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FAQs

Health and Pain Management

How is this different from a brace?

A typical hard plastic or corset style medical back brace is intended to stop motion and immobilize the spine. In theory, this is to allow time for healing. In reality, preventing motion can actually be harmful since it limits the use of the muscles in that area. When these types of traditional braces are removed, the body may actually be weaker since it was relying on the brace for structural support.

With ActivAided, use of the body’s own muscles for support is necessary and motion is encouraged. In fact, after treatment with ActivAided, the body is better conditioned to maintain an active, healthy, pain-free lifestyle!

Why does posture matter anyway?

Good posture means all bones, muscles, and tissues in the torso are aligned and in balance. If this balance is disrupted, it leads to an accumulation of stress and damage in the tissues of the back, causing acute or chronic pain. Restoring proper alignment can counteract this damage and prevent future imbalance.

I'm already going to a physical therapist/chiropractor, do I need this?

It is always necessary to consult with your care provider before beginning any new form of treatment, but ActivAided is typically a great supplement to a physical therapy or chiropractic rehabilitation routine. It helps maintain comfort between appointments and even enhances the effectiveness of therapy since ActivAided will keep you on track during the times you’re not at the clinic.

Will ActivAided help my pain?

ActivAided can be very effective for patients with back pain as a result of poor posture, chronic muscle irritation, soft tissue irritation, overuse or repetitive motions. ActivAided can also be used, after consulting with a physician, to treat mechanical disorders of the spine, including intervertebral disc bulges or herniation, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, and compression fractures. Speak with your care provider to determine if ActivAided is right for you.

Product Support and Resources

What size am I?

ActivAided was designed with aesthetics and function in mind. There are distinct men’s and women’s styles and sizes to be flattering and supportive! Find your gender, then select your size based on your height and natural waist measurements. The natural waist is about an inch above your belly button.

Sizing Chart 3Column-02 

 

If you are between sizes, size up or down depending on your preference for tight vs loose clothing.
If your measurements do not fall within our size chart, contact ActivAided Orthotics about ordering a custom product.

 

For more in-depth information on ActivAided sizing and how to take a natural waist measurement, visit our Sizing Guide.

What's this moldable thing about?

To offer optimal support and comfort, the Back Panel should be molded to fit the curve of your lower back. This can be easily done in your own home by using your oven to heat the panel and make it flexible for molding.

IMPORTANT: The Back Panel should only be heated in a conventional or convection oven. Do not use a microwave oven to heat the panel as this may damage both the panel and your microwave.

For step by step diagrams of the molding process, please visit our Getting Started with ActivAided page. 

How do I put it on?

We know ActivAided can seem intimidating when you first receive it, but don’t worry. You can easily get set up at home, and taking ActivAided on and off will quickly become second nature to you. For the first wear, grab a friend to have on hand and help. They’ll be able to ensure everything is placed correctly on your back, where you can’t easily see.

For detailed instructions and step by step diagrams, please visit our Getting Started with ActivAided page. 

Do I have to wear ActivAided every day?

Yes, an important aspect of forming good postural habits is consistently using ActivAided during some portion of every day. We generally recommend 4-8 hours. Then after 2-3 months of consistent wear, users typically begin to notice they can maintain proper posture on their own. As this happens for you, gradually reduce usage and only wear ActivAided as needed to prevent the onset of pain.

While we recommend 4-8 hours of wear during some portion of every day, we do recommend that you build up to that goal. ActivAided is going to change how you sit and stand, and since you have been doing both for a while now, you need to ease your body into that change. If you do too much too soon, you may feel sore. On the first day, try wearing ActivAided for just 1 hour. Then add an hour each day until you reach the goal of 4-8 hours a day.

How long will it take to start seeing results?

Most people immediately see and feel an improvement when they first put ActivAided on, both in their posture and their back pain! Then the improvements continue to build with each use as old habits are broken and new correct posture habits take their place. Our Beta Test Results show that, on average, the biggest improvements in back pain are felt between 2 and 4 weeks of use.

