
A turtle shell back brace is a device that wraps around the wearer's back, chest, and stomach area to hold their spine in place. It is typically used after a spinal injury to restrict movement and immobilise the spine so that healing can occur naturally. This brace is often used to treat spinal fractures and can also extend to the upper thigh to provide additional support to the lower spine. The brace is designed to prevent the wearer from bending forward or backward and twisting from side to side. It is important to wear the brace according to the provider's instructions and always have someone assist in putting it on and taking it off.
What You'll Learn
Lie flat on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the bed
To put on a turtle shell back brace, also known as a clamshell brace, lie flat on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed. This is a good starting position for putting on a back brace, as it keeps your spine in a neutral position and prevents you from twisting your back or bending forward or backward.
For a two-piece clamshell brace, you will need assistance from another person. First, lie flat on your bed and log roll onto your side. Then, have your helper place the back half of the brace onto your back, before you log roll back. Check that the brace is centred correctly by locating the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace, which should be between your lowest rib and hip bone, and in line with your belly button. You may need to adjust the brace by rolling to your other side or moving it up or down.
Once the back half of the brace is in the correct position, lie flat on it with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Ask your helper to place the front half of the brace on top of your chest and abdomen, ensuring that the sides of the top half overlap the bottom half. Pull and fasten the fabric straps on the sides of the brace. Your helper may need to assist with this step.
Finally, check that the brace is in the correct position. When you sit up, the front edge of the brace should touch the tops of your legs, while the back edge should reach about an inch above the seat.
For a one-piece clamshell brace, you will also need assistance from another person. Lie on your back with bent knees and feet flat on the bed. Ask your helper to slide the brace under your thighs, and then raise your buttocks slightly so that they can slide the open brace under your buttocks and back. Check that the brace is centred correctly, with the indented spots in line with your belly button, and then pull and fasten the fabric straps at the front. Check the brace is in the correct position, and you're ready to go!
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Have someone slide the brace under your thighs
To put on a one-piece clamshell or turtle shell brace, you will need the assistance of another person. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed. Ask your helper to slide the brace under your thighs. Then, raise your buttocks slightly so that they can slide the open brace under your buttocks and back.
The brace should have indented spots on the right and left sides. These spots should fall between your lowest rib and pelvic bone and line up with your belly button. If the brace is not in the correct position, move it up or down to adjust it.
Once the brace is in the right place, pull and fasten the fabric straps at the front. Some braces have lines on the straps to indicate how tight they should be. Check again that the brace is correctly positioned. When you sit, the front edge of the brace should touch the tops of your legs, and the back edge should reach about an inch above the seat.
To remove the brace, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Loosen the fabric straps at the front of the brace and open it. Then, raise your buttocks slightly so that your helper can slide the brace out.
It is important to always wear a clean, dry cotton shirt under your brace. This will help to absorb sweat and protect your skin. You should also check your skin for any redness or irritation, and ensure that the brace is not too tight or too loose.
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Raise your buttocks to allow the brace to be slid under them
To put on a one-piece clamshell brace, you will need the assistance of another person. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed. Ask your helper to slide the brace under your thighs. Then, raise your buttocks slightly so that the brace can be slid under them and your back.
It is important to ensure that the brace is properly positioned. Check the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace. These spots should be between your lowest rib and pelvic bone, lining up with your belly button. If the brace is not centred correctly, ask your helper to adjust it by moving it up or down.
Once the brace is in the correct position, pull and fasten the fabric straps at the front. Some providers draw a line on the straps to indicate how tight they should be pulled. Check again that the brace is properly positioned. When you sit, the front edge of the brace should touch the tops of your legs, while the back edge should reach about an inch above the seat.
To remove the one-piece brace, lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the bed. Loosen the fabric straps at the front of the brace and open it. Then, raise your buttocks slightly so that your helper can slide the brace out.
It is important to always wear a clean, dry cotton shirt under your brace to help absorb sweat and protect your skin. Check your skin daily under the brace for any redness or irritation. If you notice any skin issues, check the position of your brace and ensure it is not too tight or too loose.
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Check the brace is centred correctly and adjust if needed
To check that your turtle shell back brace is centred correctly, you should first locate the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace. These spots should be between your lowest rib and hip bone and should line up with your belly button.
If the brace is not centred correctly, you can adjust it by rolling to your other side and moving the brace up or down. You can also adjust the brace by lying flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed. From this position, you can check the indented spots again and move the brace up or down as needed.
It is important to ensure that your brace is centred correctly and fits properly to provide optimal comfort and support for your spine.
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Pull and fasten the fabric straps
To put on a turtle shell back brace, you must first lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the bed. Then, have someone slide the brace under your thighs and help you raise your buttocks so that the brace can be slid under them and your back. Check the indented spots on the right and left sides of the brace—these should be between your lowest rib and pelvic bone and line up with your belly button. If the brace is not centred correctly, move it up or down to adjust it.
Now, pull and fasten the fabric straps on the front of the brace. Some brace providers draw a line on the straps to indicate how tight they should be pulled. Make sure that the brace is snug and secure before continuing.
Once the brace is in place, you will be able to sit with the front edge of the brace touching the tops of your legs. The back edge should reach about an inch above the seat.
To remove the brace, lie on your back and loosen the fabric straps at the front. Open the brace and raise your buttocks so that the brace can be slid out from under you.
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