If you constantly scratch the scab, you’ll never heal. That applies to any injury, but it’s especially true for shoulder injuries.

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. It can move the arm into thousands of positions—16,000, to be exact! If you don’t set the scapula and stabilize the joint properly, you risk irritating the tissues that pass through it. In other words, you’ll keep scratching the scab!

The concept of maintaining a “neutral spine” for low back health is now well-established, but a similar message hasn’t spread when it comes to shoulder health.

You can do all the corrective exercises you want, pop every pill in the pharmacy, and even try some fancy injections—but if your shoulders are misaligned, they won’t heal properly and will remain a recurring issue.

That’s where a posture corrector can help. There are plenty on the market—just search Amazon and you’ll find a ton—but not all of them are well-designed. Most sit too high on the back and pull on the neck, which can cause neck strain down the road. It’s like robbing Peter to pay Paul—not a good trade-off.

The Adrenalease shirt, which I’ve mentioned before (see Posture Improvement Through Strength Training), is a solid option. But if you’re looking for a portable, bra-like corrector that you can take on and off easily, I recommend the Potou Back Posture Corrector.

Shoulder issues can arise from many causes, but one thing is certain: you’re not helping yourself by moving your arms with rounded shoulders. Try a posture corrector for a little while and wear it as often as you can—in and out of the gym. It just might be what the doctor ordered!