Joint Bracing by Orthopedic Specialists in Freehold and Monroe Township, NJ
An orthopedic brace is a medical device that is worn to provide extra support to a joint that has become weakened due to an injury, age-related degeneration (osteoarthritis), or a surgical procedure. Most braces are made of synthetic materials and have Velcro straps, elastic, or thicker sections that can be used to customize and adjust the fit as needed. Braces are commonly used on the knee, elbow, and wrist joints.
How Does Joint Bracing Work?
A brace can increase the stability of a weakened joint, maintain proper bone alignment, and gently restrict excessive movements, such as bending, twisting, or moving from side to side or from front to back. It is important to minimize these types of movements because they may aggravate the injury, create or worsen pain, and interfere with proper healing.
By relieving pain and increasing mobility, joint bracing can also allow for physical activity, which is essential to promote healing. In fact, when used in conjunction with a rehabilitative physical therapy program, bracing can help a patient recover, regain strength, and return to activity more quickly. A brace can also help to shift the weight load away from an injured part of a joint and onto an unaffected part of the joint, thus reducing the pressure exerted on the painful area. Finally, proper joint bracing may delay or eliminate the need for joint replacement surgery.
All Braces Are Not Equal
Many patients find this non-operative treatment for joint pain to be convenient, mainly because a brace can be removed during certain times of the day, or at night, as appropriate. However, to achieve maximum benefits from joint bracing, it is important to select the right type of brace. Additionally, an orthopedic brace should not be worn without the recommendation or oversight of a physician.
If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of joint bracing, you can consult with an orthopedist at Advanced Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Institute. Contact us to schedule an appointment at our office in Freehold or Monroe Township, NJ.
