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- Reduce Joint Instability
- Helps Reduce Pressure, Pain or Discomfort You May Be Feeling
- Aids in Better Load Distribution to Balance Weight and Movement Demands
- Helps Increase Movement To Your Injured Joint - Compliments Therapy
- Brand Name Braces Give Proper Support to Encourage Your Body to Heal Itself Sooner
Bracing is a form of therapy that gives much needed support to uneven, wobbly joints in the body that result from an injury, illness or even a genetic problem.
One of the biggest problems with wearing a brace is simly finding an appropriate-fitting brace in the first place.
Choosing the right kind of brace is very important. A well fitted brace can aid in proper joint alignment and support an injured site by gently restricting range of movement of unstable joints. For example, a sport related injury may require a specific type of sport brace which will offer the most stability over other types of braces.
Another example of the benefits of proper bracing can be seen by those who experience joint problems related to osteoarthritis. The pain is often made worse due to lack of physical activity, poor posture, weight gain and older age. Orthopedic bracing can reduce the pain by minimizing stress and pressure on affected joints. A well fitted brace can alleviate pain and improve stability.
A PT Health physiotherapist helps you find and fit the correct brace that can offer you the most clinical benefits.
The Cochrane research summary published in 2005 concluded that patients who have arthritis of the knee could be treated effectively with braces. It stated that braces could reduce pain, improve physical function an slow disease progression.
Thomas W. Kaminski, Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine at Marietta College in Marietta, OH has stated that “center of balance with the platform moving in a dorsi/plantar flexion direction was improved while wearing the knee brace” in his research summary.
People with joint problems especially in the knee often experience pain, imbalance and discomfort while walking or performing daily activities. Weakening cartilage that breaks down causing pressure and pain to the affected joint causes most common joint problems. Bracing can help improve joint stability.
Apart from benefiting you physically, a well fitted brace can also have positive affects on your confidence through the process of improved proprioception. Proprioception is a person’s subconscious awareness of his or her body’s posture, positioning and movement. Wearing a brace can provide extra input to your sensory system, without thinking about, which helps your body respond positively to the extra support.
Can a brace make me feel better immediately? It will take some time to get relief and get adapted to the brace. With proper use you will notice reduced discomfort and feel better.
Should I wear brace all the time? Avoid using braces 24 hours a day. Take them off so that you can exercise your bones and joints. Your physiotherapist will tell you how frequently you should wear your brace.
How are braces made? In some cases custom bracing can be measured by using a device that can model your limb. The brace is made in such a manner that it fits according to the specifics of the model. Some minor adjustments are also done to the brace to make sure that the person wears it comfortably with proper alignment. Patients will also be instructed on how to wear the brace properly.
Bracing is not a cure for arthritis or injury; however it can reduce the pain and discomfort to the joints allowing you the ability to use the affected area with less discomfort.
Top 5 Reasons To Consider Bracing:
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Removes Joint Instability: Those who use a well fitted brace often feel a reduction of pain, discomfort and problems of the injured area.
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Load Distribution: Bracing offers two important benefits: joint alignment and load distribution. Braces help to shift and share the weight load from the affected part of the joint to the unaffected part. This helps in removing pressure to the affected joint area.
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Increased Movement: Through the process of joint alignment, knee bracing improves the functionality of the knees, by reducing abnormal movement and pain. This helps people to walk or go up and down the stairs with ease.
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High Quality Braces: With high quality custom braces you will receive better results.
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Proper Measurement: By carefully identifying the ‘key areas’ in the joint you will get the right fit.
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