POSTURAL RECOVERY GARMENT DEVICE SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANUFACTURE OF SAME

Abstract

A wearable garment device, design, and method of manufacture that to support proprioceptive posture recovery and rebalance. The wearable device can be stand alone or integrated as lining into any outer apparel for daily wear with the additional therapeutic posture correction. The wearable device maintains breathability, comfort for daily wear, improves function, range of motion, and aesthetic appeal. A wear tech garment device and method of manufacture.

Claims

1. A garment for correcting posture, comprising: a garment body; and an elastic strap extending horizontally across an upper posterior region of said garment body, comprising: a left end attached to a first attachment portion of said garment body; and a right end attached to a second attachment portion of said garment body;

2. The garment of claim 1, further comprising a strap casing attached to said garment body and enclosing said elastic strap.

3. The garment of claim 2, wherein said strap casing comprises an interior casing and an exterior casing.

4. The garment of claim 1, further comprising at least one vertical seam and a plurality of vertical segments defined by said at least one vertical seam.

5. The garment of claim 1, wherein said first attachment portion of said garment body is located at a point on said garment body corresponding to a medial point of a wearer's left scapula and said second attachment portion of said garment body is located at a point on said garment body corresponding to a medial point of a wearer's right scapula.

6. The garment of claim 1, wherein said first attachment portion of said garment body is located along a left arm seam on said garment body and said second attachment portion of said garment body is located along a right arm seam on said garment body.

7. The garment of claim 1, wherein a width of said elastic strap is variable to apply a desired amount of tension across said garment.

8. The garment of claim 1, wherein said elastic strap provides horizontal tension across said upper posterior portion of said garment body when said garment is worn.

9. The garment of claim 1, wherein said garment body comprises mesh material.

10. A garment system for correcting posture, comprising: an outer garment; and an inner garment attached to the inside of said outer garment, wherein said inner garment comprises an elastic strap attached to and extending horizontally across an upper posterior region of said inner garment.

11. The garment system of claim 10, wherein said elastic strap provides horizontal tension across said inner garment when said system is worn.

12. The garment system of claim 10, wherein said elastic strap comprises a plurality of vertical segments.

13. The garment system of claim 10, wherein said outer garment comprises a first elasticity and said inner garment comprises a second elasticity.

14. The garment system of claim 13, wherein said first elasticity is substantially equal to said second elasticity.

15. A method for manufacturing the garment system of claim 10, said method comprising sewing said inner and said outer garments together.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising providing said inner garment having a first elasticity and providing said outer garment having a second elasticity.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising matching said first and second elasticities such that they are substantially equal.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein said sewing step comprises attaching said inner garment to said outer garment along at least one seam of said outer garment.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein said sewing step comprises attaching said inner garment to said outer garment at a first attachment portion near a neckline of said outer garment and at second attachment portion near a lower hem of said outer garment.

20. The method claim 19, wherein said first attachment portion is located between 0.25 and 0.75 inches below said neckline of said outer garment and said second attachment portion is located between 0.25 and 0.75 inches above said lower hem of said outer garment.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] FIG. 1A-1B is an anterior view of the garment device and a zoomed in side-ways view of the elastic strap inside the casing.

[0089] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the elastic strap from the garment of FIG. 1.

[0090] FIG. 3 is an anterior view of the garment device superimposed over a human skeletal model for biomedically tailored reference points.

[0091] FIG. 4 is an anterior and translucent view of the garment device as sewn into multiple types of garments.

[0092] FIG. 5A-5B is a two-part diagram of rounded shoulders aka protracted shoulder girdle compared to good posture with relatively retracted scapulae.

[0093] FIG. 6A-6B are posterior anatomical views of the back and shoulder musculoskeletal architectures.

[0094] FIG. 7A-7B shows the garment device pulling the shoulders or a wearer.

[0095] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the signal processes involved in proprioception and the targeted effect of the garment device.

[0096] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the casing material shown with the elastic strap and enveloping the elastic strap.

