Physical Benefits of Wearing a Corset
Corsets may help to stabilize the body, prevent injury, correct past injuries, change body morphology and more – read below to read about the physical/medical benefits to corseting, or read about mental/emotional benefits, or the social benefits on their corresponding pages. Or, you can go back to the main “Corset Benefits” page.
Physical Benefits of wearing a corset:
The black, bolded notes are the chapters and stories where you can read truthful, in-depth cases about these in the official Corset Benefits book, Solaced.
- Corsets help control back pain and correct posture, to help those with past injuries (e.g. car accidents, vertebral fractures, slipped discs), to wear and tear injuries (e.g. osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease). (For another account of this not featured in Solaced, read this post on Staylace about a man with congenital deterioration of the spine).
Refer to Chapter 1: Back Injuries
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- Corsets can help stabilize spinal curvature of scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis patients and help alleviate their back pain and muscle tension from their curve. Some have even said that corsets have corrected their curve! Some experienced corsetieres design corrective corsets that may help to stop the worsening of the curve or reduce the curve over time.
Refer to Chapter 2: Spinal Curve
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- Corsets can conceal asymmetries and help people prevent tension or injury associated with skeletal asymmetries (PFFD and other birth defects) and also muscular asymmetries (after unilateral strokes, or after asymmetric surgical removal of muscles).
Refer to Chapter 6: Physical Disorders & Disability
* - Correction of the posture also helps prevent other skeletal issues. One viewer has experienced relief from her plantar fasciitis while wearing a corset because her corset encourages redistribution of her weight evenly across both feet. I have experienced considerable pressure taken off my knees since wearing corsets (bad knees run in my family), as corsets have changed the way I sit and stand, and encourage me to keep my hips level. Two people have said that their corset has corrected their turned foot (in-toeing and out-toeing) and helped them walk properly.
Refer to stories “From Duck-Butt to Pin-Up” and “Corsets Corrected my Walk”
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- Corsets can also help relax trigger points and alleviate/ prevent some muscular pain, fatigue and and tension from autoimmune disorders (e.g. fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, lupus, etc.) and after injury (e.g. post-traumatic dystrophy)
Refer to Chapter 7: Fibromyalgia
* - Corsets, especially overbust corsets, and support the bustline. For those who have very heavy breasts, this can help alleviate back pain and neck strain, reduce headaches (see below) and help prevent Neurogenic Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (inflammation of the brachial nerve plexus, which is often caused or exacerbated by the weight of the breasts).
Refer to Chapter 3: Breast Support
* - Corsets have also been known to reduce the intensity of headaches or migraines, and over time, some wearers have noticed that the corset has stop their headaches completely as proper posture can take tension off the neck and shoulders. Also, by potentially reducing the hyperlordosis in the lumbar spine, a properly-fitting corset can act as an orthopedic traction unit to prevent the spinal cord from being pinched or stretched (thereby preventing or helping to improve nerve problems).
Refer to stories “A Glimmer of Hope”, “Liberation from Joint Pain”, “A Bride’s Tips on Pacing”, Wisdom and Autonomy”, and “Life with Intracranial Hypertension”
* - Corsets are used as lumbar support to prevent potential back injuries and give support during work — e.g. during heavy lifting, repeated tasks or long hours on one’s feet, or in front of a computer. This has been known to benefit those working trade careers like plumbing and automechanics, those in retail who lift stock or stand for many hours, and those in the medical and nursing fields when having to lift patients, etc.
Refer to stories “Corsets Saved my Career” and “Outdoing the Spring Chickens”
* - Those who have hypermobility or connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (H) sometimes experience injury due to weakness and hyperextension in their joints, and they may also experience chronic pain. Wearing a corset has helped some of these people by bracing the torso and preventing spontaneous movements that could lead to sprains, dislocations or other injuries.
