Supporting the Chest

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Introduction     |    Conditions     |    Treatment     |    Top 8 Products

 

The chest contains the rib cage which protects two of the most important organs of the body, the lungs and the heart. It also protects the internal organs of the thorax. Your rib bones are flexible and enable the chest to expand thus facilitating breathing. The chest is a complex part of the body and is also highly vulnerable to damage from injuries. A wide range of conditions might also affect the chest physically which in turn affects the functioning of the lungs or the heart.

What are the Conditions that Affect the Chest or Ribs?

  • Fractures: Rib fracture is one of the most common problems that can damage your ribs. Fracturing one or more ribs can cause a major problem and is a high emergency situation. A broken rib could puncture the lungs or cause damage to the heart. A direct blow to the rib cage can cause rib fractures.
  • Injuries: Though fractures are a part of chest injuries, other major injuries that can affect the integrity of the chest are bruised ribs, broken ribs, or pulled muscle in the chest.
  • Pleurisy: Pleurisy, also referred to as pleuritis, is an inflammatory condition that generally affects the linings of the lungs and chest. Thin tissues or pleura line the wall of the chest and the lungs and smoothly slide across one another. When inflamed, they rub against each other, leading to significant pain.
  • Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes pain across the body and is estimated to affect between 2-4 percent of people, up to 90 percent of whom are women. The pain generally related to fibromyalgia might be burning, throbbing, stabbing, or aching. The pain usually affects the rib cage, although any part of the body can be affected.
  • Pulmonary Embolism: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the blockage of the artery that goes into the lungs. This blockage is usually caused by a blood clot that has traveled up from either one of the legs. Along with pain in the chest, PE can cause shortness of breath, rapid breathing, coughing, including coughing up blood, anxiety, lightheadedness, sweating, and irregular heartbeat.

Treating Chest Conditions

Treatment of chest conditions depends on the diagnoses and then the advice of the medical professional. For general rehabilitation, support garments are used to immobilize and support the ribs so that they can recuperate and heal quickly. Rib supports are made up of garments, belts, and straps that give stability to the rib cage after a surgery or a treatment of the ribs. They are firm but are cozy enough to avoid adding stress or strain to the already healing rib cage. It is also very helpful in case of sternum injuries.

Top 8 Chest Support and Rib Support Products of 2024

1. Advanced Orthopaedics Universal Rib Belt

Advanced Orthopaedics Universal Rib Belt is scientifically engineered to accelerate the healing process and to reduce the bodys recovery time. It is carefully designed to protect the body while providing superior comfort and support. Helps stabilize rib and sternum fractures by limiting chest expansion through compression. The male version has a straight belt where the female version contours around the bust line for added comfort.

Features of Advanced Orthpaedics Rib Belt

  • Constructed of 6" wide breathable elastic material
  • For size, measure around center of center just below bust
  • Available in men and women options
Advanced Orthopaedics Universal Rib Belt
Advanced Orthopaedics Universal Rib Belt
 

2. AT Surgical 6 Inches Wide Mens Rib Belt

AT Surgical 6 Inches Wide Mens Rib Belt is designed to help heal and support fractured or bruised ribs, and contours to the body for maximum comfort. The AT Surgical Rib Belt stabilizes the rib cage after injury or surgery and combines compression therapy and gentle support to the rib cage, allowing the ribs to safely heal. Its adjustable velcro front closure helps in stabilizing the rib.

AT Surgical 6 Inches Wide Womens Rib Belt
AT Surgical 6 Inches Wide Mens Rib Belt
 

3. AT Surgical LSO Back Support With Front Velcro Closure

AT Surgical LSO Back Support With Front Velcro Closure is lightweight which leaves the user more comfortable and allows it to be used any time of the day. The brace is made of a strong, flexible, and breathable advanced nylon ensuring satisfaction. The inside and outside panels are rigid in design to allow for better support of the abdominals and for consistent relief.

