Effects of binding on ribcage

[Banf]

Heyo!

I've read the "which binders are good" etc threads and I've been thinking about getting a binder, but I'm worried about damage to my ribs. I've had kinda bad posture for a long time, which has made the natural shape of my ribcage kind of 'flattened'.
And I've noticed when running that area is the first that starts to hurt. I get pain underneath my boobicles where I'm guessing my chest muscles are fighting against their weight while working hard to open up my lungs again so that I can breathe better.

I'm wondering how significant an effect binding might have on this? ):
And also if binding will even have much effect trying to flatten quite un-malleable 36C lumps?
Has anyone had success with a large-ish chest using specific binders?

[Luc]

I've been binding 3 1/2 years now, much to my chagrin, with Underworks binders. Thus far, I don't have any rib damage that I'm aware of, but incurred bursitis in my right shoulder numerous times due to the strain the binders put on it.

As per binding 36C, I know plenty of guys who've managed with even bigger bitch tits. Sorry for the term, but it's the one I prefer. I was about 38 between B & C when I started binding, and didn't have any trouble flattening them. At this point, after 60 lbs weight loss and all the binding, they're pretty flat regardless of whether or not I'm wearing a binder.

SD

[DamagedChris]

I have heard that prolonged use with no breaks can actually cause your ribcage to shift and contract, but don't know if this is true.

I do know my back hurts a LOT more after binding a while, and has gotten worse over the time since I started. I also started as a 36C, and with chesticles that do NOT like lying flat...and while I don't bind as flatly as I would like, I do bind religiously still.

Whenever I need to give my back a rest but still feel uncomfortable unbound (as if given the chance I'd even sleep in my binder) I switch to a Frog Bra and layers for an evening that I don't have to go out.

[LordKAT]

I don't know about the rib cage thing but I do bind 24/7 unless I'm in the shower. I haven't noticed any issues. that doesn't mean that there aren't any.

[Silver]

And I've noticed when running that area is the first that starts to hurt. I get pain underneath my boobicles where I'm guessing my chest muscles are fighting against their weight while working hard to open up my lungs again so that I can breathe better.

That happens to everyone. Solution= Breathe more deeply, into your belly.

Well, actually I think most get that pain inside their ribs that feels like they're trying to stretch. That is what you're referring to, right? Not your pecs.

[Aussie Jay]

Not sure about rib problems - I've had rib pain, and back pain. I have had bruises and pain from wrestling into the stupid things. I have the Underworks tritop by the way. I have had to cut small slits under the arms as they dig in quite a lot and sometimes bruise. They also tend to bunch slightly at the back and cause small pressure areas which get quite sore. I am also unable to wear a binder without a rash vest underneath because the bruises and digging in is way worse and therefore my skin is couped up for the majority of the day and unable to breath.
The bottom line is at least for me and most other guys I would assume, binding is a means to an end. It is something I feel the need or is necessary to do in the mean time while saving $$'s for surgery. It is not a long term solution to the growths on my chest. But I am sure there are non-op guys out there with binding as their main option. I could imagine though that if done for an extended period of time it will affect posture and structure etc. I have been binding for approx 8 months only (not long compared to some of the guys here) and it plays a big part in hunching my shoulders forward, also causing neck pain/headaches, so I am constantly trying to stretch them back to releive all that. It's highly irritating and I'm sure not good for me.
I cannot wait til I can either burn these binders or if in good nick recycle them to a brother who needs them - surgery can't come quick enough for me!!
Cheers Jay

[Jeatyn]

I'm a 34D and they're perky little buggers, binding is a nightmare, they will not go flat for anything, just seem to move the bulge from one area to another when I try and squash 'em down. Doesn't stop me from trying though - which gives me back pain, chest pain and difficultly breathing. When I take it off I can just feel all the blood rushing back, it's awful. I also hunch over a lot to compensate for the fact that they won't go flat so that can't be helping. I try to leave it off as much as possible when I'm just in my house, but if I'm going anywhere the binder will definitely be on.

[Banf]

Thanks for the info, guys! I expect some discomfort and pains and stuff, but I was just wary of irreversible damage if I can avoid it. But if the docs consider yours post-binding normal, Kvall, then I'd guess it shouldn't be too bad. :3

Well, actually I think most get that pain inside their ribs that feels like they're trying to stretch. That is what you're referring to, right? Not your pecs.

