RiptGear Posture Corrector For Women and Men - Adjustable Back Brace for Posture Correction - Back Straightener Trainer Posture Strap with Shoulder Support

I was getting concerned about the slouchy hump at the top of my spine and this brace has made a noticeable difference in a very short time, even though it doesn't seem like it would have any affect on straightening your neck from sticking out too far forward, like a goose. I typically only wear it for about 30-40 minutes a day. Usually on my drive in to work. It's only uncomfortable when you try to slouch, so it really does train you to correct your posture. I've also gained a lot of shoulder mobility, which is pleasant surprise. My shoulders have been frozen reaching in a backward direction for years, despite stretching with a physical therapy shoulder pulley every day. My only complaint is that given my lack of mobility, especially in the beginning, the velco straps were nearly impossible to reach. I am 5' 2" - 190 lbs and have pretty broad shoulders and it seems like this brace may be too small for anyone who is much larger, taller, or a combination of both. The velcro irritated my shoulders until I figured out that it was sticking too close to the outer edge of the strap (towards your arms). Be sure to stick it closer to your chest on the inner edge of the strap and it won't rub.

I'm 5'11 and have a fairly broad chest. The straps are so short and so hard to grab that it makes putting it on by yourself completely impossible. The thicker part of the posture corrector also rests right in the middle of your armpit making it very uncomfortable. I genuinely tried to like this and make it work but it just proved to be far to frustrating. If you have similar dimensions to mine this is not the posture corrector for you.

This little posture corrector will not change your posture forever but it does help in keeping your back straighter. After wearing it there is a feeling of how you should hold your back so you tend to straighten up more even without it. However, it is rather uncomfortable under the arms so it is not something that can be worn all day unless you really get used to it. It is easy to loosen to get on and off (once you figure out how it should go) but needs to be worn over another shirt to be comfortable. Not bad for the price and it may help you more than you think.

The posture corrector definitely moves your shoulders back into alignment and holds them there. It is as comfortable as can be expected.I found it straightforward and easy to put on. I believe I'd be able to use it even if I weren't as flexible. The instructions were scant, so for those of you who had problems - Before putting it on, lengthen/shorten the vertical backstrap to approximately the length of your shoulder blades. I used a visual estimate by looking in the mirror. Make the arm hole straps as large as possible, and leave the velcro loosely stuck closed so you don't have to try to weave it into its holster behind your back. Put it on like a jacket with the bottom closer to the small of your back so it's easier to reach around. Behind your back while watching in the mirror, undo both velcro straps and pull them forward so you're holding the straps in front of you. Attach them with the velcro on your front. They should be symmetrical. If one strap is longer, pull the other one until they are the same length. At this point you can adjust it so the back vertical strap is in the correct position. If it is too long/short in the back strap, at this point, take it off and adjust the middle part and start again.If you cannot reach to the small of your back, this might not be the product for you. Severe alignment or mobility issues will probably take medical or physical therapy intervention. I am not a doctor, so my recommendation is to find a professional.For those who say it is painful - correcting posture is uncomfortable business. I have found a difference between discomfort and pain. When I first started using it, I could only wear it about 15 minutes before feeling pain. I could also only attach it at my armpits. After about a week, I could wear it tighter (even more upright posture) but still only in 15 minute increments. Now I can wear it for about an hour nice and tight. I've even worn it out under a jacket to run errands and hardly noticed it until over an hour, at which point I took it off and put it in my purse.Correcting my shoulder slump has highlighted another aspect of my poor posture - my anterior pelvic tilt. I have been using a website called posture direct . com to try to correct that. I have found using the exercises from posture direct in conjunction with my RiptGear posture corrector has been the most helpful. After a month of regular use, I am finding myself aware of slumping my shoulders and tilting my pelvis, and slowly but surely, my back pain is starting to reduce.I removed a star for 2 reasons. 1) I have not found this to be wearable under clothes for myself. As a woman, my clothing is both too form fitting and too low on the shoulders to hide the upper part of the straps. 2) While soft, it is not super comfortable next to the skin. Since this is literally holding your shoulders into place, it does rub where your natural posture is pressing against it. I could see someone who wears undershirts and higher necked clothing like collared business clothes being able to wear this under their outerwear.

They should include better instructions with the item but that lack led me to experience their amazing customer service. My first attempt with the corrector failed--apparently I put it on too tightly. When I looked at the return policy on amazon it was going to cost me $5.99. But when I emailed about the return to riptgear directly, "Mike" gave me better instructions about its wear, told me to keep it and refunded my money. I have worn it now for 4 days and can already feel the difference in my posture. With just a little tightening each day, my shoulders are adjusting to the new (and better) position. I have no doubt that after two weeks my shoulders will have adapted completely. Today I emailed again wanting to pay for the item and was told not to bother given my early issues. Given their response, I will look at other riptgear products now hoping there is something else I can use.

This does provide some correction, at least initially; it appears to stretch over time, resulting in less and less effectiveness. It's VERY difficult to put on, unless you're a contortionist with exceptionally flexible wrists and shoulders. It places a lot of pressure against the nerve plexus under the arm pit, which is extremely uncomfortable over time. Keeping my shoulders in better alignment did eliminate the chronic pain I have in one shoulder joint, but in general, not worth the money, as better equipment would have the same effect.