Brace Basics
In the picture above, you can see the Boston Brace. The Boston brace is the most common. This is the type of brace I have worn. It is made from hard plastic and foam.
In the picture above, you can see the Boston Brace. The Boston brace is the most common. This is the type of brace I have worn. It is made from hard plastic and foam.
Here is a 3D printed brace.
Here is a 3D printed brace.
This is a Rigo Brace. Like the Boston Brace, it is made from hard plastic with velcro straps.
This is a Rigo Brace. Like the Boston Brace, it is made from hard plastic with velcro straps.
Getting fitted for your brace is kind of a lengthy process. There are tons of measurements taken and lots of documents to fill out. The best part is definitely picking out the color or design on your brace. But before that happens you have to complete all of the measurements I mentioned. Some of these measurements include your height, width, waist size, and chest size. Down below you can find images of some of the tools used in the process. One tip I have is to think about the colors you choose for your brace and if it will show through your shirt. My first brace was a really cute blue tie dye pattern- I really liked it, but if I wore a light colored top, it was visible through the fabric. For my second brace, I picked a pretty, solid pale pink that you could not see through my shirt. Spend a few minutes thinking about what your preference might be!
Getting fitted for your brace is kind of a lengthy process. There are tons of measurements taken and lots of documents to fill out. The best part is definitely picking out the color or design on your brace. But before that happens you have to complete all of the measurements I mentioned. Some of these measurements include your height, width, waist size, and chest size. Down below you can find images of some of the tools used in the process. One tip I have is to think about the colors you choose for your brace and if it will show through your shirt. My first brace was a really cute blue tie dye pattern- I really liked it, but if I wore a light colored top, it was visible through the fabric. For my second brace, I picked a pretty, solid pale pink that you could not see through my shirt. Spend a few minutes thinking about what your preference might be!
Wearing the brace for the required time is truly important! As uncomfortable as it may be, try to focus on remembering that the brace prevents something even worse-surgery- from happening. Do not be afraid to speak up to your parents and orthotist, if you feel that you need an adjustment done to your brace. If you stay quiet, your brace will only feel worse and it may no longer be the correct fit needed to actually work. No one will know if your brace is bothering you, unless you speak up, because you are the only one wearing it!
Wearing the brace for the required time is truly important! As uncomfortable as it may be, try to focus on remembering that the brace prevents something even worse-surgery- from happening. Do not be afraid to speak up to your parents and orthotist, if you feel that you need an adjustment done to your brace. If you stay quiet, your brace will only feel worse and it may no longer be the correct fit needed to actually work. No one will know if your brace is bothering you, unless you speak up, because you are the only one wearing it!
Another important thing to do with your brace is to keep it clean. To clean it, I rubbed hand sanitizer on it and after a few minutes wiped it off with a wet paper towel. Another option is to clean it with hydrogen peroxide instead of hand sanitizer. I cleaned it once a week but I would say do it at least once every two weeks. Make sure you clean both the inside and outside.
Another important thing to do with your brace is to keep it clean. To clean it, I rubbed hand sanitizer on it and after a few minutes wiped it off with a wet paper towel. Another option is to clean it with hydrogen peroxide instead of hand sanitizer. I cleaned it once a week but I would say do it at least once every two weeks. Make sure you clean both the inside and outside.
Be sure to look at the What About? section of this site for more suggestions related to wearing your brace!
Be sure to look at the What About? section of this site for more suggestions related to wearing your brace!