Binding? What’s that?

Hello! In the midst of this very prideful month, I’d like to talk about a very well known thing called binding.

Now, what is binding, and why do people do it?

Although I’m sure that many of you already know what binding is, I’m still going to explain for the few of you who don’t.

Gender dysphoria comes in many different shapes and sizes, one of which is chest/body dysphoria. Chest binding is wrapping something around your chest to flatten your breasts. You can do this by wearing a tight-fitting piece of clothing called a “binder,” or in other ways. Chest binding can help people of any gender feel more comfortable with the way their chest looks and feels. They bind their chest to feel socially comfortable. And although many individuals are very responsible while chest binding, others potentially sacrifice their physical health and well-being to feel socially comfortable. This is not healthy! And many people need to recognize it. Over binding and/or wearing a binder that is too small for you can likely lead you to a medical emergency longer down the line and it has to be taken more seriously.

Especially if you are the active type! Binding with a chest binder while active is extremely dangerous and you should refrain from doing it all all costs.

When is it time to switch to a new binder?

There is no specific time you’ll know. The generally-accepted lifespan of a binder is between 9 to 12 months, but if you’re a teen and your body is still developing, and you’re fine in your current binder for a while and then eventually experience excessive pain and tightness in your shoulders/chest/back and loss of breath every single time you wear it, that’s your body’s way of telling you to take it off and get a bigger size! You’re growing! And even if you aren’t, this is my reminder to you to take a break, don’t wear anything constricting at home and when you’re alone! (This includes bras.) Tight clothing can cause spinal nerve compression. Sitting and slouching all day with a binder pushing on your stomach can also cause digestive issues.

How do I alleviate the pain my binder has caused me?

Stretch! Stretch to your heart’s content. This is really useful to get rid of tightness in areas they shouldn’t be in your young age!

Here is a list of stretches to help you get back on track:

Lumbar Rotation Stretches

Start out with laying down on your back, drop your knees to one side and turn your head towards the opposite direction. Do this for a couple sets on each side.

Piriformis Stretch

Continue to lay on your back, with your knee bent, place your leg’s ankle on your knee.

Press up

Lay on your stomach, press your forearms and hands firmly on the ground and push your upper body up, lifting your head and chest.

Pec Stretch Supine

Grab a foam roller, or something comfortable enough to lay on. Lie on it and allow your chest and arms to expand. To further stretch, reach your hands above your head.

Shoulder Circles

Raise your hands to about shoulder height and rotate them for a set amount of time before repeating in the opposite direction.

Corner Pec Stretch

Lean into a corner with your hands raised, pressing against two separate walls as your chest expands towards the corner.

ive Hang & Active Hang

For this you’d have to have a pull up bar, or go to a park nearby. For the ive hang, all you have to do is grab onto the bar and hang there so your spine can decompress. And for the active hang, you’re pulling back your shoulders, keeping them down.

These are just some stretches that have helped me when times got extra rough and hopefully you utilize them towards your benefit as well. :)

Sources -

tomscout.com

ohsu.edu

verywellhealth.com

prideinpractice.org

Personal experience :”)