Refer to Chapter 5: Hypermobility & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
* - For people who suffer from chronic low blood pressure, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) wherein the heart beats unusually fast but the blood pressure isn’t stabilized when going from sitting to standing, corsets can help to raise and stabilize blood pressure, preventing it from dropping too quickly or erratically. *Torso compression is usually paired with compression socks and other devices. Please speak with a doctor before you manage your blood pressure with a corset.
Refer to Chapter 5: Hypermobility & Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) and also the story “Corsets for Orthostatic Hypotension”
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- For people with Sensory Processing Disorder and other neurological/ sensory afflictions, where they are unable to tune out or desensitize to light touch or other sensations, a corset provides a firm, equal pressure evenly around the torso and helps “turn down” sensation. The thick layers of a corset also provide a barrier against the light fluttery touch of a shirt or from other people, preventing sensory overload.
Refer to the story “Corsets and Sensory Processing Disorder
* - Corsets are sometimes used by singers and public speakers as diaphragm support; they provide resistance against which the diaphragm can push, which may help the singer achieve higher or more powerful notes. Some operatic singers also find it useful to rehearse in corsets, since they are often required to wear corsets in performance.
Refer to stories “Corset Solutions” and “Finding my Voice”
* - Two viewers have mentioned that wearing a corset has helped improve their asthma. The upper lungs and bronchi may not be fully open or utilized with very poor posture, and correcting posture using a corset may help to open up the chest, relax the windpipe and allow easier breathing.*Asthmatics, please consult with your doctor before trying a corset, as not everyone has the same experience.
Refer to the story “A Home Found in Corsets”
* - (Added Nov 30 2018) Corsets may help with sleep and insomnia. A number of corset wearers have written Lucy to say that they sleep better in a corset compared to not wearing a corset at night. One in particular participated in a sleep study and found that wearing a corset seemed to reduce the number of events of their sleep apnea. While their story is not in the Solaced book, here’s a quote from their experience:
- “Last month, I headed in to see the sleep doctor. I brought my corset with me, and we chatted about how sleeping in it seems to help me sleep more soundly and wake better rested and in less pain.We decided to do another sleep study. In case you are unfamiliar, during a sleep study, one of the things that they check is how often you either stop breathing, or have such shallow breath that your O2 levels go down.One of the nights I slept without my corset, I:
-Had an average of 34.8 respiratory events an hour, and
-a total of 224 eventsOne of the nights, I wore my corset and I:
-Had an average of 15.5 events per hour
-87 total eventsI really am sleeping better in my corset! I have fewer respiratory episodes, and they are shorter in duration. Neat! Moral of the story: Talk to your doctors if corsets and medical concerns intersect.”
* Sleep quality in a corset is highly subjective and may not always help with apnea or respiratory events. Always consult a doctor before trying a corset for any reason.
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- “Last month, I headed in to see the sleep doctor. I brought my corset with me, and we chatted about how sleeping in it seems to help me sleep more soundly and wake better rested and in less pain.We decided to do another sleep study. In case you are unfamiliar, during a sleep study, one of the things that they check is how often you either stop breathing, or have such shallow breath that your O2 levels go down.One of the nights I slept without my corset, I:
- Corsets can also help to protect the organs during horse-riding or motorcycling, acting like a kidney belt to prevent bruising of the retroperitoneal organs. Corsets can also be used to help with balance and communication while riding on horseback.
Refer to “Getting Back on the Horse”, “My Journey Back to Health”, “Corsets in Action: Fashionable Healing”, and “Biker ‘Chic’ ”
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- Corsets have provided actual protection as armor for a few lucky individuals, from motor vehicle accidents, to being shot, stabbed, punched and kicked in the gut. One ER doctor asked “Why don’t NASCAR drivers wear those things?” *NB It’s not recommended that the corset be used as a bullet-proof vest, or any deliberate armor. These were serendipitous events.
