Bandages and corsets — devices that support or fix various human muscles or joints.
They tone up muscles, reduce pain in case of injuries, limit motor activity and prevent sudden movements, and assist in maintaining correct posture and physiologically correct structure of power and joint systems.
A bandage — is a fabric soft elastic product that tightly fits the human body and has specific compression or heating influence on the human body.
A corset —is a fabric orthosis with vertical rigid reinforcements (plastic or metal stiffeners, in some cases — plates), designed for tight fixation and support of the spine or joint.
Thoracolumbar corsets — indication for use.
Experts prescribe wearing a thoracolumbar corset for stabilization, fixation, and relief of the spine in case of injuries and degenerative diseases. Such corsets help to eliminate pain, prevent disorders of the ligamentous-articular apparatus, help to improve blood circulation, and restore muscle tone.
According to their functional purpose, thoracolumbar corsets are divided into two types:
Corrective models — provide support for the human spine, prevent its curvature, help improve posture and help correct deformities;
Fixing models — limit the mobility of the spine. They are used to speed up the recovery process after surgery or trauma. Also, they contribute to the reduction of pain in a period of acute illness.
Types of Orthoses (thoracolumbar corsets). Types of fixation /rigidness.
- Semi-rigid thoracolumbar corsets resemble a vest made of elastic material that covers the entire back. They provide support for the bone and muscle tissues of the human body. They have soft straps (for adjusting the tightness of the corset) and plastic (or metal) stiffening ribs (two to six vertical rigid reinforcements).
Indications of the use of semi-solid corsets are:
- to prevent stooping (when staying for a long time in an uncomfortable position, or sitting at the computer, etc.);
- to prevent fractures in tuberculosis or osteoporosis of the spine;
- with osteochondrosis, osteochondropathy;
- if there is a threat of injury to the roots of the spinal cord (at spondylolisthesis);
- intervertebral hernia;
- distortions in the thoracic region;
- muscular dystrophy;
- degenerative-dystrophic pathologies;
- to enhance the effect of manual therapy;
- during rehabilitation after injuries.
2. Rigid-thoracolumbar corsets consist of a plastic (or aluminum) frame with soft inserts and fixing straps. They reliably support the damaged area, at the same time permitting limited movement.
Indications of the use of rigid-thoracolumbar corsets are:
- after surgery of intervertebral discs;
- unstable fractures of the vertebral bodies, etc.;
- compression fractures of the spine and other serious injuries;
- Scheuermann's disease;
- tumors, tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, and other destructive processes that destroy bone tissue.
How to choose and apply?
- It is necessary to choose the right size of the corset after the doctor prescribes the type of it (based on the examination, diagnosis, and course of the disease).
- The size of the thoracolumbar corset depends on the chest and waist circumference.
- Pay attention to the material the corset is made of. If the product is semi-rigid, the fabric should be breathable and hypoallergenic. In rigid models, soft inserts should be provided so that the metal structure does not press and rub the skin.
- Measure the product before buying. The corset should fit tightly, not compress, and the fasteners should function well.
- After purchase, visit a doctor to model the stiffeners and adjust the selected model according to the individual characteristics.
- The duration and mode of application is defined by the doctor.
- Be sure to take off the corset at night.
- Apply corset over underwear for all day or no more than 6 hours a raw (depending on the severity of the disease).
- After a few months, the doctor either cancels the use or recommends applying a corset with less rigid fixation.