When are good times to wear ActivAided?

The best times to wear ActivAided are during the activities that you experience the most pain. Since it actually teaches correct movement and technique, it is a good idea to wear it whenever you’re doing something in which you are not sure of the best way to move and perform.  But whenever you choose to wear it, ActivAided will be helping you develop the correct posture habits that will leave you pain free! You determine when is right for you.

Before Activity

ActivAided increases awareness and primes the body, encouraging it to avoid the potentially harmful motion patterns associated with activity.

During Activity

ActivAided guides pain-free movement and teaches good technique.

Post-Activity

After exercise your muscles are fatigued, vulnerable, and more likely to fall into poor postural habits. ActivAided prevents that from happening and assists in recuperation during this time.

During Rest or Prolonged Periods of Sitting and Standing

When static for extended periods, ActivAided spares the spine from the excess stress caused by poor posture.

Can I wear ActivAided when I'm sleeping?

Although safe, no additional benefit of the product will be seen if worn while sleeping. ActivAided is intended to teach the body how to protect the back when gravity and daily activities put stress on the spine.

Is ActivAided machine washable?

ActivAided is machine washable, but do not use fabric softener. Detach the Back Panel from the shirt. Attach all Velcro ends to prevent lint build up. Wash in cold water. Let air dry.

You can wash the Back Panel by hand with soap and water. Let air dry.

IMPORTANT: Rigid panels must be removed before washing

My ActivAided is riding up, what can I do?

There are a couple of tricks you can use to stop your ActivAided from riding up.

  1. Ensure that the Shoulder Straps are NOT attached to the Back Panel. They should attach to the Velcro loop fabric patch on the back of the shirt.
  2. Tuck the shirt in and leave the Lumbar Belt on the outside of your pants.
  3. Contact us about adding Silicone Stays. They are small strips of silicone-backed Velcro that attach on the inside of the shirt and add friction to prevent riding up.

Tip Riding Up-20

What can I do for underarm discomfort?

Often discomfort under the arms decreases as your posture improves. It is usually the result of the Shoulder Straps reminding you to correct your posture when you are slouching.

If it is because you are still reconditioning bad habits, we recommend that you loosen the tension of the Shoulder Straps. Try attaching them closer to the edge of the back Velcro loop fabric patch or detaching them entirely for short periods of time throughout the day. As you build up your tolerance, you can keep them attached for longer periods of time and increase the tension by gradually lowering where they attach on the back loop fabric patch.

If you think your posture is perfect but you are still experiencing discomfort, perhaps where you have the Shoulder Straps attached just needs to be tweaked for comfort. Try attaching them lower and closer to the edge of the back loop fabric patch, or directly to the Back Panel.

Tips Underarm Discomfort-19

Customer Support and Ordering

How do I order?

There are two ways to get ActivAided. You can buy ActivAided Elite directly from our Online Store. Or you can speak with your doctor about getting a prescription for ActivAided Rx.

Please note that ActivAided Elite is not typically approved for insurance reimbursement.

What if I'm not satisfied?

ActivAided Orthotics offers a 3 Business Day Return Policy to all customers. You may return the product for any reason within 3 days of receiving it.

For more information, please visit Our Policies page. 

Will my insurance cover this?

ActivAided Rx has been PDAC approved to meet various HCPCS codes for Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (LSO) medical back braces. ActivAided Rx is therefore generally approved for coverage with a valid prescription and corresponding diagnosis.

The amount of coverage for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) is very policy specific, however. You may have to meet a deductible, share in a coinsurance, or pay the initial bill and then apply for reimbursement. Insurance coverage is not a guarantee of full payment. The only way to determine the costs to you would be to call your insurance provider.

Please visit our page on Insurance Coverage to find out more.

Do I need a prescription?

No, ActivAided Elite can be purchased online without requiring a physician prescription. Visit our Online Store to place an order.

Please note that ActivAided Elite is not typically approved for insurance reimbursement.