Refer to Chapters 11 (Armor) and 20 (Noteworthy Newspaper Clippings)
* - Corsets are helpful in minimizing menstrual cramps in women. Many women temporarily relieve their dysmenorrhea by lying in the fetal position, which exerts pressure on the peritoneal organs and somewhat diminishes the painful uterine contractions. Corsets can mimic this position by exerting pressure on these same organs, reducing uterine contractions (and thus cramping) while her posture remains erect.
Refer to Chapter 9: Dysmenorrhea & Endometriosis
* - Corsets can prevent some types of abdominal hernias by exerting external pressure on the abdomen, or may act like a girdle to prevent pre-existing hernias from worsening while the wearer waits for surgical repair. *NB: this may only help specific types of abdominal hernias, and results may vary – misuse of the corset may result in worse hernias in the case of hiatal/inguinal/femoral hernias. Always consult a doctor before trying a corset for any reason.
Refer to stories “My Exoskeleton”, “Are Corsets Good Back Support?”, and “My Armor, My Weapon”
* - If extensive injury to the abdominal wall has already occurred (from automotive accidents, surgeries or procedures like ileostomies, etc.) and the muscles are unable to heal properly, corsets may provide a source of protection and can help increase the intra-abdominal pressure to prevent the muscles from collapsing.
Refer to Chapter 10: Post-Surgical Abdominal Weakness
* - Corsets can sometimes help to correct diastasis recti, the separation of the abdominal muscles that some experience during their last term of pregnancy, if the corset is used postpartum to hold the muscles together and prevent them from separating further while they heal together again.*Again, please check with your OB/GYN to see if compression wear is appropriate for you after childbirth.
Refer to Chapter 13: Postpartum & Motherhood
* - For those who have ligament disorders that may affect the position of the stomach and liver, or for those who have had major surgery which has resulted in shifting of their organs, a well-fitting corset can lift up and support these organs and prevent “floating” or dropped liver (hepaptosis). See my interview with Kitty.
* - Corsets may be used as a weight loss aid – they act as an external gastric band and do not allow much expansion of the stomach, thus helping to control appetite and reduce food portions. Wearing a corset can also help the wearer to see themselves as a smaller person, ‘planting the seed’ of belief in their minds that weight loss is achievable, and acting as a strong motivation for these wearers to improve their nutrition and fitness regimen.
Refer to Chapter 4: Weight Loss & Lifestyle, and stories “The Art of Aging” and “Shattering the Stigma”
* - Corsets give some women an hourglass shape that they may never be able to achieve naturally (through diet and exercise). Medications like steroids, or conditions like thyroid abnormalities or PCOS can make weight loss nearly impossible for some. On the other end of the spectrum, some patients with hyperthyroidism, pituitary issues, extremely fast metabolisms, or muscle wasting conditions may find it difficult or impossible to put on weight. However, the use of corsets can make it possible for women in both these situations to temporarily experience more of an hourglass shape even if their current gene expression or health situation dictates otherwise.
Refer to Chapter 12: Body Positivity
* - Corsets can change a wearer’s figure semi-permanently through changes in muscle and fat pad morphology. Many athletic women use corsets to make their waists smaller. Female body builders have used corsets to reduce the size of their waists so they will have a more competitive edge in fitness competitions. Ex-professional swimmers have also used corsets after their careers to help reverse the effect of the “Swimmers’ barrel chest” and give them back the smaller ribcage they had before swimming.
Refer to Chapter 4: Weight Loss & Lifestyle, and stories “Wesley” and “The Art of Aging”
* - It is even possible that the compression of a corset can undo the damage caused by wearing skinny-jeans or ill-fitting bras, by providing gentle consistent pressure over the area where permanent dents occur on the back or the hips, and providing a barrier to prevent outer clothes from pinching the same way again. While minor fat pad migration is disputed (in the context of breast tissue especially), some corset wearers have seen noticeable results even when the corset is off.
Refer to the stories “Dent Repair” and “Paradoxical Liberation”
* - Corsets are used to reshape and feminize the figures of trans women or gender fluid individuals: often making the ribcage more narrow, raising the apparent height of the waistline, and making the hips look fuller in contrast. These changes may help with any dysphoria they may experience by creating a figure they may consider more desirable or more easily identify with.
