FAQs

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

Generally, we anticipate a 1-2 week delivery time for North America orders. For other regions, it can be 4-6 weeks. 

We cannot guarantee or anticipate specific delivery dates. Demand surges, weather, and other shipping hazards can cause unforeseen delays. You will get tracking information when the order is shipped from the warehouse.

 

Where does Body Braid ship to?

We ship to most countries, for free! A few countries are not on our list when you enter your shipping address because we have trouble getting packages to customers there. 

 

Will I have to pay customs fees?

We only charge tax for deliveries within Canada. For the US, Australia, and New Zealand there is no tax charged on delivery.

For the UK, EU and many other countries, VAT/duties may be charged on delivery. This is a separate charge from shipping and postage, and we do not have control over if or when these fees are charged. We use stickers that identify the package as a medical device, which may reduce these fees, but each country has different (and sometimes inconsistent) rules.

If duties are applied, the customer is responsible for paying them. We understand that this is frustrating, and are working to find ways to reduce this possibility. If you are charged customs, you may be able to refute it through your country’s customs agency.

How do I get tracking information?

Your tracking number will be generated and emailed to you when your order has been picked and the postage is purchased. Often this is within 2-7 business days.

You can also visit the Track Your Order page on our website for updates. It shows general tracking information, and the link to the carrier page often will show the detailed history.

How do I make changes to my order after placing it?

We can make changes to an order before it ships. Email us as soon as possible at info@bodybraid.com with “Order [5-digit order number] Change” in the subject line if you need to change something about your order. 

We cannot guarantee successful intercepts/redirects, but will do our best to help you should it ship with an error.

 

Help, I’m having a delivery issue!

Our team will do everything possible to get your package to you in a timely manner, but sometimes. Once your order has shipped, the carrier has the ultimate responsibility of getting it to you. 

If your order has shipped, but there appears to be an issue with the delivery, contacting the carrier and/or looking for the detailed tracking history on the carrier’s tracking page will often answer your questions. If you need our help looking into or resolving a delivery issue, please email info@bodybraid.com with your 5-digit order number. Sending the tracking number/link is also greatly appreciated.

Some international carriers don't provide much shipping information. Universal tracking apps like parcelapp.com can provide additional information, such as which local carrier will be handling the final delivery and what that carrier's tracking code is.

 

Does insurance/disability/HSA/FSA cover the purchase?

Body Braid does not work directly with insurance companies, disability programs, or HSA/FSA administrators. We recommend contacting the organization to verify that the Body Braid is eligible for reimbursement. US customers may be asked to provide a Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Code, which is E1840.

You may need to pay for it using your own credit card, and then seek reimbursement. We can provide a detailed receipt upon request. Please email info@bodybraid.com with your 5-digit order number and note any specific things you need listed on the receipt.

If an organization will cover the cost and wants to pay for it directly, please verify their ability to complete the purchase through our online store. 

Do you have any kind of support available once I receive my purchase?

There are many instructional videos available on the website. It can help to visit these videos often, as they feature many great tips for maximizing your comfort and support. 

For those needing 1-on-1 help, we offer instructional Zoom sessions with our Education team. The Zoom session gives you an opportunity to ask questions to find the best adjustments for your personal body shape, size and needs. Book a session here.

Can I connect with other Body Braid users?

There are two online communities where you can get tips for using the Body Braid, ask questions, and connect with other customers: 

• Our new online Forum is a social community without the ads, independent of social media. Dr. Blair Voyvodic, founder of the Body Braid, is active on the Forum to answer questions and offer in-depth insights. Additionally, you can find out about our free virtual classes, our Compassionate Access Program, and our Affiliate Programs through the Forum.

• Body Braid Banter is a very active Facebook group that is moderated by our Educator. It is a supportive community and a great place to search for keywords related to specific tips or user experiences.
  
  

What if I’m not satisfied with my purchase?

We want you to feel confident in your purchase. See the Return and Exchange policy on this page.

 

Do you have any kind of support available once I receive my purchase?

There are many instructional videos available on the website. It can help to visit these videos often, as they feature many great tips for maximizing your comfort and support. 

For those needing 1-on-1 help, we offer instructional Zoom sessions with our Education team. The Zoom session gives you an opportunity to ask questions to find the best adjustments for your personal body shape, size and needs. Book a session here.

