Yes, there are times when immobilization is helpful and a good idea. If you break your arm it's a good idea to get a cast to protect your arm as it heals. If you severely sprain your ankle it can be helpful to wear an ankle brace for a week or two. But most immobilization we experience is not that type, but rather body casts that we don't even think about. Anything that limits joint movement is a body cast and will have negative effects on the body.
Here are examples of things that cast or hold the body in a certain position or limit movement:
- Shoes (unless very flexible, zero drop, thin soled, and wide toe box)
- Compression clothing (compression shorts, socks, pants, arm sleeves, etc)
- Orthotics (holds foot in exact same position all day)
- Braces (back, wrist, ankle, elbow, knee, etc)
- Patella band, elbow strap, night splint, etc (restricts normal joint/muscle movement)
- Kinesio-tape, KT tape, Rock Tape, etc (restrict joint movement)
- Office Desk (desk chair, keyboard, mouse, etc)
- Car (seat and pedal position always the same)
- Backup cameras (no longer requires you to rotate spine and look behind you)
- Your bike or favorite piece of workout equipment (same position/movement over and over)
- Women's Bras (limits movement and restricts breathing)
- Tight fitting clothing (restricts movement and breathing)
- Belts (restricts movement and breaking)
- Smart phone (same position for hand(s) holding and using phone)
- Computer/TV/Smart phone (eyes focused at same distance the entire time)
- Couch/chairs (all built with about same seat height, depth, etc)
- Baby/child car seats, chairs, strollers, carrying devices, etc (limits baby's movement)