[0097] FIG. 10 shows the poly-elastic strap, casing and vertical seams according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0098] The present invention is directed to a wearable garment device that accounts for the limitations of the currently available garments made with Lyrca Spandex and other constricting materials. Branded as PPRposture, performance, recovery, and IFGI Feel Good,this is a device that accounts for all four namesake items in its title: (1) proprioceptively correcting a wearer's posture; (2) giving wearers better performance with more motion generated power via better posture and anatomy form; (3) allowing for better recovery via correction of poor posture habits, and (4) the wearer feels good with energized muscle rebalance and lessen muscle tension in the neck and shoulder. The garment improves upon previous posture garments through its flexible nature, namely the ability to act as a garment addendum device, i.e. it can be conveniently sewn into any existing garment at the time of the manufacturing using wearable technology or come pre-packaged and integrated into another manufactured garment fresh off the production line. Not only does this single handedly solve the problem of unaesthetically pleasing posture garments plaguing the space since its inception (as the garment device is nearly unnoticeable and can accommodate any common garment), it does so while also solving the issues of shoulder rounding, slouching, restriction and non-breathability through allowing a full range of motion.

[0099] The garment device is unisex and not limited by a sizing factor, therefore it is also flexible in the way it corrects a wearer's posture. In other words, the garment device is custom fitted for each wearer by being sewn into the inside of the chosen garment, at various integrated intersections such as near the neck opening area or armpits. For correcting rounded shoulders, an elastic strap is sewn horizontally across the areas of the garment that correspond to connecting the medial points of each scapula, also known as the shoulder blade. Thus, patients or casual wearers are no longer tasked with finding the specific matching size and overly complex posture correcting garments; they can simply sew any garment device into their own chosen garment.

[0100] Aside from its flexible nature of fabrication in accommodating any garment for usage, the garment device achieves its main function of posture correction through a proprioceptive manner that involves creating a substantially parallel amount of tension in the body's anatomical musculature. The garment device mirrors and augments the muscle groups of the scapular rotators, spine muscles, Latissimus dorsii, Rhomboids, Trapezius, Posterior Deltoids, Teres Minor, Subscapularis, and Teres Major, among others to create a pull that naturally assists the wearer into scapula adduction (also known as retraction) for correct postural alignment. Once the wearer is in correct postural alignment, the garment device automatically relieves all tension in the garment and ceases the pull that gives the wearer correct posture in the first place. Thus, the wearer will barely notice the device once the wearer has achieved the muscle memory of correct posture. The main objective is bringing the shoulder blades closer together, closer to the spinous process, and thus bringing the head into a more posterior position, anatomically aligned over the spine, and lessen tension on the neck and shoulder muscles

[0101] The variable elastic strip of the garment device mimics the anatomical motion of the scapular rotators and spinal muscle groups. This is what applies the intense afferent signal to the proprioceptive system, thereby training the system. It is accomplished by the elastic strap cycling between a relief of tension and exertion of tension on the parallel muscle system.

[0102] Additional advantages of the garment device include:

[0103] Improves PerformanceIt is contemplated that the garment, by retracting the scapula, will assist in weight lifting training regimens and competition, by improving the wearer's form throughout the lift. A retracted scapula creates a more stable base and results in the recruitment of relatively more chest muscle groups, as opposed to the weaker shoulder muscle groups. Due to the user recruiting a stronger muscle as the primary mover for an exercise, there will be faster progress in training and improved performance for competitions.

[0104] Seesaw effectAs one treatment option, posture shirts were created to fill the burgeoning need of proprioceptive therapy. Posture shirts typically contain elastic straps and special stitching that helps maintain an upright body with correct alignment both skeletal and muscle-wise through the contraction and relaxation of certain muscles. Natural posture alignment in the thoracic spine is achieved when posterior muscle groups (i.e. trapezius, rhomboids, latissimus dorsi) and anterior muscle groups (serratus anterior, etc.) are both exerting the same amount of force, thus allowing the body to be balanced.

