The shoulder brace was originally made of a special foam product to give the shoulder more stability. Over the years, many sportswear manufacturers saw great potential in this product and decided to use it in the various disciplines as a product to protect athletes from shoulder injuries.
Today, there are numerous varieties of sports shoulder supports that are designed to meet specific needs. In this article, we will explain the most common shoulder injuries, the sports that are most likely to cause injuries, the best compression shoulder sleeves, their features and other interesting content.
What is the best shoulder brace for sport injuries?
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: No
- Two modes of fastening
- Cold-Heat pad option
- Good compression
- Breathable
- Not machine washable
- One only size
The splint comes with a pressure pad to place a hot or cold pack. In this way you will achieve therapeutic effects generated by thermal variation therapies. The Velcro strap often disturbs the area under the armpits if not positioned correctly and, in some women, can cause tightness in the bust. The support is not strong enough for sports or sleeping.
- Sizes: XS-L-XL-XXL-XXXL
- Colors: Black
- Material: Lycra & Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: No
- Two adjustable straps
- Multi position
- For both shoulders
- N-Tex neoprene
- Small sizes
- Not machine washable
Its washable anatomical design, designed to absorb moisture and not damage the skin, is durable and reusable because it does not deform over time. You can choose the alignment according to your needs, but this is not always the case for all bodies, as it depends on the person's build. Keep in mind that the material is hot, so in summer or in times of high temperatures its use may be uncomfortable.
- Sizes: S-M & M-XL
- Colors: Black & Blue
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: No
- Good fit
- Maximum support
- Diferentes tallas
- Different sizes
- Too bulky
- Gel pad not included
The circumference of the arm and the anatomical shoulder area has three perforated layers to maintain greater comfort and allow the skin to breathe. The ease of configuration generates individual fitting, but you should be aware that compression can cause the plastic adjustment clips to put incorrect pressure on the biceps and torso. Finally, consider that the different sizes indicated on the product are not always accurate.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: No
- Optimal fit
- Soft and breathable material
- For both shoulders
- Good materials
- Gel pad not included
- Thin material
To relieve pain and speed recovery from injuries, the shoulder protector includes a pocket for incorporating hot and cold gel packs. With this function you will achieve to apply the correct temperature just in the inflamed place and thus you will obtain therapeutic results much faster. Keep in mind that, in some patients, the support is not correct due to their physical build. Women may suffer pressure on their breasts if the strap does not fit properly.
- Sizes: S-M-L-XL-XXL
- Colors: Black & Grey
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: No
- Great compression and good support
- Strong adjustable straps
- Very good elasticity
- Quality material
- Gel pad not included
The adjustable straps work together with the V-shaped support of the sleeve, making the product suitable for use on any shoulder. The different sizes available generate greater stability for each type of user's thoracic build. The sleeve has three velcro straps on the inside, this helps to cover the circumference of the biceps for a better feeling of control and fixation of the shoulder. In some cases, these fastening straps do not work properly due to the tension they support.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: 2 Options - Black, Pink
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: No
- Soft and comfortable neoprene material
- Includes a user manual
- Easy one-handed adjustment
- Quality material
- Gel pad not included
- Thin material
In the manual enclosed in this offer you will find different tips that will help you improve your lifestyle to avoid future injuries. Its placement is simple and its one-size-fits-all design allows you to keep the straps in place at all times, although the strap may be too long for those with a small frame.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: Yes
- Gel pad option
- For both shoulders
- Easy to put on
- Good protection
- Thin material
- One only size large
Thanks to the fixation and pressure it exerts on the arm, it manages to keep the shoulder immobile when you perform any type of task, including every time you practice sports. The black neoprene and the elastic bands that cross the thorax and the arm circumference generate greater stability so as not to displace the shoulder and cause more pain. Its cumbersome fit may cause discomfort in those with inflammation or advanced injury.
- Sizes: One size
- Colors: Black
- Material: Neoprene
- Closure type: Closure with elastic straps and Velcro
- Hot/cold pad: Yes
- 3 temperature modes
- Overheating protection
- Soft and adjustable material
- Compression pad
- Too bulky
- Not machine washable
This system avoids being connected to a USB cable to generate the necessary heat, so it is possible to take the protector anywhere without any problem. The battery needs a charge of 3 hours so that its operation is only 20 minutes. In some cases the heat does not reach the temperature indicated on the product.
Video: Shoulder joint anatomy
Types of shoulder braces you should know about
What are the most common shoulder injuries in sports?
