CHAPTER 9

DESCRIPTION OF SUPPORTS FOR MEN

For complete information on orthopaedic supports for men see Chapter 17, page 229.

Spencer Belt for Men

Man in Spencer Belt
Fig. 128

The Spencer Belt for Men (see Fig. 128) is recommended for any condition where abdominal support and uplift are needed. It improves posture and appearance and is worn by many men for driving, sports, and as a preventive measure against fatigue and muscular strain.

It is made with an abdominal supporting section of nonelastic webbing. Length at back is shorter than in a woman's belt, average 8 inches below waist at back (see " To Control, Outline and Measure a Man" on page 88).

Measurements. All measurements on Order Form should be given, except Hipbone to Hipbone.

Many men do not want the belt designed any higher in front than necessary. If the client is thin, the abdominal supporting section may be started one inch below the waist. This should be requested by printing " Start front one inch below waist " in the space for Additional Instructions.

Perineal Straps. Detachable Perineal Straps (see page 217) are supplied when the Waist Measurement is 32 inches or less. They will be placed on belts of larger size (if requested on original form) without extra charge.


Fig. 129

Postural Syndrome. The correct type of support for this condition must provide posture improvement with uplift and abdominal support. This helps improve circulation, and provides a positive aid for the diaphragm and other respiratory muscles. To assist respiration, triangular elastic gores (extra charge see price list) are inserted each side of centre of the abdominal supporting section at top and extend about half-way down (see Fig. 129).

When a belt is ordered for postural syndrome the heights at front and under-bust should be the same to provide a straight edge for insertion of the elastic gores.

It is impracticable to place extra boning in the abdominal sup- porting section.

This type of support is also valuable when the doctor's prescrip- tion indicates a need for a support which will allow freedom at the waist and diaphragm.

Adjustment. See adjustment—" The Spencer Belt " Booklet No. 515,

To Order. Check " Abdominal Belt " on Order Form 450.

If the Postural Syndrome feature is wanted, check the indicated space on the order form.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF SPENCER BELT FOR MEN

  1. Simple to adjust by means of flat straps and slides.
  2. Slides lock automatically—will not loosen or slip.
  3. Each strap adjusts separately so that the desired degree of uplift may be obtained.
  4. Separate front and back sections permit the greatest degree of adjustability and provide the utmost in abdominal support. Also provide good back support.
  5. Like all Spencer Supports, the Spencer Belt for Men is designed to place the pull of abdominal support on the pelvis not on the spine, at or above the waistline.
  6. Elastic gores may be ordered at top of abdominal supporting section to assist respiration.
  7. . The belt is used for general and postoperative support and as an aid to the treatment of ptosis, hernia, obesity, movable kidney and postural syndrome.
    It may be designed with suitable colostomy features.
  8. Abdominal Spring, Ptosis, Kidney, Fat Restraining, Laparotomy or Hernia Pads may be used when recommended by the doctor.
  9. Fulcrum Uplift straps may be added for unusually large pendulous abdomen.
  10. Extra Straight Straps may be provided when figure is slight to help keep belt down on figure. An Extra Straight Strap is usually provided when the Abdominal Spring Pad or Ptosis Pad is ordered.
  11. Perineal Straps (regularly supplied when waist is 32 inches or less) may be ordered on larger sizes when needed to help hold belt down on figure.
  12. Hernia Tabs and Pads should be ordered when belt is to be used for inguinal or femoral hernia.
  13. May be boned to any degree desired. Rigid Steels may be used.

Emergency Belts for Men

Emergency Belts for Men are made of a suitable material.

They are made in waist sizes 28 inches (Small), 34 inches (Medium), and 40 inches (large) to take care of clients with Waist Measurements from 26 to 44 inches.

A lacer is placed at centre-back to provide additional adjustment. A Stiff Steel is placed on either side of this lacer.

These belts meet the needs of most clients while their individually designed supports are being made.

To order, use Order Form 137, specifying the size as " Large," " Medium " or " Small."

Spencer-flex

The Spencerflex, designed only for men, is distinctive in appearance. The broad, comfortable back, connected to the abdominal supporting section by long, wide tabs, makes this support particularly valuable to men who require support for abdomen and back, yet need freedom for action. The Spencerflex is, therefore, very popular for athletic wear. It fits snugly with the body in any position.

