Belts or harnesses to prevent stooping

[DeanGreen]

Can anyone recommend anything to prevent slouching/stooping? I'm looking for something to remind me that I'm slouching so I can correct myself.

[M_rosew]

First check if your head is poking out, if it is it will tip you forward. Physio advised me to stand against the wall for 5mins every day to get used to how it feels to be really upright. Also correct posture whenever you catch sight of yourself in a mirror or shop window.

[honeycombe3]

Could I ask a quick favour? If you are thinking of addressing any issues re posture could you get a podiatric assessment to make certain that you don't have flat feet? (Free in Scholl shops). My physio PD support was patient & persevering but I couldn't seem to master some of the (easy) exercises recommended. One day I happened to be looking for shoes in a Scholl shop & the assistant asked the chiropodist to take a look. As I walked into her area she asked me if I knew I had flat feet. From that chance meeting many little niggles & some potentially major problems were addressed.

[Lindylooloo]

Hi DeanGreen, my husband has a body Jacket/harness that has been fitted by the orthotics Department. He tries to wear it first thing in the morning as long as he can and it has really helped him readjust his "normal" position. We manage to get it after a long time of asking every department in the Parkinson's surgery and it wasn't easy as we were told there wasn't anything out there like what we wanted. I do hope you too can get something fitted as it has really helped his condition which he has suffered with from over 30 years.

[mj2dg]

I was just looking at a Hammacher Schlemmer catalog yesterday and saw "The Biofeedback Posture Trainer" that has a device that buzzes or vibrates depending on the setting when you slouch. It's kind of expensive $89.95 but I was thinking of getting one since I have been having this problem lately as well.

[JohnPepper]

Hi DeanGreen. I'm afraid that the only thing to do is to strengthen your back muscles. I lay flat on the floor, facing the floor, and put my hands down by my side and practice lifting my head and torso up off the ground and holding it there for five seconds. I repeat that ten times.

If you go to a biokineticist and let him/her give you a set of exercises to strengthen your core muscles you will be eternally grateful.

If you battle to get back up off the floor; first lift your torso up so that you are on your hands and knees and then bring one knee forward and then the other and then you will be able to stand. All this tells you is that you need to build up your strength. It is never too late to start exercising!

After you become more mobile, start doing regular fast walking. When I say FAST, I mean as fast as YOU CAN!

Fast walking is the only way to reverse your Parkinson's disease!

John

[teeceek]

I have the same problem. I work out a lot (and have incorporated PT exercises recommended by a PD PT). However, it's tough because I am limited to what I can do because I have impingements along with tendon problems all through my shoulders and upper back. Certainly see a good PD physical therapist.

I leave little post-it notes around the house to spark my memory and remind me to stand up straight and tall, neck and stomach in. I also ask my significant other to remind me if he sees me slouching. Good luck because this is so crucial as we age!