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Best shoulder support & braces for all basketball (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

In order to play basketball, the player has to perform a series of movements, many of which require raising their arms above their shoulders, and in these postures, it leaves their joints in a more sensitive situation to suffer an ailment.

How can a basketball player protect his shoulders? A great way to do this is through the use of sports compression shoulder supports, which will be explained in depth in the following article, starting with the most common injuries in sports and then covering topics such as: features, function, and types of shoulder braces.

What is the best shoulder brace for basketball injuries?

IPOW - Sports Shoulder Brace for Sports Injury Recovery with Adjustable Neoprene
  • Sizes: S-M-L
  • Colours:Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Closure with elastic and velcro straps
  • Cold/warm effect: No
  • Helps increase blood circulation
  • Upper arm and rib cage both adjustable
  • Ideal support for everyone
  • Low clamping force
  • Not machine washable
With the IPOW shoulder brace you will maintain the correct shoulder position at all times due to its adjustable velcro straps. The unisex design in breathable neoprene is suitable for sports and for relieving pain from rheumatic diseases. Simply insert your arm and lift the back of the support to place it on your shoulder. Then move the straps until you are comfortable and the joint is secure.

In a few seconds the blood will start to circulate better and you will feel the therapeutic effect immediately. It is important to know that this shoulder brace is intended for people who have advanced muscle weakness or suffer from osteoarthritis or acute tendonitis. Therefore, for patients with small injuries, the support is not adequate.

WORLD BIO - Shoulder Support with ice pack for shoulder injuries, tendonitis and pain
  • Sizes: One size fits all
  • Colours: Blue
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
  • Cool/warm effect: Gel pack included
  • Strong Velcro fastenings
  • Gel bag for warming or freezing
  • Premium stitching and finish
  • Quick and easy to use
  • One size fits all
  • Bulkier than other options
This ice pack splint can be used in two different ways to get the therapeutic effects of heat and cold. It has a medical gel pack that you place in the microwave and, when you want to stimulate the affected area with cold, you put the gel in the refrigerator for about two hours to keep it warm for 30 minutes.

The World-Bio ice pack shoulder brace can be used to combat inflammation and pain caused by bruises, tendonitis, bursitis and surgical recovery. The gel pack is reusable and can also be applied to the knee, ankle, hip and other joints. Its grip is not sufficient for sports practice or for any complexion movement. In addition, you need another person to help you place the heat pack when the injury is severe.

TRILINK - Adjustable Shoulder brace support for Men and Women
  • Sizes: One size fits all
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elastic straps and velcro closure
  • Cold/warm effect: Not included
  • Good compression
  • Very comfortable and easy to use
  • Breathable neoprene material
  • Includes pressure pad
  • One size fits all
  • Gel bag not included
If you have suffered a tear, arthritis, rotator cuff injury, bursitis or tendonitis, then you should consider relieving the pain with a TRILINK shoulder brace. This sports brace has strong seams to bind the breathable neoprene fabric together and prevent skin irritation, keeping your shoulder protected at all times. You can also correct postural habits that cause wear and tear on the joint.

The shoulder brace we present to you has a pack to place a gel pack so you can perform a hot and cold therapy, but this gel pack is not included in this offer. Please note that the support of the splint is not sufficient if you have an advanced tendinitis or bursitis injury or if you want to do sports that require extreme shoulder movements.

DOACT - Unisex Dislocated Shoulder Support with Adjustable Strap for Rotator Cuffs
  • Sizes: One size fits all
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elasticated straps and Velcro closure
  • Cold/warm effect: Not included
  • Suitable for a wide range of injuries
  • Comfortable and breathable
  • Stylish and discreet design
  • Not machine washable
  • Less adjustable than other options
  • No gel pack
With the Doact shoulder brace you will find the support you need to keep the joint firm when you have a muscle tear, inflammation due to tendonitis or dislocation. Its useful ergonomic design in neoprene allows you to relieve pain thanks to the blood supply that this garment generates in the affected area. The brace is designed to be worn on either shoulder, for both men and women, thanks to its one size fits all fit.

You will be able to perform any task and maintain a relaxed body posture when wearing Doact. It is important to note that you will need the help of another person to put the brace on. On the other hand, the pain may increase when you take the brace off, as you need to lift your arm during this action.