The support is adjusted by straps and slides. Separating fasteners, which pivot with the motion of the body, provide quick and easy means for putting on and removing the support.

After straps have been adjusted to the correct lengths they need not be changed ordinarily unless there is a change in the figure. In daily use the snap loops on only one side need be fastened and unfastened. In some cases where an Abdominal Spring Pad is used, it may be more convenient, when the support is being removed, to loosen the straps in the slides and retighten them when it is put on again.

This light, flexible, wholly masculine support improves posture and is beneficial when suitable pads are used in cases of angina pectoris, postural hypotension, movable kidney, and ptosis ; also for conditions in which general abdominal and low back support are indicated. It will protect any controllable ventral or umbilical hernia that can be covered by the abdominal supporting section. It is helpful as a preventive measure against fatigue and muscular strain. It is especially helpful when worn by men engaged in active occupations, or when worn for sports or driving.

In certain cases where it is desirable to aid the diaphragm action to assist breathing and circulation, the top tabs may be made of elastic. To order, write " Top Tabs of Elastic " under Additional Instructions on the order form.

The Spencerflex provides relief from certain types of low back pain. Pest results are obtained when the client's condition will be helped by improvement of posture or by a tight support around the pelvis. Such conditions include weakened lower back muscles, postural weakness, sacroiliac strain, and low back strains or sprains, sometimes diagnosed as mild lumbosacral strain.

The Spencerflex should never be used for any condition calling for immobilization of the spine. Immobilization requires a high and heavily boned support. This is not practicable in the Spencerflex. In such cases the use of the Lumbosacral Support or Spinal Support is indicated. Both of these supports are recommended to come one inch below the shoulder blades or higher. The doctor should make the decision as to whether the Spencerflex is sufficient or a higher support is necessary.

The Spencerflex should not be ordered in cases of extreme obesity, extreme abdominal conditions or for control of femoral or inguinal hernia. In such cases the Spencer Belt for Men is recommended.

The Spencerflex is designed in two distinct designs, one with two tabs on either side, the other with three tabs. Determine which of these designs is to be ordered by taking into consideration the size of the client's figure and the condition which indicates the need for the support.

Two-Tab Spencerflex


Fig. 130

On the Two-Tab Spencerflex (Fig. 130), the upper and lower tabs are located to prevent pressure on the prominent part of the hipbones. These tabs help to hold the support in place. The lower tabs provide firm pull around the pelvis.

Limitations. The Two-Tab Spencerflex will be designed only for men with Waist Measurement of from 26 to 38 4 inches (for larger figures, see information on Three-Tab Spencerflex).

For mild lumbosacral strain, protection of a high postoperative scar, control of a high hernia or for any other condition requiring height above waist, the Three-Tab Spencerflex should be ordered.

How to Control. See page 88. " To Control, Outline and Measure a Man."

How to Measure. ALL MEASUREMENTS FOR THE SPENCERFLEX ARE TAKEN WHILE THE CLIENT IS STANDING. These are the only measurements required for the Two-Tab Spencerflex.

  1. Waist
  2. Hip
  3. Waist to Top of Leg (Groin) (plus 1½ inches)

These three measurements are taken as described under " To Control, Outline, and Measure a Man," on page 89.

4. Hipbone to Hipbone : This measurement is taken across the abdomen, from the foremost (nearest front) prominent point of one hipbone to the same point on the other. This measurement is required only when the client is extremely thin and has prominent, sensitive hipbones. The Hipbone to Hipbone Measurement is taken for the Spencerflex only.

NO ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR THE TWO-TAB SPENCERFLEX.

Experience shows that men wish this support designed :

  As light as practicable

  As low, both at back and front, as practicable

  As short at back as practicable.

Experience in designing has also shown that to maintain balance between certain parts and features of this support, certain measurements must be determined by the technicians.

These are :

Height at Back : This will be from 2¾ to 4 inches depending upon size.

Length at Back : This will be about 9 inches.

Length of Abdominal Supporting Section : This will not usually extend as high as the waistline.

Boning. Light boning is supplied in the Two-Tab Spencer-flex to provide flexibility. Stiff Steels may be ordered. When order states that support is for sacroiliac strain, four Stiff Steels should be ordered instead of regular bones at back.