[0105] Aside from its flexible nature in accommodating any garment for usage, the garment device achieves its main function of posture correction through a proprioceptive manner that involves creating a parallel amount of tension in the body's anatomical musculature. The garment device mirrors and rebalance both scapular and spinal muscle groups to create an activation and relaxation of appropriate muscle groups that naturally assists and maintains the wearer into scapula adduction (also known as retraction) for correct postural alignment. Once the patient is in correct postural alignment, the garment device automatically relieves all tension in the garment and ceases the multi-pull that gives the wearer correct posture in the first place. Thus, the wearer will barely notice the device once the wearer has achieved the muscle memory of correct posture.

[0106] Attachment point or integrated intersectionThe main attachment point (integrated intersection) is chosen along the posterior rim of the collar, because this point of contact between the two garments is the most stable and least likely to experience shifting. The anatomical position of the attachment point is the nape of the neck, otherwise referred to as the nuchal point in medical terminology. In other embodiments, the potential attachment points include the areas circumscribing the upper seam of the shoulder, the neck, possible axilla and possible anterior pectoris. In other embodiments, pending anatomy of the wear, the inner garment integration point can be selective to be one to various points along the seam of the outer garment.

[0107] Posture and Proprioceptive Therapythe garment devise provides improved results for musculature around the shoulder and spine. The shoulder, or glenohumeral joint, provides the arm with a large range of motion, yet this joint possesses very little intrinsic stability, resembling a ball on a plate more than a ball in a socket. Most stability in the shoulder is provided by the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint. Proper muscle activation and relaxation are necessary to maintain positioning scapula and shoulder joint. Adjustments are continuously made to glenohumeral joint position based on feedback information from proprioceptive receptors in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and receptors in the skin. Proprioception is a complex entity with many interacting components. The brain uses efference copy to initiate and verify active motions. Such verification requires information about musculoskeletal motion sent back to the brain by a variety of sensory receptors in the muscles and skin. The current belief is that muscle spindles, movement encoders in parallel with the muscle, are the predominant proprioceptors with important contributions from cutaneous receptors. Muscle spindle intrafusal fibers in the shortening muscle contract during active motion, possibly to maintain muscle spindle sensitivity. [0108] Scapular rotators and spinal muscle retraining therapyThe scapular rotators and spinal muscles provide stability of posture in ADL and in sports performance. Rhomboid and Trapezius muscles of the shoulder blades are also responsible for the retraction of the shoulder blades. Those muscle groups contract and draw the scapula towards the spine thus drawing the whole shoulder toward the posterior. Most people with less than desirable posture do not adequately contract or rebalance the aforementioned muscle groups to maintain neutral anatomy and proper posture. The garment device consists of two primary types of fabrics that mimic the motion and contraction of the scapular rotators and spinal groups. The vertically segmented elastic strap is mounted in the center, posterior of the garment device. The vertically segmented elastic strap precisely overlays the rhomboids, upper and middle trapezius. When the shirt is donned by the user, the elastic strap is slightly stretched (or extended). Due to the stretch of the elastic, pull is created toward the spine, minoring the contraction and relaxation of the scapular rotators and spinal muscle groups in combination to provide better posture and shoulder blade alignment. If the user holds perfect posture with his/her own musculature the vertically segmented elastic strap applies very little pressure. As the user allows his/her shoulders to roll forward, the vertically segmented elastic strap applies greater tension. [0109] The garment device mesh body (or similar fabric) encapsulates the upper arm, shoulder and upper back. This allows the vertically segmented elastic strap to attach to the medial point of the scapula. The tension and force of the strap is distributed across the entire front and rear shoulder area diffusing uncomfortable pressure points and providing retraction by pulling from the front and rear of the shoulder simultaneously.

[0110] This method of retraction differs from other products. Competitors use vertical straps sewn into a garment that run from the upper shoulder or chest, down the back and terminating at the buttox. The force of these straps are applied to the upper insertion points of the straps (which they call NeuroBands). The problem with these types of shirts is that the entire body has to be tight and if the wearer does not exactly fit the garment it is ineffective. The garment device's benefit is that it applies diffused horizontal tension that mirrors the anatomy and the body of the garment can be loose or tight depending upon the user's preference.