Features of AT Surgical LSO Back Support

  • Front width is 9 inches
  • Back dimensions are 6-1/2" x 8"
  • Weight is a comfortable 7.5oz
AT Surgical LSO Back Support With Front Velcro Closure
AT Surgical LSO Back Support With Front Velcro Closure
 

4. Expand-A-Band Beige Chest Binders

This Expand-A-Band Chest Binder is an adjustable garment that provides support following male chest surgery. The “Double Compression” technology makes it easy to change bandages and to adjust the amount of provided compression. This chest binder allows the skin to fit better to its new contours and can help prevent experiences of “throbbing” pain following surgery.

Features of Expand-A-Band Chest Binders

  • Can be worn underneath clothing
  • Helps to get back to normal routine faster
Expand-A-Band Beige Chest Binders
Expand-A-Band Beige Chest Binders
 

5. Thermoskin Elastic Back Stabilizer

Thermoskin Elastic Back Stabilizer provides compression and support for general lower back dysfunctions. This back support belt has 4 internal stays for additional support, adjustable elastic side straps for extra compression. Airmesh material offers a lightweight, breathable mesh knit for maximum ventilation when thermal therapy is not being sought.

Features of Thermoskin Elastic Back Stabilizer

  • Comfortable
  • No seams or hard spots
  • Anatomically designed
  • Cool to wear
  • Allows skin to ventilate
Thermoskin Elastic Back Stabilizer
Thermoskin Elastic Back Stabilizer
 

6. FLA Orthopedics All Elastic Rib Belt for Women

FLA Orthopedics All Elastic Rib Belt for Women is an all elastic constructed rib belt for maximum compression. Features long hook and loop closure for improved fitting for a range of sizes. FLA Orthopedics All Elastic Rib Belt has all elastic support and is easy and inconspicuous to wear. Female model has contour around the bust line for an improved fit.

Features of FLA Orthopedics Elastic Rib Belt for Women

  • Delivers maximum compression
  • Hook and loop closure
  • Comes in White color
FLA Orthopedics All Elastic Rib Belt for Women
FLA Orthopedics All Elastic Rib Belt for Women
 

7. FLA Orthopedics Safe-T-Belt Working Back Support

FLA Orthopedics Safe-T-Belt Working Back Support provides support to the lower back and helps promote proper posture and lifting techniques. The compression system helps hold the back in proper alignment and reduces stress on the lower back. Safe-T-Belt Working Back Support is an ideal choice when shoulder straps are not desired. Excellent choice for workers who spend time sitting or need to be unencumbered by shoulder straps. Its contoured base prevents riding up when sitting or bending.

Features of FLA Orthopedics Safe-T Belt

  • Increase warmth and compression
  • Reinforce lumbar region during heavy lifting
  • Full color training insert included
  • Overlapping elastic side pulls
  • Low profile back brace
FLA Orthopedics Safe-T-Belt Working Back Support
FLA Orthopedics Safe-T-Belt Working Back Support
 

8. ITA-MED Breathable Elastic Rib Support

ITA-MED Breathable Elastic Rib Support provides comfort and encourages more controlled breathing to help reduce pain. Belts breathable elastic material provides stable support for the ribs and torso and limits the expansion of the chest to promote healing. The Rib Belt can be worn inconspicuously under most clothing.

Features of ITA-MED Elastic Rib Support

  • Breathable elastic material and pressure-sensitive closures provide enhanced fit
  • Helps stabilize rib and sternum fractures by limiting expansion through compression
  • Provides support and compression to the muscles and soft tissues of the rib cage weakened by strain, trauma, overuse, inactivity or surgery
  • The belt is sized to 6" in the back and 4" around the bust-line for a more comfortable fit for women
ITA-MED Breathable Elastic Rib Support
ITA-MED Breathable Elastic Rib Support
 

Where to Buy Rib Support Products Online?

At Rehab Store we have an assorted collection of durable and sturdy chest supports, abdominal binders, and rib support belts for the efficient rehabilitation of your chest and ribs.

 

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