Shoulder braces are generally used after shoulder injuries to help provide relief from shoulder pain and to stabilize the injured shoulder. The bones of the shoulder are held in place by muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Movement at the shoulder involves twenty or more different muscles. Because shoulders have such a wide range of movement, shoulder pain from injury or from overuse of the shoulder can be relieved by using a brace to limit the range of motion.
Many individuals report that shoulder braces are useful in relieving shoulder pain from tendonitis and frozen shoulder. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, about four million people in the United States seek medical care including shoulder braces each year for shoulder sprain, shoulder strain, shoulder dislocation, frozen shoulder and other conditions resulting in shoulder pain.
Does a Shoulder Brace Help Shoulder Pain?
Most shoulder problems involve the soft tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons, rather than the bones. Shoulder pain normally limits the ability to raise the arm above shoulder height, lift at awkward angles or to sleep soundly due to swelling, inflammation or tearing of the shoulder muscles and tendons. Shoulder injuries are particularly frustrating because they can take six to eight weeks to heal.
Treatment for common shoulder pain normally includes resting the shoulder muscles by avoiding strenuous activities like lifting heavy objects or playing sports, applications of ice, taking anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, and using a shoulder brace to stabilize painful shoulders while injuries heal.
A gentle stretching program can also help to relieve shoulder pain by improving blood flow to the injured area. Smokers should quit smoking so more oxygen reaches the injured tendons and muscles to help the shoulder injury heal faster.
Very sudden shoulder pain can sometimes be a sign of a heart attack. Call 911 if you feel sudden pressure or crushing pain in your shoulder, especially if it extends from your chest, jaw, or neck, or occurs with shortness of breath, dizziness or sweating.
How Does a Shoulder Brace Help Shoulder Pain?
Shoulder braces are often used in healing and rehabilitation after shoulder injuries to protect the shoulder by stabilizing and supporting the shoulder joint. Compression from shoulder braces can also help to warm the shoulder muscles and promote healing. Many doctors recommend that patients wear an immobilizing shoulder brace after any shoulder surgery to protect and support soft tissue during the healing process.
Shoulder braces provide protection, support, compression, restriction of movement and immobilization. Immediately after an injury, a brace can help reduce inflammation around the joint by providing joint stabilization and thereby decreasing swelling and pain. Shoulder braces that limit range of motion may be appropriate after a sprain to promote ligament healing and protect the joint once the individual returns to strenuous activity.
How is Shoulder Pain Prevented?
The best way to prevent shoulder pain is to learn proper techniques during recreational and work activities to prevent shoulder injuries. Take the time to stretch and strengthen the shoulder tendons and shoulder muscles on a regular basis.
Drinking plenty of water is also important with any muscle or soft tissue injury. Adequate hydration is important for the normal sliding and gliding characteristics of connective tissue. Shoulder pain can also develop as a result of poor posture. Correcting your posture and warming up before strenuous activity are some of the most helpful things you can do to avoid shoulder pain in the future.
