The Best Shoulder Braces To Effectively Relieve Shoulder Pain

Buying Guide: Shoulder Brace

A good shoulder brace not only helps you get relief from pain but aids in healing and reduces the risk of further injury. But due to the variety of shoulder braces available on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. This buying guide will help you be well-informed about the do’s and don’ts of shoulder brace buying.

What To Look For in the Optimal Shoulder Brace?

Consider the following factors before purchasing a shoulder brace:

Material

Shoulder braces are made from a variety of different materials. But you should look for braces made from neoprene as they are lightweight and prevent the affected region from becoming overburdened. The breathable material is also sweat-resistant, which will stabilize your shoulders no matter your condition.

Since neoprene is a flexible material, it can fit anyone. You also won’t have to worry about cleaning them as you can easily wash them in a machine.

Level of support

Always check how much support a shoulder brace offers before purchasing it. A level one shoulder brace will be adequate for regular use and will provide enough support to help get rid of your shoulder pain. If you’re recovering from a severe injury, you’ll need to choose a higher support option and consult your doctor. When considering the level of support, you should also consider the level of immobilization your shoulder needs, as that can vary.

Size

Choosing the right size when buying a shoulder brace is extremely critical, as your brace needs to be tight to be effective. That’s why before you look for a shoulder brace, you should always measure your shoulders and bust and then match them with the sizing guide available to ensure a comfortable fit. A shortcut could be to just buy a universal-fit shoulder brace, but there’s a decent chance that it could be too loose or tight for you.

Compression therapy

Some braces have detachable gel packs that can be heated or chilled to deliver immediate pain relief. If you want a quick recovery, you should to purchase a shoulder brace with a built-in pocket to store an ice pack. This will enable your muscles to receive more attention, accelerating their healing.

Types of Shoulder Braces

Two types of shoulder braces are used for a variety of different purposes. According to Dr. Jerome Enad, a Board-certified Orthopedic surgeon, shoulder braces are ideal for “1) someone whose shoulder dislocates (ball pops out of the socket), or 2) someone who has an acromioclavicular separation (collarbone separates from its connection to the shoulder blade at the top of the shoulder).” He goes on to say that the most common shoulder injuries which cause pain cannot be addressed by shoulder slings. Thus, you should see your doctor in order to determine the proper treatment. Let’s go into the types of shoulder braces below.

Shoulder wrap braces

Shoulder wrap braces are designed to wrap around the contours of your shoulds to provide moderate support and compression to the affected area. They are used to reduce swelling and inflammation. They will also limit your movement to protect your shoulder from further discomfort.

You can wear one over or under your clothes, whatever makes you feel comfortable and secure it with straps around your biceps and chest.

Shoulder sling arm braces

Shoulder sling arm braces are made to support the weight of the arm and keep it from fatiguing while you recover. These braces have an arm loop that can be used to position the hand neutrally for optimal placement.

Tips To Maintain Your Shoulder Brace

Use the following tips to prolong the lifespan of your shoulder brace and save money.

• Wash your sleeve every few days if it doesn’t include any metal parts
• If your shoulder brace is big and has a metallic frame, clean it daily with a moist towel or a baby wipe
• Lubricate hinged shoulder braces regularly to keep them effective
• Replace any parts that appear to be disintegrating to keep your shoulder brace useful