Let’s say you are about to buy a posture corrector thinking it will change your posture overnight. But before you get your hopes too high, let us stop you for a moment. Posture correctors don’t work like magic wands to fix your posture.

But, why posture correctors won’t fix your posture? Even after using a posture corrector, your brain will still get the surrounding signals depending on your perception.

Thus, if you don’t incorporate other methods, solely depending on posture correctors won’t fix your postural issues. 

Why Posture Correctors Alone Won’t Fix Your Posture Problem?

Our brain controls our activity including our posture. But in this case, sitting up while keeping your head and shoulders high won’t work alone. Your brain will adjust your posture depending on your surroundings as well.

Your eyes, jaw, and other receptor organs constantly send signals to your brain. So, although your posture corrector may hold your back straight, your brain still receives faulty signals from the environment.

"By practicing proper posture, you heighten your consciousness regarding your desired body alignment" explains Theresa Marko, PT, DPT, MS, OCS, a licensed physical therapist, board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, and proprietor of Marko Physical Therapy in New York City.

"Through this increased awareness, your joints gradually adapt, and your muscles become trained to engage optimally within this position."

Thus, when the posture corrector braces or devices hold your body straight against the natural circumstance, it becomes forceful.

As a result, your muscles will lose their strength over time and you won’t see any improvement in your posture.

The Science Behind The Good Posture

Good posture is when you hold your body in a way where you don’t put much stress on your muscles, ligaments, and joints.

You need to maintain a balanced alignment where your body remains in the optimum position to function properly.

A study shows that the scientific basis of posture is the interaction between the musculoskeletal system and the central nervous system.

The scientific foundation of posture lies in the intricate relationship between these systems, working in harmony to maintain a state of muscular and skeletal equilibrium.

The perfect alignment of your body will distribute your weight evenly throughout the body and allow your organs to work harmoniously. You will gain more stability and mobility alongside energy.

Besides, good posture will also ensure your optimum spinal alignment whereby the natural curves of the spine will effectively absorb shock, maintain balance, and reduce strain on the spinal discs.

When you are in a good posture, your body will be in the best position.

Thus, you will gain better flexibility while improving all the areas of your life. It can prevent body pains, and introduce you to a better, confident life.

Why Isn’t A Posture Corrector Enough?

Although doctors suggest using posture correctors to see a positive change in your posture.

They often don’t work efficiently unless you combine them with other measures. But posture correctors can surely alleviate your pain and other issues to an extent.

While a posture corrector may provide some short-term benefits, it is not sufficient on its own to fix posture-related issues.

Posture correctors primarily focus on providing external support to the upper body. Thus, at times, it may feel forceful which will eventually weaken your muscles

Besides, as posture correctors target specific areas, especially the upper body, other parts that affect your posture like the pelvis, lower limbs, and even the positioning of the head remain neglected.

As a result, you will face imbalances and compensatory movements.

Additionally, prolonged usage of posture correction devices will lead you to depend on them for your good posture.

Eventually, this will further reduce your muscle awareness. Therefore, you will fail to address other issues related to your posture and gain further complications.

What Can You Do To Improve Your Posture?

Doctors suggest using a posture corrector to improve your posture. Sure, but that alone won’t help your posture unless you combine them with other measures. So, here are a few things that you might include:

1. Strengthening Exercises

As constant usage of posture correctors weakens your muscles, you can use the help of strengthening exercises like planks, bridges, rows, and shoulder retractions.

Ensuring consistency in these exercises will eventually bring a good change in your posture.

2. Stretching

Alongside exercises, you can try stretches that target your specific muscles. This way, you will get better flexibility and mobility in your regular life.

You can try stretches like chest stretches, shoulder stretches, hip stretches, and hamstring stretches in your routine.

3. Pay Attention To Your Posture

Even if you are not wearing a posture corrector, you need to be mindful of your posture. Keep your head, and shoulders straight, and make adjustments whenever you feel that you are slouching.

4. Re-Adjust Your Workplace

You need to make ergonomic adjustments to your workspace. Get standing desks and laptop stands for your work so you don’t remain immobile in one place.

Also, make sure that your computer setup is ergonomically designed.

5. Take Expert Suggestion

If you are using a posture corrector, it’s better to consult your doctor for further advice. They will tell you what to maintain and what to avoid. Thus, you will also get an idea of the usage limit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do posture correctors fix posture?

While posture correctors may help you to sit and stand straight, they can’t entirely fix your posture.

If you are expecting that only using a posture corrector will magically fix your posture, this won’t be a good idea. You need to take other measures alongside using a posture corrector.

Do doctors recommend posture correctors?

Yes, many doctors recommend posture correctors as an aid to your bad posture. But they also advise not to solely depend on the posture corrector.

You need to combine other means of correcting your posture alongside a device.

What are the disadvantages of posture corrector?

Wearing a posture corrector will eventually weaken your muscles. Besides, if you grow a dependency on them, you will slowly lose your natural mobility.

How fast do posture correctors work?

You will see a positive change in a month, but using a posture corrector alone won’t fix your problem. You need to use other measures, like stretching, yoga practices, and exercises that target your core muscles.

Final Decision

So, if you were wondering why posture correctors won’t fix your posture, now you have got your answer. We can’t deny that posture-correcting devices work wonders, but they can’t fix your posture.

There’s a difference between fixation and aids, you need to combine some other tactics with posture correctors if you want to improve your posture.