Perineal Straps. Because it is designed to stay in place without them, Perineal Straps are generally unnecessary with the Two- Tab Spencerflex. They will be supplied upon request at extra charge—see price list.

Pads. All pads listed on Order Form 450, except those for femoral or inguinal hernia, may be ordered with the Two-Tab Spencerflex.

The Sacroiliac Pad may be ordered (at extra charge) if requested under Additional Instructions. It is unnecessary for mild cases but may be prescribed by the doctor.

The Abdominal Spring Pad is especially effective when used with the Spencerflex.

How to Order. Use Order Form 450. Check " Two-Tab Spencerflex " on the order form. Fill in the description of figure and give only the Waist, Hip, Waist to Top of Leg (plus 1½ inches), and Hipbone to Hipbone (when client has prominent hipbones) measurements. If client was measured over under-clothing, check the order form in the space marked ". Measured Over Underclothing." If for sacroiliac, write " sacroiliac " under Additional Instructions.

Three-Tab Spencerflex

Three-Tab Spencerflex
Fig. 131

The Three-Tab Spencerflex (Fig. 131) is a support for men that provides excellent abdominal and back support and will, when so ordered, safely and comfortably protect a high postoperative scar of the type resulting from a gall bladder operation. It may also be ordered for sacroiliac strain or mild cases of lumbosacral strain and, with Abdominal Spring Pad, for postural hypotension and angina pectoris.

It will protect any controllable ventral or umbilical hernia that can be covered by the abdominal supporting section, within the limits explained below.

The Three-Tab Spencerflex has three tabs on each side of the back section and an Abdominal Extension at top of front. This Abdominal Extension has a telescoping action which makes the Three-Tab Spencerflex extremely flexible and comfortable. It controls flesh or an epigastric hernia and gives protection to a postoperative scar above the waist at front.

The Three-Tab Spencerflex should always be ordered when the client's Waist Measurement is 39 to 44 inches, inclusive. (When the client's Waist Measurement exceeds 44 inches, another design of Spencer Support must be ordered).

The Three-Tab Spencerflex should also be ordered, even if Waist Measurement is under 39 inches, for cases of mild lumbo-sacral strain, protection for a high postoperative scar, control of a high hernia, or has some other condition, such as a full, soft abdomen, requiring extra Height at Front. In such cases the Abdominal Extension may be ordered to extend as high as necessary—but not exceed four inches (see " How to Measure " and " How to Order " on pages 147 and 148).

Limitations. The Three-Tab Spencerflex is not designed for clients whose Waist Measurements exceed 44 inches. It should not be ordered in cases of obesity, for extreme abdominal conditions, or for femoral or inguinal hernia. In such cases the Spencer Belt for Men is recommended.

How to Control. See page 88 " To Control, Outline and Measure a Man."

How to Measure. ALL MEASUREMENTS FOR THE SPENCERFLEX ARE TAKEN WHILE THE CLIENT IS STANDING.

These are the only measurements required for the Three-Tab Spencerflex :

1. Waist

2. Hip

3. Waist to Top of Leg (groin) (plus 1½ inches).

These first three measurements are taken as described under " To Control, Outline and Measure a Man," on page 89.

4. Hipbone to Hipbone : This measurement is taken across the abdomen, from the foremost (nearest front) prominent point of one hipbone to the same point on the other. This measurement is required only when the client is extremely thin and has prominent, sensitive hipbones. The Hipbone to Hipbone Measurement is taken for the Spencerflex only.

5. Height at Front : This measurement is required only when the client has a high postoperative scar, high hernia or other condition to be protected by the Abdominal Extension. In such a case the measurement should extend a full inch above the scar or hernia. The abdominal supporting section and the Abdominal Extension will be designed to cover the required area. If Height at Front of more than four inches is required, write to Banbury for advice. Give full information about condition, front height required, and we will suggest kind of support that will be most effective.

When the Three-Tab Spencerflex is ordered and Height at Front is not given, the Abdominal Extension will be designed to extend about two inches above the waist at front.

NO ADDITIONAL MEASUREMENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN FOR THE THREE-TAB SPENCERFLEX.

