Physioster is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
A shoulder brace helps protect the arm and limit your movement to prevent overstretching which can lead to further injuries.
You can wear a shoulder brace throughout the day and night since it not only helps relieve pain but also keep your shoulder stable. You might need to wear a shoulder brace after an injury for protection and healing as it helps speed up the process.
BUY ON AMAZON
A shoulder brace helps keep the arm against the body to prevent you from moving the arm too much during recovery. Wearing a shoulder brace wrongly not only delays healing but can also cause further injuries. This article covers all the details about how to put on a shoulder brace correctly and what to avoid.
How to Put on a Shoulder Brace
Putting on a shoulder brace correctly is important as it helps prevent blood and lymph from pooling around the affected area. A shoulder brace helps improve blood circulation to speed up the recovery process. However, the shoulder brace not only aids in healing but also ensures you heal properly.
Here’s how to put on a shoulder brace:
- Pull the strap over the arm and elbow gently. Ensure the brace fits snugly – neither too tight nor too loose around your elbow. Ensure your hand is at the end of the brace without cutting into the hand or wrist. The shoulder brace is probably too small if your hand tends to hang at the wrist.
- Reach around the neck then grab the strap right behind the elbow. Try pulling the strap around your neck at the back then push it into the loop at your hand.
- While keeping your forearm and hand elevated above the elbow, tighten the straps. This helps ensure blood flows smoothly in the wrist and hands.
- Fasten the straps using the Velcro closure an adjust properly for a more comfortable fit. Remember, the shoulder brace should fit snugly, neither too tight nor too loose. Your wrist, elbow and hand should be in a relaxed position for ease of movement when going about your business.
BUY ON AMAZON
Why Wear a Shoulder Brace
There are many circumstances that may require you to wear a shoulder brace after an injury including;
Fracture
Limiting arm movement is paramount after a shoulder, elbow or wrist fracture. And this is where a shoulder brace comes in handy as it helps stabilize the arm and keep it in place to allows the bones to heal properly.
Shoulder Surgery
You’ll need to wear a shoulder brace after shoulder surgery to prevent the muscles around the affected area from contracting hard. When the muscles on the shoulders contract after surgery, it tends to get in the way of the recovery process which means that it will take longer than usual to heal.
Besides, not limiting muscle movement after the rotator cuff surgery or doing vigorous activities can tear the repaired muscle. In such scenarios, a shoulder brace will come in handy.
Stroke
You’ll also need to use a shoulder brace after a stroke. Stroke is quite severe as it can result in paralysis in the leg, arm or even both. Not being able to move your shoulder with ease can become painful since it tends to hang on the sides.
BUY ON AMAZON
A shoulder brace helps support the arm and prevent unnecessary stretching as it limits movement to avoid the uncomfortable pull on the shoulders.
Your physician can also recommend wearing a shoulder brace after surgery on the upper part of the body to speed up the recovery process. A shoulder brace also provides ultimate comfort, support and protection after a surgery.