There are two online communities where you can get tips for using the Body Braid, ask questions, and connect with other customers: 

• Our new online Forum is a social community without the ads, independent of social media. Dr. Blair Voyvodic, founder of the Body Braid, is active on the Forum to answer questions and offer in-depth insights. Additionally, you can find out about our free virtual classes, our Compassionate Access Program, and our Affiliate Programs through the Forum.
• Body Braid Banter is a very active Facebook group that is moderated by our Educator. It is a supportive community and a great place to search for keywords related to specific tips or user experiences.
  
  

What is it made of? 

The bands are made from a mix of polyester and spandex. They are latex-free.

How do I care for my Body Braid?

Proper care will help extend the life of the Braid.

Washing instructions: 

• The Braid is machine washable in cold water, and we suggest washing the product before using it. The bands get softer with washing and wear, without losing elasticity. 
• Use normal detergent (Borax powder can aid with sanitizing and odor reduction). 
• DO NOT WASH WITH FABRIC SOFTENER OR BLEACH! This will harm its longevity.
• You can wash it on its own, and/or in a mesh bag. 
• Attach the Velcro to prevent catching or rubbing. 
• Hang to dry.

Maintenance tips: 

• It is important to take care of the Velcro, especially the scratchy hook part. 
• When you are pressing the two Velcro sides together, ensure they are aligned and have full contact. This will lessen the chance of debris getting in between the Velcro pieces, and of the scratchy end damaging the band. 
• Keeping the Velcro clean will increase longevity: brush out lint, hair, etc. from the soft side, and use a toothpick, needle, or tweezers to pull debris out of the scratchy side. Be careful to not damage the hooks of the scratchy part.
• Storing in the mesh bags can reduce dust accumulation when not in use.
• You may get pilling, but this is not a functional issue. You can remove it if you want to make it more aesthetically pleasing.

 

Can the Body Braid relieve pain? 

We do not make any claims that Body Braid will reduce pain. We do get a lot of feedback from users, especially those with hypermobility, that they experience less pain, reduced fatigue and increased functional capacity wearing the Body Braid. Many people describe being able to return to activities they needed to stop due to pain and disability. There are a growing number of Physical Therapists and Physiatrists (PMR doctors) recommending Body Braid.

If you have health concerns or pain, we advise consulting with a treatment professional about using Body Braid products.

 

How much tension should the Body Braid have?

This depends on what feels good, and what you are wanting to accomplish. Adjusting to a looser fit gives a more soothing, supportive feel that stays comfortable for longer. The gentle sensation is retraining your proprioception (the body’s ability to feel how your different parts are connected and coordinated). Adjusting to a tighter fit gives a more intense, powerful, and athletic effect.  This can be invigorating but is also quickly tiring. Making adjustments is key to getting the most benefit from the Body Braid.

 

Are there risks to using a Body Braid?

• You should not feel any new pain or strain. The benefit is directly related to how good it feels. If it is not feeling enjoyably supportive then it needs to be adjusted or taken off. Use caution if you have existing injuries or health conditions.
• It is important to avoid getting anything caught between your body and the braid. The elastic bands are very strong and will pull you if they get caught.
• It is not advised to wear the Body Braid while sleeping unless you have become familiar with it and build up to longer periods of use. Those who move a lot in their sleep should be cautious of the bands getting too tight while asleep. 
• Wearing light fabric under the braid will reduce possible skin irritation.

 

Do you have to remove for bathroom use?

No, simply slide the straps forward and down and readjust afterwards. A video on our VIDEOS page shows this process in more detail.

 

Should I wear clothing underneath the Braid?

It’s up to personal preference. Some may enjoy the enhanced feedback of having it directly against skin, others may find it irritating.

If you wear a layer underneath it, a thin and form-fitting breathable or wicking fabric is often the most comfortable.

 

Can you wear clothing over it?

You can wear it underneath clothing in the Core Braid Adjusted For Any Activity, with or without the Leg straps. How much you can hide the fact that you have it underneath your clothes at all will vary. If you want ideas of how people style their Body Braids, look at the photos in the Forum or Body Braid Banter.

Certain types of clothing may make adjusting the Body Braid under clothes more difficult. The tension may shift as you move around, or you may feel the need to adjust through the day to accommodate your body’s needs. The easier you can access different regions of the Braid, the easier it will be (i.e. you might not enjoy wearing it under a jumpsuit).

 

Are these products responsibly produced?

We have worked hard to find ethically made materials and services.

• We work closely with our local sewing partners who take pride in providing a well-managed and healthy work environment.
• We aim to reduce waste through our use of minimal packaging on mailouts. 
• The mesh bag that your product comes in is designed for carrying the product throughout its life.