Experience shows that men wish this support designed :

As light as practicable

As low at back as practicable

As short at back as practicable.

Experience in designing has also shown that to maintain balance between certain parts and features of this support, certain measurements must be determined by the technicians.
 
These are :

Height at Back : The Height at Back will be from 2¾ to 4 inches depending upon size.

When ordered for mild lumbosacral strain, the Height at Back will always be 4 inches.

Length at Back : This will be about 9 inches, depending upon other information given.

How to Order. Use Order Form 450. Check " Three-Tab Spencerflex " on the order form. Fill in the description of figure and give only the Waist, Hip, Waist to Top of Leg (plus 1½ inches) Hipbone to Hipbone (when client has prominent hip-bones), and Height at Front measurements. Do not give additional measurements. If client is measured over underclothing, check the order form in the space marked " Measured Over Underclothing." If for sacroiliac strain or mild lumbosacral strain, write " Sacroiliac " or " Lumbosacral " under Additional Instructions. If for angina pectoris, write " Top Tabs of Elastic."

Boning. Light boning is supplied in the Three-Tab Spencerflex to provide flexibility. Four Stiff Steels at back should be ordered for sacroiliac or lumbar strain.

Perineal Straps. Because it is designed to stay in place without them, Perineal Straps are generally unnecessary with the Three-Tab Spencerflex. They will be supplied upon request at extra charge see price list.

Pads. All pads listed on Order Form 450, except those for femoral or inguinal hernia, may be ordered with the Three-Tab Spencerflex.

At the doctor's request, the Sacroiliac Pad may be ordered. List under Additional Instructions (extra charge see price list). The Lumbosacral Pad may also be ordered at the doctor's request, but generally is unnecessary for mild cases for which the Spencerflex is recommended.

The Abdominal Spring Pad is especially effective when used with the Spencerflex.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF THE SPENCERFLEX

1. Masculine in appearance.

2. Light and flexible.

3. Gives general abdominal support.

4. Gives excellent low back support.

5. Provides support for sacroiliac strain.

6. The Three-Tab Spencerflex provides support for mild lumbosacral strain.

7. Permits freedom for muscular action.

8. Improves posture.

9. Protects high postoperative scar when Three-Tab Spencerflex is specified and suitable heights at front are ordered.

10. Controls reducible ventral hernia (when so located as to be controlled by the abdominal section).

11. Provides support for treatment of angina pectoris, postural hypotension, enteroptosis or movable kidney when suitable pads are used.

12. Stays in place.

13. Does not press on prominent hipbones.

14. The Three-Tab Spencerflex is effective in regulating intraabdominal pressure in male pneumoperitoneum patients.

Spencer Posture Support for Men


Fig. 132

The Spencer Posture Support for Men (see Fig. 132) fastens at centre-front with straps and slides, and the cloth is curved out over groin. It is similar to the Spencer Sacroiliac Support for Men, except that it has no pelvic binder.

The Spencer Posture Support for Men helps to correct posture and support relaxed abdominal muscles. It is used for general wear when abdominal and back support are needed.

This support is also recommended when heights up to and including 6 inches above the waist are ordered (usually with Stiff or Rigid Steels). In such cases, suggested measurements above waist are :

Height at Back—one inch below shoulder blades.

Height at Under-arm—about one-half inch lower than at back.

Height at Front about one-half inch lower than at under-arm.

If height greater than 6 inches is needed, the Spinal Support is recommended (see pages 230, 231, 232).

Rigid Steels may be ordered (extra charge—see price list).

Elastic Gores at Top (see page 213) may be ordered (extra charge—see price list).

The Outside Pelvic Binder (see page 242) may also be ordered when needed (extra charge—see price list).

The Spencer Posture Support for Men is especially well adapted for wear with the patented Abdominal Spring Pad as an aid in the treatment of ptosis or postural hypotension.

Perineal Straps. Detachable Perineal Straps are supplied when the waist Measurement is 32 inches or less. They will be placed on larger sizes if requested on order.