[0111] Thus, the present invention provides, in a first aspect, a garment device for correcting a wearer's posture, the garment device comprising:

[0112] a mesh body; and

[0113] a variable tension poly-elastic strap configured to correct the wearer's posture by pulling the scapula into correct postural alignment.

[0114] The mesh body of the herein disclosed garment may be constructed as a shirt (such as a T-shirt) configured to cover the torso and specifically the back and/or chest and/or torso sides, or portions thereof. The mesh body is further configured to cover the arms, and/or shoulders, or portions thereof. Optionally, the garment may be constructed as an opened shirt, optionally essentially lacking the central chest portion. In such configuration, the garment may present the form of a tight top cloth that covers the back, shoulders, and/or arms, or portions thereof. The mesh body may thus present various forms of garment configuration. The mesh body can be stand-alone garment or sewn into an outer garment at the time of the production of the outer garment with technology displayed here.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the mesh body includes sleeves. Various sleeve lengths are contemplated. For example, the sleeves' length may extend at least below the deltoid of the wearer. The sleeves of the mesh body may extend to fit a long sleeve or a short sleeve shirt. In certain embodiments, the mesh body is sleeveless.

[0116] The mesh body may present variable lengths and various coverage of the outer garment. The length can be selected from a group consisting of: a shortened length stopping just above or below the chest, a shortened length stopping just above or below the inferior angle of the scapula, an extended length stopping below or about the waist, and a medium length stopping at or about the lower back/bellybutton. The mesh body integration into the outer garment may be present as inner lining of back of the outer garment and not present in the front of the outer garment, or it can be present as the inner lining of the entire outer garment, or in various combination.

[0117] The mesh body is configured such that it has a comfortable slim body fitting. The mesh may be very thin making it invisible under even the thinnest of secondary or outer garments. The thin nature of the garment device also allows it to be adapted to any style of shirt.

[0118] Advantageously, the body of the garment is constructed from a breathable fabric such as a mesh, allowing improved comfort and appearance. Provided with various optional degrees of textures and fabrics and depending upon the force and tension required based upon the chosen activity, the body habitus, anatomy, the mesh can be constructed to have various tension to allow more posture alignment or just being soft and supple.

[0119] Various types of fabric materials are contemplated and can be used as the garment body in the herein disclosed garment. For example, the mesh body may be made from materials chosen from the group consisting of nylon, spandex, cotton, polyester, chiffon, denim, lace, leather, wool, or a combination thereof. In a certain embodiment, the mesh body is made from a combination of nylon and spandex. In a certain embodiment, the mesh body may include between about 50% and about 90% of nylon. For example, between about 60% and about 90%, or between about 60% and about 80% of nylon. In a certain embodiment, the mesh body may include between about 15% and about 40% of spandex. For example, between about 15% and about 35%, or between about 20% and about 30% of spandex. In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh is made from about 70% nylon and about 30% spandex. In yet a further exemplary embodiment, the mesh body is made from about 72% nylon and about 28% spandex, and in combination with other materials synthetic or non-synthetic. Each of these combinations provides the mesh body with a certain elasticity.

[0120] The garment device is configured to be conveniently integrated with a secondary garment or outer apparel, which also has a certain elasticity that may be substantially the same as or different from the elasticity of the inner garment device, via at least one integrated intersection (e.g., a seam). The device, once attached to a secondary garment or outer apparel can be donned easily, allowing the simultaneous wearing of the herein disclosed device as well as the attached secondary garment.

[0121] The garment device includes a mesh variable tension poly-elastic strap wearable technology which is the main posture correcting feature of the inner garment device. The strap may be manufactured from a stretchy fabric, such as a two way or a four way stretch. In certain embodiments, the strap may be manufactured from a material that is 78% polyester and 22% nylon-elastic. In certain embodiments, the strap may be manufactured from a material that is 70% polyester and 30% nylon elastic. In certain embodiments, the strap may be manufactured from a material that is polyester nylon spandex or other materials in combination. Additional variations of polyester and nylon-elastic are contemplated.

