Painful and injured shoulders are common problems for women, which can significantly impact their daily lives. It is essential to manage shoulder pain effectively because it affects both movement and overall health, whether you have sustained a sports injury, suffer from overuse, or have developed a medical condition. For specific individuals, shoulder braces can be beneficial for healing and as a form of support. But how do you know if it’s time to think about one? At Grandview Physiotherapy, we want you to be an informed participant in your health care. Here’s what to know about shoulder braces, and when they might help you.

Recovery from Shoulder Injuries: Whether you’ve got a recent or older shoulder injury, our shoulder brace will help with recovery. A brace will protect the area as it heals by preventing hypermobility. It may even have pain-relieving effects by reducing stress on the painful tissues.

When a brace might be helpful, common injuries that may require the use of a brace include:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder dislocations
• Labral tears
• Clavicle fractures

Your physiotherapist can assist in making the decision on which brace is best for your injury.

Chronic Shoulder Pain Tips: You may experience chronic shoulder pain due to conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis. When using a shoulder brace, the pressure applied can help alleviate pain you may be experiencing. This support leads to improved posture and reduced stress on muscles and joints, resulting in overall comfort and well-being.

Preventing a New Injury: For individuals with a history of shoulder instability or those returning to sports after an injury, the brace serves as protection against further damage. Overhead athletes (such as tennis and swimming) may wish to wear supports during high-impact movements to prevent the risk of re-injury.

Key benefits for athletes:

• Improved joint stability
• Improved self-esteem while performing
• Protection from extreme physical activity

Post-Surgical: After shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repair or arthroscopic procedures, a shoulder brace can be recommended to support you in recovery. These are usually high-grade braces that will hold your shoulder in place as the site of surgery recovers, so that no complications occur during recovery.

Addressing Poor Posture: As we have already mentioned, shoulder pain & Shoulder injuries are frequently related to poor posture. If you spend long hours at a desk or engage in repetitive activity that leads to slouching, wearing a posture-correcting shoulder brace can help retrain your muscles for better alignment. Over the long term, this can relieve tension and sometimes solve chronic issues.

When to Consider Types of Shoulder Braces: Certain health issues, such as adhesive capsulitis (also known as frozen shoulder) and nerve impingement, can be alleviated by using a shoulder brace. They provide mild compression and restrict painful movements, allowing you to power through flare-ups with better symptom control.

Choosing the Right Shoulder Brace

There is no one “best” shoulder brace — it’s the one that works for you. Bracing comes in various shapes and sizes, ranging from compressive sleeves to Velcro-laden immobilizers. Factors to consider include:

Type of Injury or Condition: Your physiotherapist may recommend a specific brace for your condition.

Fit and Comfort: A poorly fitted brace is uncomfortable, unsightly, and ineffective.
Level of Support: Some braces are designed to be low-profile, whereas others provide full support.

Seek Physiotherapy Advice before Use

Shoulder braces are great; however, it’s essential to consult with a physiotherapist or health professional before use. They will be able to assess your condition, suggest the right brace and help teach you how to use it correctly. At Grandview Physiotherapy, our patients work closely with our medical professionals to create a personalized plan that includes rehabilitation exercises, manual therapy, and, if necessary, equipment or shoulder braces.

Conclusion

Shoulder braces can be an invaluable tool for addressing pain, injury and rehabilitation of the shoulders. A shoulder brace can be beneficial during this time, whether you are recovering from a recent injury, living with a chronic but lingering condition, or experiencing postural complications. If you’re unsure whether a shoulder brace is right for you, please get in touch with our Grandview Physiotherapy team. We will help you regain your Strength, Movement, and confidence in your shoulder.