To Order. Check " Posture Support " on Order-Form 450.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF SPENCER POSTURE SUPPORT FOR MEN

  1. Excellent for general wear, when abdominal and back support are needed.
  2. Helps to correct posture, therefore relieves postural back-ache.
  3. Regularly made light and flexible, may be ordered with extra boning, Stiff Steels, or Rigid Steels.
  4. Extra heights above waist may be ordered. (Extra charge for more than 6 inches Height at Back—see price list.)
  5. Elastic Gores at Top may be ordered.
  6. Outside Pelvic Binder may be ordered.
  7. It is especially well adapted to the use of the Abdominal Spring Pad.

Fig. 133

Spencer Sacroiliac Support for Men

The Spencer Sacroiliac Support for Men (Fig. 133) is designed to relieve pain caused by sacroiliac subluxation or strain. The sacroiliac feature, or pelvic binder, works on the same principle as in a Spencer Sacroiliac Corset (page 106). A strong non-elastic Sacroiliac pelvic binder encircles the pelvis inside the support, and adjusts from the outside of the support. A pad is attached inside the centre-back of the pelvic binder.

Type of Fastening. The Sacroiliac Support for Men fastens at centre-front with slides, and the cloth is curved out over groin.

Perineal Straps. Perineal Straps, which keep the support from slipping up on the body, are supplied on the Sacroiliac Support for Men when the waist Measurement is 32 inches or less. They will be supplied without extra charge on larger sizes if requested. Perineal Straps are necessary for bed wear.

Measurements. Follow instructions " To Control, Outline and Measure a Man " (see page 88).

To Order the Sacroiliac Support. Check the space for Sacroiliac Support for Men on Order Form 450.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF SACROILIAC SUPPORT FOR MEN

1. In appearance it is. similar to the Posture Support.

2. May be designed as high as necessary and boned according to clients' needs.

3. Non-elastic Sacro-iliac binder encircles pelvis as tightly as necessary to immobilize the sacroiliac joints.

4. The Sacroiliac Pad is attached to this pelvic binder.

5. Sacroiliac binder is adjusted easily from outside of support, without loosening the body support.

6. Slides lock automatically so that binder cannot possibly slip or loosen.

7. Sacroiliac feature (pelvic binder) can be removed quickly and easily when condition improves.

8. Gives general abdominal and back support.

Spencer Lumbosacral Support for Men


Fig. 134

The Spencer Lumbosacral Support for Men (Fig. 134) is similar in principle to the Spencer Sacroiliac Support for Men, described on page 152. It is usually designed to greater heights and a Lumbosacral Pad is used in place of a Sacroiliac Pad.

To prevent movement of the lower vertebrae, it is necessary to limit the movement of the vertebrae higher up in the spinal column, because movement of higher vertebrae affects lumbar vertebrae. Greater heights, the Sacroiliac pelvic binder and the Lumbosacral Pad tend to prevent this movement.

Measurements. The Height at Back should not be less than 4 inches above waist. Height Under-arm should be the same, and the Height at Front about one-half inch lower.

Sacro-iliac Pelvic Binder. This is similar in construction and location to the pelvic binder in the Sacroiliac Support (page 107).

Lumbosacral Pad. See illustration and description (page 111).

Rigid Steels. This support is especially suited to the use of Rigid Steels (see pages 245, 246) when the doctor prescribes them (extra charge—see price list).

Type of Fastening. The Spencer Lumbosacral Support for Men fastens at front with slides.

Perineal Straps. Perineal Straps, which prevent the support from slipping up on the body, are supplied on the Lumbosacral Support for Men when the Waist Measurement is 32 inches or less. Perineal Straps will be supplied without extra charge on larger sizes if requested on the order.

Day and Night Wear. The Spencer Lumbosacral Support is comfortable for day and night wear when continuous treatment is desired. When ordering for night wear, Perineal Straps should be ordered (no extra charge).

How to Order. Check the space for Lumbosacral Support for Men on Order Form 450.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES OF LUMBOSACRAL SUPPORT FOR MEN

  1. Designed up to 6 inches above waist.
  2. Boning may be as stiff as required for the condition of each patient. Rigid Steels (see pages 245, 246) are frequently prescribed in extreme cases (extra charge—see price list).
  3. Pelvic binder is similar to binder in the Sacroiliac Support.
  4. Lumbosacral Pad is supplied in this support.
  5. Comfortable for day and night wear, when continuous treatment is necessary.

Children's supports