[0122] To regulate and disperse the tension of the strap, the strap may be segmented by either multiple vertical seams or no seams. Further, one or more seams which may be vertical and/or horizontal may be used to affix the strap to the mesh body. In an embodiment of the invention, the number of seams depends on the wearer's gender, size and/or degree of required posture correction. For example, one strap may require two or four vertical seams. The vertical seams create a plurality of segments within the strap. For example, the strap may include three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more segments.

[0123] In certain embodiments, the variable tension poly-elastic strap is oriented in a manner chosen from the group consisting of: primarily horizontal, primarily vertical, primarily diagonal, or a combination thereof

[0124] The orientation, position, and/or size of the strap along the garment is of an essential importance in effecting the posture correction. In an embodiment of the invention, the strap is attached to the upper back, and optionally also to the shoulder and/or arms of the wearer's body. In an embodiment of the invention, the strap allows retraction of the shoulder blades and facilitates force distribution over the entire shoulder. Further, the strap may eliminate uncomfortable tension points that are often associated with current posture correcting garments. The garment device with the elastic strap may also mimic the contraction and relaxation of the scapular and spinal muscle groups. In an embodiment of the invention, the strap is provided mounted in the posterior portion of the garment device. In one or more embodiments, the strap may be disposed and extend from the posterior superior angle of the scapular or base of the neck downwardly towards a center posterior of the garment device. In one or more embodiments, the strap may be disposed just below the neck. In one or more embodiments, the strap may be disposed along an upper back of a wearer, covering the entire shoulder blades. Alternatively, or additionally, the strap may be disposed about a wearer's shoulder blades and spinous process. In one or more embodiments, the strap may be disposed about a wearer's shoulder blades, and arms. The strap may be terminated above or below T-4-8 vertebrae of a wearer's spine. Optionally, the strap is constructed to terminate just below about, or just above about, or about the T-7 vertebrae of a wearer's spine. For example, the strap is can be constructed to start above C7-T6 vertebrae of a wearer's spine. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap can be constructed to end just above the T4 and below T-10 vertebrae.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the variable tension poly-elastic strap is of various widths based upon the size of the wearer and/or degree of required posture correction. The width of the poly-elastic strap may be within the rage of about 1 to about 8 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the average width of the poly-elastic strap is about 4 inches. but can be of various width pending on wearer's shoulder anatomy.

[0126] The herein disclosed garment device effects vertical and/or horizontal scapular retraction toward the spinous processes and/or allows narrowing the distance between the left and right scapula. The herein disclosed garment device successfully affords narrowing the distance between the left and right scapula. As measured empirically, utilizing the Scapula Lennie test, the garment device presents, in average, about 11 mm (range of between about 5 mm and about 25 mm) narrowing of the distance between the left and right scapula. Thus, in certain embodiments, the herein disclosed device effects at least about 5 mm narrowing of the distance between the left and right scapula.

[0127] Referring now to FIG. 1, this is an anterior view of the garment device 100. It is made out of a strong power mesh 105, which can be composed of a variety of different fabrics and has moderately heavy compression qualities, creating an inner structure lining device, that is sewn into a garment via one or more attachment points 120. The garment acts as an inner structure in that it is nearly unnoticeable inside both short and long sleeve garments. In its current embodiment, the garment device has arm seams 125 that stop just below the deltoid and at the mid-bicep level. The anterior and posterior shoulder of the garment is easy pull fitting and provides compression to the wearer. Although the current embodiment of the garment device is constructed in this fashion, the garment device can be adopted to fit a various length sleeves outer garment. Also shown in FIG. 1 is 110, which is a variable tension poly elastic strap. In certain embodiments, the strap has a thickness of 4 inches. Also shown are 115 which are the vertical seam lines. In certain embodiments, there are two vertical seam lines for garment devices for women and 4 seam lines for garment devices for men (see FIG. 10 showing the seams as vertical lines). Element 130 is the poly-tensile sheath casing which in certain embodiments envelopes the strap.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 2, the strap casing and device integration 200 is shown. A connection point (black circle) 205, stitching, either blind or welded (dotted lines) 210, superior mesh 215, exterior casing 220, interior casing 225, elastic strap 230, and inferior mesh 235 is shown. As demonstrated schematically, the elastic strap 230 is enveloped by the exterior casing 220, and interior casing 225 at opposing vertical edges thereof. Further demonstrated an embodiment wherein the horizontal opposing edges of the elastic strap 230 are stitched to superior mesh 215 and inferior mesh 235.

