Back braces are often prescribed to post-surgical patients as well as those who have been diagnosed with scoliosis. There are many different types of braces, including one- and two-piece body jackets, and here are the differences.
There are many reasons why you may be prescribed a molded body jacket by a doctor. Perhaps you suffered from a recent spinal fracture that required surgery, or maybe you have received a recent diagnosis of scoliosis (an abnormal curvature of the spine). Either way, the primary purpose of a body jacket or brace is to immobilize and support the lower, mid, and upper spine.
If you are in need of a back brace for scoliosis in Arkansas, one fact remains: most spinal jackets are made of a lightweight rigid plastic and have a soft inner lining designed to offer maximum comfort. Some, on the other hand, have a softer shell. Still, there are many different types of body jackets, with the primary difference among most being whether the jacket is made up of one or two pieces.
By having a better understanding of the differences between a one-piece and two-piece body jacket, and by consulting with an experienced orthotics professional, you can ultimately determine which is best for you.
One-Piece Body Jackets
A one-piece body jacket is custom formed and fitted to suit the patient’s unique spinal shape and curvature. Because they are made up of just one piece, they can be a little more cumbersome to slip in and out of. Generally, these are the types of braces that are designed to be worn for most (if not all) of the day. One-piece body jackets can come in soft or rigid form, and are generally designed to help support the back in a very specific way.
For scoliosis patients, a rigid one-piece body jacket is often recommended to prevent curvature of the spine from worsening. Because of the one-piece design of these jackets, they are not adjustable and therefore a proper fit is vital.
Two-Piece Body Jackets
Offering a little more in the way of versatility and flexibility, two-piece body jackets are often easier to get in and out of, and therefore may be recommended for patients who do not need to wear their braces for more than a few hours a day. These braces are usually adjusted to fit and enclose around the spine using Velcro or similar straps, meaning they may be more comfortable than a rigid one-piece jacket. The most common example of a two-piece body jacket is the Charleston brace, which typically only needs to be worn while sleeping.
In Need of a Scoliosis Brace in Arkansas?
Whether you are in need of a one- or two-piece scoliosis back brace in Arkansas, Horton’s Orthotics & Prosthetics is here to help. We have more than 600 different types of orthoses available to suit your needs, so contact us today by calling (501) 683-8889 to schedule your appointment.
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