Orthopedic supports, braces, cushions etc
There are many different reasons for wearing a compressive support or brace, or for using some kind of cushion, pad or bolster to sustain or help in the healing process when part of the body has been damaged or is painful.
Reasons for wearing one of the many variations of body and limb supports include recovery from injury or surgery, the protection of a weakness, or the desire for reassurance when participating in physically active pass times. You can select which type of support is suitable for you and your circumstances from the list below.
- Back cushions
- Elbow supports
- Hand and wrist supports
- Hernia belts
- Knee supports
- Neck supports
- Lumbar support
- Shoulder arm supports
- Thigh & hamstring supports
- Ankle support
A summary of what supports are and what they do
Support sleeves are available for all of the body's main joints, e.g. the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee and ankle as well as for supporting muscles like the hamstring in the thigh. They can help to protect tendons and ligaments and offer a greater feeling of stability to a joint or muscle group.
Most sleeves combine compression with heat therapy by retaining the limb or body part's warmth in the affected area. By doing this they promote good circulation and in turn maximise healing. They also prevent injuries resulting from exercising "cold" muscles and joints. An added benefit is the reassurance and piece of mind that they give to the wearer, particularly if he or she has an active lifestyle or plays sports. Many athletes wear supportive compression sleeves on their arms or legs for this very reason.
For some injuries and conditions affecting specific joints, special supports are available that incorporate stays, exoskeletons and other structural components. Braces of this kind can be accurately set to restrict or limit a joint's movement, thereby ensuring that the joint does not over extend or twist in an unhealthy way. Supports of this type are available for joints like the knee.
Cushions, pillows and bolsters can be used to provide posture correcting support to the back and neck when seated or when travelling in a car and the lower back can also be helped by wearing a lumbar support.
By using the list of links below the top paragraph you can find out more about the various supports and braces that can relive pain, help to restore mobility and encourage recovery and rehabilitation from injury or surgery.
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