The increased numbers of people now taking part in activities there is a greater emphasis on using the correct equipment for our chosen sports.
Runners will need the correct trainer prescription, tennis and netball players will have a different style of footwear to suit the court and participants in other sports such as football and hockey will ensure their boots are in good condition or that shin pads are adequate enough for their protection.
With all of this equipment to consider it is not surprising that certain pieces will be overlooked; and in female participants, this tends to be the sports bra!
It is suggested that more than 50% of women in the UK are risking a loss of breast tissue elasticity because the do not wear a sports bra, and up to 80% of women still wear the wrong bra size.
It is understood that without adequate support, the bounce of the breasts during high-impact activities can lead to a stretching of the breast skin and ligaments. Continued failure to support the breasts could then lead to chronic back problems, neck or shoulder pain, poor posture or a loss of elasticity and premature sagging of the breasts.
What type of sports bra should I use?
There are generally 2 types of sports bras available:
Compression bras suit small to medium breasted women, between cup sizes 32A – 36B. This type of bra helps to press the breasts to the chest wall, minimising bounce.
Encapsulation bras suit larger breasted women and hold each breast in a sturdy cup to minimise bounce.
How do I find the right fit?
There are a number of different factors that can effect bra size (pregnancy, weight fluctuations, gravity etc). For this reason it is important to check your bra size annually for any changes.
To find your band size, measure around your body directly under your bust using a cloth tape measure. Round the measurement to the closest whole inch (up or down). If the number is even, add a further 4 inches. If the number is odd, add a further 5 inches.
To find your cup size, measure around the fullest part of your breasts. The tape should be just touching your bust and be parallel to the ground. Again, round the measurement to the nearest inch (either up or down). Subtract the band size measurement from the cup size – the difference is your cup size (0-½ inch = AA, ½ – 1 inch = A, 2inch = B, 3inch = C, 4inch = D, 5inch = DD or E, 6inch = DDD or F etc).
Taking the right steps when fitting a sports bra will help to reduce the risk of associated back, neck or shoulder injuries, allowing you to train in comfort and maintain a good posture.
If you need advice on any back, neck or shoulder issue please contact the Drummond Clinic Team on 0871 221 9394, to discuss an appropriate treatment plan.