[0129] Referring now to FIG. 3, this is an anterior view of the garment device. As it's connected to the back, the anterior portion of the device is made out of the same strong power mesh with the same sleeve length as the posterior of the garment. It has the same attachment point as the back of the garment, and just as the back, it's constructed with a shortened length in this current embodiment stopping just below the T-8 vertebrae (can be below or above any T vertebras pending on the wearer's anatomy). There is a four-inch-wide poly elastic strap that is horizontally sewn into the garment, attached to the arm seam fabric such that each scapula is connected. This poly elastic strap is further segmented by four, evenly spaced vertical seam lines that regulate and disperse the tension of the strap, thus preventing the application of excessive force to the wearer when the shoulders are in neutral position. This poly elastic strap is sheathed by a casing that provides comfort to the wearer. In certain embodiments, the casing is made of the same fabric as a secondary garment to which the garment device is attached to.

[0130] Furthermore, the strap length is graded (sized) specifically to each garment size that the device is being sewn into, providing a custom-built solution to each piece of fabric and giving the wearer a comfortable way for proprioception with regulated shoulder retraction. The poly elastic strap assists the wearer in a natural, scapula retraction that uses the body to achieve correct postural alignment through mirroring and augmenting the muscles that are primarily associated with such contraction.

[0131] Referring now to FIG. 3, a full-length mesh body garment is shown superimposed onto a human skeletal model for biomedically tailored reference points 300. The primary attachment point, or integration intersection, is chosen along the posterior rim of the collar, because this point of contact between the two garments is the most stable and least likely to experience shifting. The anatomical position of the attachment point is the nape of the neck, otherwise referred to as the nuchal point in medical terminology. The device can be sewn in via nuchal attachment point 305 or axilla attachment point 310 to any traditional garment and essentially be unnoticeable to the casual observer. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the device has a shortened, chest length construction so that it can easily be sewn into any upper garment. More specifically, the garment device terminates just below the pectoralis major. However, in this embodiment it is shown with a longer length and three possible alternate termination points, 315, 320, 325. Similar to the shirt length, the sleeve length 330, 335, 340 can also be adjusted to the wearer's preference or the intended overlaying garment. While the elastic strap 345 is depicted in primarily the dimensions shown in the drawings as 4 inches wide, this width may vary in addition to the elastic material, in order to change the degree of tensile strength and resulting force applied to the wearer. The length of the elastic strap, however, should remain relatively constant, being altered only to accommodate variable sizes in the wearer. It is contemplated that variations will range from petite to large, although a custom elastic strap length can easily be fabricated.

[0132] It is contemplated that the garment, by retracting the scapula, will assist in weight lifting training regimens and competition, by improving the wearer's form throughout the lift. A retracted scapula creates a more stable base and results in the recruitment of relatively more chest muscle groups, as opposed to the weaker shoulder muscle groups. Due to the user recruiting a stronger muscle as the primary mover for an exercise, there will be faster progress in training and improved performance for competitions.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 4 are various types of garment (secondary/outer garment) which the garment device is configured to be sewn into or manufactured into in a pre-assembled state. In certain embodiments, the inner garment device is attached to the outer garment near the neckline of the outer garment and/or near the lower hem of the outer garment. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the inner garment device is attached to the outer garment between 0.25 and 0.75 inches below the neckline of the outer garment and/or between 0.25 and 0.75 inches above the lower hem of the outer garment. In certain embodiments, the outer garment may have a v-neckline, crew neckline, or polo collar, and may be long sleeve, short sleeve, or sleeveless. Other configurations are also possible.