Aye, feels like intercostal muscle ouchies, not pecs. Maybe its just a 'stitch' and I suck, though.

If you are concerned about it or expect binding to give you rib pain, look for a binder that doesn't cover your ribs with binding material.

Don't they all do that? o: I was looking at the Double Front Compression ones from Underworks, but I have no idea what the actual difference is between the 997 "Shirt" and the 967 "Suit".

[FolkFanatic]

I bind using the T-Kingdom "sports bra" model so very little pressure below the moobs. I cover with a compression tank from underworks, but i don't find it THAT tight (if i do, i roll it back up over so it uncovers my stomach).

I'm messing around with different ways to bind without covering too much below the moobs so (hopefully) i won't have to worry much about rib problems. That's the only concern i have with binding - the stories i've heard (and how i would explain it to my parents, who don't know yet.)

The only thing i notice right now is that if i bind too tight i get a little bit of back and shoulder pain. Then i loosen the binder and it goes away.

It's also very strange - if i go too tight it seems like it doesn't compress a lot but if i loosen up i like the effect it has on the moobs. Doesn't seem so uni-moob.... i dunno, maybe it's just my mind playing tricks on me!

[Banf]

I had been binding, mostly lightly, for about 2.5-3 years when I noticed the weirdness in my ribs, if that helps at all.
Most T-Kingdom binders do not bind the ribs (or only lightly bind them) or anything below. Personally I strongly recommend T-Kingdom over Underworks, but in fairness, T-Kingdom can run small and their binding effect varies greatly by model (they have a pretty accurate chart on their website that compares comfort, durability, binding effect, etc., between models). As far as Underworks, I think they all cover the stomach and/or ribs except maybe the "Extreme Chest Concealer FTM Chest Binder".

Ah, good to know!
I was having a look at the T Kingdom ones, the size chart is a bit confusing though..
Do the height and weight charts mean anything?
I'm 38 inch chest size, 5`6" and 133 lb. = XL? I'm not sure how well fitting that can be since they all seem to cover all body sizes. O:


Ah, that's a good plan, FF. I just need to get over the fact that they call it a "bra".

Though I am tempted by the frog bra + full binder, since it seems bigger moob'd guys have better luck with that. I think I'll go for one of the top-only binders first anyhow. (:

[FolkFanatic]

Ah, good to know!
I was having a look at the T Kingdom ones, the size chart is a bit confusing though..
Do the height and weight charts mean anything?
I'm 38 inch chest size, 5`6" and 133 lb. = XL? I'm not sure how well fitting that can be since they all seem to cover all body sizes. O:


Ah, that's a good plan, FF. I just need to get over the fact that they call it a "bra".

Though I am tempted by the frog bra + full binder, since it seems bigger moob'd guys have better luck with that. I think I'll go for one of the top-only binders first anyhow. (:

Yeah, i winged it with T-Kingdom and guessed on a size. I'm 5'4", 200 pounds (yes, overweight but going DOWN yay!), and i'm roughly a 38-40D - i use the X-large and it works okay (though surprisingly works better LOOSER with a compression tank over it.)

I think you can exchange for sizes if one doesn't fit though it IS a hassle. I also believe you can send in your measurements and they'll customize one for you for an extra fee.

I try not to think of the frog as a "bra." I call it Moob Control. I've recently found out that VESTS (regular vests) help hide too. I can half zip it and i look fairly flat. Though when i shed the pounds i won't (i can already tell they'll stick out just enough....)

[Banf]

Damn, seems places selling frog bras don't ship to the UK.. :/

Ah hmm, I might try the customised thing with T Kingdom then! o: I think it should be worth the extra, judging by the regular sizes available. Are the velcro ones not itchy at all?
Edit: Or noisy? :p

[FolkFanatic]

Damn, seems places selling frog bras don't ship to the UK.. :/

Ah hmm, I might try the customised thing with T Kingdom then! o: I think it should be worth the extra, judging by the regular sizes available. Are the velcro ones not itchy at all?
Edit: Or noisy? :p

Noisy when you take them off (i'm kinda surprised my parents haven't noticed that yet), but i don't notice any noise when i'm moving around or once it's on. Sometimes if the velcro isn't positioned just right there may be a bit that hits your skin and it does scratch/itch. But i wear a tank undershirt and that takes care of that problem. Practice in lining the velcro helps too.