There are many shoulder injuries. To know exactly what they are, you need to consider many variables, and in some sports there are activity-specific injuries. You also need to know what the surface is like, whether the athlete has done the warm-up exercises to strengthen the muscles and joints, whether the athlete is experienced or a beginner, and other information.
This section lists the most common shoulder injuries in sports, what they are, their symptoms, how they occur, some examples and useful tips.
Dislocation of the shoulder
This happens when the bone of the upper arm (humerus) pops out of its socket. In most cases, the bone moves in front of the joint, making the arm unstable. In severe fractures, ligaments, vessels, and tendons can be torn or ruptured. The first thing you will notice is that the arm is out of place, severe pain, swelling or bruising around the affected limb, instability, cramps, tingling, numbness and loss of mobility.
If you play sports such as weightlifting, football, rugby or other high-risk sports, you are at risk of injuring your shoulder. It can occur as a result of a wrong move, a hard fall, or an activity that exceeds the athlete's physical ability. These events can occur unexpectedly, and you may need to wear a neoprene shoulder brace with adjustable support.
Fracture of the shoulder
There can be two types of fractures. The first is fracture of the clavicle, or breaking and deforming the clavicle under the skin. This type of injury can involve the ligament and is common in sports such as rugby, wrestling, crossfit and especially weightlifting.
Weightlifting is perhaps one of the most demanding sports, so much so that some of the competitions can far exceed the physical condition of the participants. Imagine lifting a heavy barbell, your hands slip, and the metal bar hits your right shoulder and breaks. As in this example, it can happen in other sports as well. Symptoms begin with severe pain, followed by swelling of the shoulder, tenderness of the affected area, deformity and redness under the skin, and immobilization of the arm.
Bursitis of the shoulder
Apainful condition that affects the bursa, a small sac between the moving parts of the shoulder bones that fills with sinus fluid to prevent the bones from colliding, wearing down and injuring each other. Anyone can suffer from this condition, but it is more common in sports such as wrestling, rugby, crossfit, basketball and others.
It results from repetitive or poorly executed movements, poor posture, lifting an object over your head or leaning your elbows too long. When you wrestle or play martial arts, you come into contact with your opponent and put stress on your shoulder for an extended period of time, which can lead to a bursa injury.
Symptoms begin with pain and stiffness of the joint, especially during exercise or sports, inability to move, swelling and excessive redness of the shoulder and surrounding area, bruising and, if severe, fever.
Rotator cuff injury
The rotator cuff consists of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder area and are responsible for keeping the arm (humerus) tight and stable in its socket. When injured, the rotator cuff tendons can be affected, and trying to sleep on the affected side can make the situation worse.
This affects athletes or workers who perform repetitive overhead movements. For example, when basketball players repeatedly raise their arm to score or block a basket, these repetitive movements wear down the shoulder and affect the rotator cuff. Suspect an injury if you feel pain in your shoulder that extends to your elbow, if you feel discomfort when you sleep and make certain movements, and if you lose strength and mobility.
Tendonitis of the shoulder
This is a swelling or irritation of a tendon in the shoulder that attaches the muscle to the bone. This type of condition is very common in this joint and affects many athletes. When the tendons are inflamed, they are squeezed against the structure of the shoulder.
Symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury. They usually occur gradually; the first thing felt is pain and tenderness in the shoulder, which may extend to the hand, restriction of movement and weakness; complications may include a tear accompanied by a sharp pain. In sports, for example, athletes lift weights over the shoulder. If this movement is repeated or performed poorly, it affects the tendon and causes inflammation.
Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best sport shoulder brace?
Sports in general, require sports supplements to perform the activities at 100%, this equipment must help improve the level of protection without reducing mobility, its use is almost mandatory, it will help you prevent, treat or reduce injuries and discomfort caused, being the shoulder braces of great benefit to athletes in various disciplines.
According to the sport
- Rugby: Rugby is the sport with the second highest number of injuries after American football. It is a tough sport with violent movements and falls, and the shoulders are among the most affected limbs. It requires clothing that protects and strengthens muscles and ligaments without limiting mobility, and compression sportswear is best for this.
- Combat and contact sports: it is a sport with a lot of movement, falls and violent contact with another person. The arms must be used in combat, which causes constant pressure on the shoulder muscles. You can reduce this pressure and protect yourself from future injury by using a sports compression shoulder brace.
