead of trying to play slouched over.

Anyways, are there actually any type of braces made that would help with something like this? To help from slouching over like this? keeping in mind that I do have some muscle control, it just doesnt last for an hour when trying to play hockey.

[kewlcatkez]

gsp23, on Nov 14 2007, 07:20 PM, said:

I am wondering if there are any type of supports for the back that actually work. I see them all over the place but I think most of them are just posture correction for AB. I no longer go to rehab but when I did they didnt even want to talk about this subject telling me that I needed to use the few muscles that I do have to help build them. I totally get that but I am looking for something to help me out when doing certain recreation tasks, specifically hockey. I have some paralysis in my back and the muscles I do have are not strong and dont hold up for very long. When I am playing a hockey game is not the time to "work on building muscles" as I need to be able to sit upright while playing instead of trying to play slouched over.

Anyways, are there actually any type of braces made that would help with something like this? To help from slouching over like this? keeping in mind that I do have some muscle control, it just doesnt last for an hour when trying to play hockey.

Hi,

Personally, I would ask an OT or PT for their advice on the type which is suitable both for your level of paralysis and your body shape etc. I know that you said that they discouraged the brace/support in the past, but a new OT/PT may be a fresh attitude. Also If you explain that you are not intending to use it 24/7 but only when you wish to take part in Hockey, etc, I am sure that they will work with you. I talk from experience as I have various braces which I use for certain tasks. If I was to wear them all- all of the time I would look flipping ridiculous and a fetish's dream! lol, but I don't and only wear the ones I need when I need. This is following the advice from the OT/specialist. I have seen that the OT/PTs have become more approving of braces for particular tasks and as long as their instructions are followed, whereas in the past they were definitely against them. Therefore, personally I would give it a go.
It also may take a few tries to get it right and so its better to work with a therapist for that reason also as then you aren't wasting money buying things which don't fit. An example is that due to my shoulders and elbows dislocating very very easily, I have to wear arm braces if and when I use my legs braces & crutches to stand..these were a pain in the bum to get right and I would have spent a fortune if I had bought them myself on the net, even after taking my measurements..but the OT was able to advise me on which ones would be more suitable.

Failing that, if your OT/Pt of choice won't help, I would get hold of the suppliers to the therapy unit etc and see if they sell to the public, or get hold of the product codes and hunt on the net!

I hope that you find what you are looking for! I hope my waffling helped a bit!

Take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 14 November 2007 - 07:49 PM.