[0134] Dynamic Proprioceptive Muscle Correction

[0135] Referring to FIG. 5, a diagram of Rounded shoulders aka protracted shoulder girdle VS. Good Posture is shown. Elements shown are Midline 0, Protracted shoulders 1, Retracted shoulders 2, Compensatory head posture (stooping or tilting), chronic forward head posture, postural distortion, anterior head carriage 3, Correct head posture 4, Arms in front of midline 5, Arm behind the midline 6, Chest is more open and breathing enhanced 7.

[0136] FIG. 6A depicts the trapezius and rhomboid musculature and surrounding skeletal anatomy. FIG. 6B depicts the shoulder, also known as the glenohumoral joint, is the most flexible and mobile junction in the human body having up to 180 degrees of flexion; and as such is prone to several common malfunctions. The shallow glenoid cavity, while allowing maximum range of movement, is also extremely vulnerable to insults, thus the surrounding glenohumeral ligaments and muscles must be strengthened to a degree that will prevent dislocation.

[0137] FIG. 7A-7B depicts the mechanism of action and the dynamic effect 700 it has on a wearer's posture. The garment device consists of types of fabrics that mimic the motion, relaxation, and contraction of the scapular rotators and spine erectors.

[0138] The vertically segmented elastic strap 705, is mounted in the center, upper, posterior of the garment device. The vertically segmented elastic straps 705 and 710, precisely overlays the scapular rotators. When the shirt is donned by the user, the elastic strap 705 is slightly stretched (or extended). Due to the stretch of the elastic, pull 720 is created toward the spine, mirroring the rebalance of shoulder and spinal muscles. If the user holds perfect posture with his/her own musculature the vertically segmented elastic strap 710 applies very little pressure. As the user allows his/her shoulders to roll forward 715, the vertically segmented elastic strap applies greater tension 720.

[0139] The Mesh (or similar fabric) 725 encapsulates the upper arm, shoulder and upper back. This allows the vertically segmented elastic strap to attach to the medial point of the scapula. The tension and force of the strap is distributed across the entire front and rear shoulder area diffusing uncomfortable pressure points and providing retraction by pulling from the front and rear of the shoulder simultaneously.

[0140] This method of retraction differs from other products. Competitors use vertical straps sewn into a garment that run from the upper shoulder or chest, down the back and terminating at the buttocks. The force of these straps are applied to the upper insertion points of the straps (which they call NeuroBands). The problem with these types of shirts is that the entire body has to be tight and if the wearer does not exactly fit the garment it is ineffective. The herein disclosed inner garment device extends along a length of the upper back. Specifically, the inner garment (PPR or IFG) device overlays a length of the rhomboids and upper trapezius and ends at about or above about the T-8 vertebrae of a wearer's spine. The PPR or IFG's benefit is that it applies diffused horizontal tension that mirrors the anatomy and the body of the garment can be loose or tight depending upon the user's preference.

[0141] The complete arc of movement that the shoulder joint is capable of resembles that of a seesaw motion. Medical terminology refers to this as the scapulohumeral rhythm and it can be thought of in two complimentary and overlapping steps. Initially the humerous is retracted in the posterior direction for the first 25-50% of the flexion, then the scapula.

[0142] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of the signal processes involved in proprioception and the targeted effect of the garment device. The flow diagram is based on the corollary discharge model and can be used as a proprioceptive therapy prediction.

[0143] FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the casing material 920, and 930 shown with the elastic strap 910 and enveloping the elastic strap 910.

[0144] FIG. 10 shows the poly-elastic strap 1010, casing 1020 and four vertical seams 1030 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 10 shows the vertical seams 1030 being evenly spaced throughout.

[0145] Having thus described several embodiments for practicing the inventive method, its advantages and objectives can be easily understood. Variations from the description above may and can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0146] Accordingly, this invention is not to be limited by the embodiments as described, which are given by way of example only and not by way of limitation.