- Basketball: as one of the most popular contact sports in the world, you can get injured from repetitive strain, which can lead to tendonitis, or if you jump and fall with your arm bent, which can dislocate or break your shoulder. To avoid these accidents, wear proper protection such as a shoulder brace.
- Weightlifting, powerlifting, and fitness: these disciplines and lifestyles are considered by many to be extreme sports because they involve excessive weights and overhead repetitions. Some of these activities involve lifting weights with barbells or as much weight as possible, exercising every muscle in the body.
Material of manufacture
For the items mentioned in this article, the materials used include Velcro, breathable neoprene, non-slip silicone, plastic and nylon. These synthetic materials are very advanced, durable and easy to work with.
- Kevlar: This material is used because it is impact and fall resistant. It is the most recommended material for clothing and protective products. Athletes appreciate the use of sports accessories made of this material, and over the years the interest in this market has increased.
- Anti-slip silicone: products with anti-slip silicone are already widely used in the textile industry, as it offers advantages in anatomical design. For athletes, it is a relief as it prevents falls on wet surfaces while providing comfort and warmth in the shoulders.
- Absorbent fabric: most sports require rapid effort and movement, so they are often exposed to fluids such as sweat. Using absorbent fabrics in sportswear is ideal for absorbing sweat while maintaining the condition of the clothing.
- Neoprene: This is a durable material and is preferred by many athletes. They are often used in the manufacture of shoulder braces and are effective in preventing or treating injuries and other ailments as they provide protection, keep heat or other temperatures out, and keep the area clean of bacteria and germs.
- Polyester: polyester can be easily combined with other materials in the development of sportswear. It is very popular because it does not warp or shrink. It is also lightweight, easy to handle and durable.
Type of support
The fastening is an important decision for the execution of the sports shoulder supports, as it allows to fix the garment and apply an adjustable pressure in the desired direction, it is a significant improvement in the design of these products, ensuring greater protection and safety for the execution of any movement, however abrupt.
- Bi-directional Velcro: Athletes prefer these because they are a high-quality closure that can withstand any movement and is easy to use. It can be adjusted at will and exerts the right pressure without overloading or constricting the shoulder.
- Elastic bands with hooks: they allow the athlete to apply pressure and fix the area without damaging the skin. In cases of dislocation or mild or severe fractures, it is recommended to use straps with hooks to avoid or prevent these complications.
- Nylon straps: this type of material easily conforms to the shoulder. They can be stretched as much as the person wants, which distributes the pressure better. By using these straps, you can heal discomfort and pain in this area easier and faster.
- Adjustable buckle and Velcro closure: This is a lightweight soft-touch closure system that combines an adjustable nylon buckle anchored to a lightweight, durable plastic hook with wide Velcro straps for better support. They allow for distributed and adjustable pressure for use in a variety of cases.
- Support system for shoulder dislocation: it is made of breathable fabric with comfort pads, its ergonomic design adapts perfectly to the morphology of your shoulder, it has a pocket that helps you fix the affected limb in a comfortable position, and for greater security it has three adjustable straps to fix and hold the limb comfortably.
Sizing
One of the most common mistakes people make is shopping without knowing exactly what size is right for their body type. Compression shoulder braces will not compress the muscle if the size is too large; otherwise, blood will not be able to circulate normally and other health complications will occur.
To avoid these incidents, you need to know which one is right for you, just have a tape measure at hand and measure the distance from one shoulder to the other in a straight line with the height of the armpits as reference and the result in inches, is what you need to buy the shoulder braces you need.
Design
Originally, sporting goods were simply products that were designed to serve a specific purpose. However, this has evolved into a lifestyle, with different views on fashion. Consumers buy a sports compression shoulder sleeve on the recommendation of a friend, a professional, for its benefits, but also for its design. They want to look good and attract the attention of people around them.
Athletes need clothes with unique and exclusive designs, full of colors and textures that can evoke memories with their retro theme or surprise with futuristic models, without neglecting quality and functionality, and that's what you can see in the products mentioned here.
Prices
In creating the following list of costs, the current market prices have been taken into account, but there may be price variations depending on the features mentioned in the article, as well as the country you are in and its local currency. It is important to remember that each material has its own value.
Therefore, you will not be able to have a variety of types or colors and styles of fasteners with a minimum price that could not cover their manufacturing value. Therefore, you should carefully consider your needs for the use of the protective clothing and think about your health well-being and protection in the various sports when investing.