Refer to Chapter 14: Gender Identity
* - Corsets are also worn by men who need back support – a custom fit piece can help them keep a masculine physique, so they don’t have to be concerned about inadvertently creating any feminizing effects. Special custom corsets can also be used by trans men to change their figure into one that presents as more stereotypically masculine.
Refer to the story “Paradoxical Liberation”
* - In those who have slow bowels/ constipation issues, the pressure of wearing a corset can sometimes stimulate the intestines and may allow a brief increase in peristalsis immediately after taking off the corset, making it easier to have a bowel movement. In those who have issues with diarrhea or fast bowels, wearing a corset snugly can sometimes slow down peristalsis, possibly lengthening the time between bowel movements. *this doesn’t work the same way for everyone – if you already experience abdominal pain, bloating or irregularity, ask your doctor before you’d like to try corseting.
Refer to the story “Pain Free and Pill Free”
* - The gentle compression from corsets can also sometimes help with cramping associated with gastrointestinal disorders. While highly disputed, four writers featured in Solaced have experienced relief from their gastric/ intestinal pain caused by ulcerative colitis, IBS, fibromyalgia, and idiopathic causes.*Please speak with your doctor if you have a gastric or intestinal issues before considering a corset, as normally corseting is not recommended for these individuals.
Refer to Chapter 8: Gastrointestinal Disorders, and also the story “Story of a Scar and a Swan”
Jump to the mental/ emotional benefits to corseting, or the benefits with societal impact.
*Please note that this article is strictly for information purposes and not intended to replace the advice of a medical physician. Please talk to your doctor if you’d like to start wearing a corset for any reason.*
I almost cried reading this. I have Ehlers Danlos and POTS. I had come here just to browse. I never thought I would find this amazing info!
Aw, please don’t cry Jessa! I’m glad you found us! <3
If you’re ever interested in being personally fitted for a supportive corset, the Corsetiere Map is a totally free resource. Not all makers are comfortable taking medical commissions, but the ones in yellow are definitely trained and some of them even work with insurance if you’re covered.
Me too! I bought my first corset a year ago just for performances but found when I wore it my pain was massively alleviated. Can’t wait to transition to more regular wear to see what happens.
Thank you Lucy for the info!!
I never knew corsets could be used to alleviate back pain. So! I tried it out. My job consists of sitting in front of a computer 8 hrs a day. I didn’t realize how terrible my posture was until I had to sit with a corset on. I have a fractured vertebra as well, this helped with the pressure and also made me set with my feet flat on the floor.
how much can i reduce my waist with a corset? when it becames Dangerous for my healt?
Hello – without knowing your starting waist measurement, your overall health or your experience with corsets, I can’t say how much of a waist reduction is reasonable for you. It is different for everyone based on their individual physiology and lifestyle and circumstances. If you’d like to read more about the physical effects of corseting, please see this section of my website. People with a fallen uterus or high blood pressure shouldn’t wear corsets because of their pre-existing health issues.
I have a corset custom made after my scoliosis surgery in 1976 – now all these years later I may need another surgery but in the meantime if I could stabilize my lower back – T4 and T5 I’d like to try another corset. Do you know – could you tell me how I might be able to go about that? I know all of the pros and cons and I really want to go ahead and get another one – I outgrew the first one 😀
Hi Sherri, I have a gallery of corset makers who specialize in corsets for people with scoliosis (if you click on any of the photos, it will redirect you to that maker’s website where you can learn more, contact them for questions, and make a purchase). Or if you would rather shop locally, check out the corsetiere map here. The yellow markers on the interactive Google map are those who have experience making medical corsets (and many of them have worked with medical insurance companies as well).
I have been wearing my corset for a number of weeks and it had help my lower back pain tremendously I had tried everything in the past and found this is the only thing that helps as on my feet 10 hours a day.
