Back & knee supportS (human)

[minimex2]

Can anyone recommend a back support for humans that can wear when riding
That.... doesn’t roll up/down
Doesn’t squidge belly fat above/below
But still let’s you breath

Prolite use to do one but not anymore

Also looking for knee support aswell

Thanks

 

[blitznbobs]

Most physios and drs advise against such devices - they just make everything weaker and you become more and more reliant on them — unless you have a specific ligamental issue where only ones with proper jointed supports help and these are normally prescribed. Support ligaments yes but supporting muscle is a bad idea

 

[FinnishLapphund]

I've used Back on track's Back brace, I really like it, but it did happen that I occasionally had to readjust it after bicycle rides/during dog walks/in the morning if I had tried sleeping in it. Basically, I couldn't wear it for several hours in a row, without it needing an occasional readjustment.
It never rolled up or down, if that makes a difference, it is more that the whole brace slid a bit upwards from where I wanted it (= quite low down on my back).

Just put it back on, as a test for this reply, went down to unload the washing machine, put in a new load, + hang up the washing to dry, and it haven't started to slide yet, so I really think it stays okayish where you want it.
Never affected my breathing in any way.

They have a newer Double layer back brace, which I would be tempted to try on to see if it is even better at staying where I want it, if my back problems became more acute again.

My mother have occasional knee problems, and loves her Back on track Knee braces.

https://backontrackproducts.com/product-category/people/back-neck/

Was just going to post my reply, when Blitxnbobs's reply turned up. So I will add, ditto to what Blitznbobs said, the physiotherapist I went to after I had a back hernia, did tell me to not become too reliant on the back brace. Which made me reduce how much I used it per day.

But the material in the Back on track stuff is said to be different from the material normally used it in these types of products.
A pensioned physiotherapist who I regularly meets for a dog walk together, thinks my recovery from the more acute stages of a back hernia was remarkably fast, compared to others she's seen. But I have no idea if the back brace has anything to do with that or not, besides my back still feels a bit weak occasionally, and I don't know if that has anything to do with me using the back brace either.

 

[Winters100]

I used a back brace for a short period after a serious injury, I don't remember the brand but it was supplied by a physio. The reality is though that what you really need is muscle. Since this injury I train every day, no days off and no 'easy' days. it was very painful at first, and some exercises still are, but you have to push through it and you do see the benefits long term. These sort of exercises can be done at home, but to me the main thing is constantly working at it. I am also really careful to keep my weight down, for the back this really helps. I used to be happy to be within the healthy BMI range, now I see that to keep my back strong I need to be in the lower part of the healthy range (quite difficult for me as I am a bit greedy, but manageable by being strict with diet and exercise). And don't think that you are too old - I am not in my youth either!

Good luck and I really hope you find something that suits you.

 

[saalsk]

For knees, a neoprene one with the cut out knee cap is good - it allows movement in the right directions.

As for the back - there isn't a support that will support, that won't inhibit movement. You need to work on core back muscles that will support you, not rely on a device. That is said in the friendliest way - don't plan on a device to help, because they won't - you need to do the work to make your muscles hold you firmer. Physio/osteo/GP etc whoever is giving the medical advice will give exercises to help with core strength, and in the meantime, pretend you are in a toilet roll cardboard tube, that you are not allowed to touch. At all. Suck yourself in, make yourself tall and thin, and make your core muscles work. They will strengthen, you will find it easier, and you will move better.