This page aims to help patients who have been supplied with a corset from the orthotics department.

What is a corset

A spinal corset or abdominal support is usually made with fabric materials and prescribed to provide control and support to the spine and pelvis. A corset has many aims:

• To steady and limit motion of the joints, ligaments and muscles in your back
• To support weak muscles
• To support vertebrae which have structural weakness
• When there is an abdominal hernia which needs supporting to prevent it increasing in size.

Fitting instructions

Make sure the rigid steels are shaped to follow the shape of your back and inserted into the casings provided.

• Centralise the garment to your back at the waistline and secure the fastening (this means one strap or hook and eye to hold the corset in the correct place)
• Loosely fasten all straps, hooks and eyes or zip from the bottom edge upwards
• Check that the corset is still centred correctly, and then tighten up the straps or lacing, once again starting at the bottom edge. This helps to lift the abdomen into the correct position
• Next, fasten and tighten the fulcrum band and strap to give pressure to the lower back and abdomen.

Fitting of abdominal corsets

For reducible hernias it is necessary to lie on a bed and make sure the hernia is massaged into the abdomen, position any pads correctly and then fasten the corset as above.

Wearing your corset

Your corset should only be worn when it is needed (when undertaking strenuous activities). Your corset should not be worn all the time, as your body will become reliant on the corset and eventually become weaker. 

The corset should be comfortable and giving the correct amount of support.

Allergies

Please be aware of allergies which may occur when your skin comes into contact with metals, rubber, plastic, natural and man made fibres. If you have any problems with your corset, discontinue use and contact the department for a review appointment.

If you have any questions regarding your orthosis, then please contact us on the telephone numbers included.

Cleaning and maintenance

• Use a non-biological mild detergent
• Do not use a fabric conditioner
• Do not dry in direct sunlight
• Do not dry on a radiator
• Hand wash
• Do not bleach
• Do not iron
• Do not tumble dry
• After laundering, wrap the garment in a towel to absorb moisture and allow to dry naturally

You should keep your support in good repair. The orthotics department can repair it or replace worn fastenings or elastics. Please return it cleaned.

Eligibility

You are entitled to two pairs / items at any given time. If you wish to purchase more items above your NHS entitlement, you may do so by paying. Please contact the department for a quote and advice