Hello Susan, thank you so much for sharing your experience! It is great to hear that your corset helps with your back pain.
I found this page very helpful, because my chiropractor recently told me that I was exhibiting signs of scoliosis. And that would suck,so I’m trying to find ways to prevent it. My sister keeps recommending Pilates, but I can never find a workout that actually helps with my back pain.
Hi Eliza, if you’re looking for Pilates (or yoga, or any other exercise) to help stabilize or correct your scoliosis, it’s best to find a studio and work with a professional – at least until you can learn to do the exercises safely on your own.
You might also be interested in this page on medical corsetry for people with scoliosis.
I have known i had EDS for my whole life. I had looked for corsets sence 2002. I started wearing corsets regularly in 2014. I started watching lucy on YouTube and that lead me to the sight and corset makers. Now i am a walking add to the medical field as well as people just looking to slim down those difficult love handles. Thank you for yoyr time Lucy!
Thanks for your testimonial, Brittany!
Hello,
I have been told i have scoliosis in my upper back and my lumbar sits in 3 inches too far.. I have also been told that i have spinal and muscle degeneration in my back as well as a birth defect “spinabifida occulta”. I may have neuropathy in my legs and my ribs hips and legs all sit at different lengths. I have been thinking of getting a corset but have no real clue about them or how they work. Ive done research and so far everything has told me it would help.. Even with asthma.. I was wondering if you thought it would be a good idea? If you think it would help with the pain and the spasms? If so.. Where would i find one for a short torso?
After your reponse i will ask my doctor.
Thank you!
Alyssa
Hi Alyssa, I would definitely check with your doctor, and also your medical insurance company (if you have one) before starting a commission with any corsetiere – even one with experience with scoliosis, etc. I have a page on asymmetric corsets for scoliosis here, if you’re interested. Other corsetieres who have made custom pieces for people with scoliosis includes Lace Embrace and also Ties that Bynde, I just haven’t gotten around to updating the page yet.
Hi
I’m suffering from a lower back, and lately I feel pains on my chest, I sit a lot in front of computer and I do go to gym 3-5 days per week! I suddenly lost my good posture since I experience these pains! Do you think corset can help me?
Regards,
Nzwa
Hi Nzwa, thank you for your comment. If your pain has come on fairly suddenly and you don’t know the cause of the issue, I would definitely see a doctor before you go out and buy a corset. It would be good to identify the cause of your pain, and see whether your trusted physician would think a corset would be the best route of treatment.
Hi Lucy, I enjoy your entire site and have done much research in the last week. It seems I’m forever reading over articles and/or watching your youtube videos! I contacted you around Tuesday or Wednesday I think, but can’t find that original inquiry, so thought here might be the best place to ask. You referred me to Contour Corsets because I told you I have a lower spinal issue that is in need of support. Unfortunately, Fran just responded back to me today and is not taking new customers. Really, I think I just need a corset that fits my dimensions. I have an OTR corset from 15 years ago that I bought on a whim and am using it because of how much pain my back has been in. It really does hold my lower spine in place, but pinches and gouges me in areas because it’s not made to fit a short torso. Here’s my question: Do you make corsets? I feel I trust your knowledge and expertise with all the reviews you’ve done, and thought maybe you make corsets for others besides yourself. It would not be for decorative purposes. I just need something I can wear under my clothes that fits, that holds my spine in place, and some reduction in size would be bonus! Haha! Currently, I layer a bunch of clothing because my current corset pushes my bust up so high it is unnatural. My husband laughs at me, but I do it because it holds my spine and for no other reason. Please help! I’m desperate.
Hello Janice, unfortunately at the moment I have negative time to dedicate to sewing since I’ve gone back to school. Did you try Lace Embrace or Totally Waisted corsets since the last time we spoke?
No I hadn’t. I was just so impressed with what I saw on Fran’s site that I was totally discouraged and didn’t know where to turn next. I’ll see if I can contact either of them. Thanks again.