Wchiuoe - Unisex sports Shoulder Compression Sleeve with Pressure Pad for Rotator Cuff
  • Sizes: S
  • Colours: Blue
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elastic and velcro fastening
  • Cool/warm effect: Not included
  • Easy one-handed adjustment
  • Four corner compression
  • Breathable compression fabric
  • Quality finish
  • Large for small people
  • Strap too long
In just 4 steps you can put on any of the sizes of this protector made of high quality materials. It features double adjustable straps at the biceps that are fixed to the arm to create a feeling of stiffness in the joint. This product can be used when you have muscle strains, inflammation in the bursae or tendons.

The four-cornered pad in this design will allow you to further secure the shoulder for extra protection. The breathable neoprene is hand washable without bleach, so you can reuse it as often as you like. In some cases the size is too high and squeezes the armpit too much. The perpendicular strap can be uncomfortable on a woman's bust.

Kuangmi - Double adjustable shoulder support for men and women
  • Sizes: L-XL-XXL
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elastic and velcro fastening
  • Cold/warm effect: Not included
  • Increased comfort
  • Fully adjustable design
  • High quality soft fabric
  • Highly elastic foam material
  • Large sizes for women
  • Thin elastic straps
The stability provided by this shoulder support corrects the posture of both men and women. It has a removable double strap that adjusts to the front or back of the thorax, according to the needs of the user. The elastic material of which it is made provides greater comfort, keeping the shoulders fixed during all hours of use.

It can be used during sports activities or to stimulate blood flow in case of inflammation due to tears or tendinitis. Its strap located on the biceps allows a better grip of the brace, although it is important to consider that the double strap on the front of the thorax can disturb the armpits and also women's busts.

DOACT - Shoulder Heating Pad and Electric Massager for Frozen Shoulder Pain Relief
  • Sizes: S-L
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elasticated straps and Velcro closure
  • Cool/warm effect: Included
  • Heat-Cool-Heat Thermal Option
  • Massage Mode
  • Accessible buttons
  • 3 Temperature Modes
  • Massage option somewhat noisy
  • No USB cable
Another electronic product to consider for relieving the symptoms of sprains, arthritis and dislocated shoulders is this adjustable neoprene orthopaedic splint. With this immobilising brace you have the possibility to massage the affected area and receive the benefits of heat therapy at the same time. You adjust the available frequencies to maximally relax the tissues in the affected area by pressing the switch button on the arm.

Choose the level you like in just a few steps. You can use this shoulder protector after a long day at work or before sports. Please note that you should not use it in direct contact with the skin, as this can cause burns. In some cases the heated shoulder straps and the noise of the motors may cause discomfort to the user.

Sports Laboratory - Adjustable Heat and Cold Therapy Shoulder brace with ice pack
  • Sizes: XS-S
  • Colours: Black
  • Material: Neoprene
  • Closure type: Elastic and velcro fastening
  • Cool/warm effect: Included
  • Good compression
  • Cold-Heat Therapy
  • Very comfortable
  • Unisex product
  • Thin material
  • Difficult to put on
The Sports Laboratory shoulder brace with gel packs for cold-heat therapy is suitable for both arms and can be easily adapted to any person. It is ideal for promoting the exchange of nutrients from the blood with toxins left in the shoulder due to inflammation from arthritis, bursitis, sprains and tendonitis. It can be worn in summer or during sports, as the breathable neoprene keeps the skin cool.

The different combined sizes and the guide included in the product offer help to speed up the patient's recovery. Simply fasten the strap to the chest and press the arm band to receive maximum compression and shoulder support. The design can be large for smaller frames, and fitting can be difficult for some users with advanced pain.

Video: Shoulder joint anatomy

Types of shoulder braces you should know about

What are the most common shoulder injuries in basketball?

Shoulder injuries are quite common in the popular sport of basketball. During a basketball game, players make sudden lifts with their arms when receiving a ball or throwing the ball to make a pass to score a basket; they may suffer a tear that can injure their shoulder. In addition to this example, there are many others that will be explained in detail below.

Shoulder Strain

A shoulder strain occurs when the tendons in the shoulder joints are torn, due to falls and impacts. Symptoms of this condition include pain, swelling, limited mobility and bruising in the affected area. Strains are caused when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn, and can occur immediately or develop over time.

Basketball players are more likely to suffer from sprains and strains or pulls, as they are usually caused by falls and hits to the shoulders. It is very common to observe players hitting each other as they chase the ball, looking for a pass that will allow them to position themselves and complete the task of making a basket.

Shoulder Dislocation

Inside the shoulder is the humerus, which is a bone shaped like a circle or ball at the top, and it is this piece that enters the hole that forms the scapula. This type of damage occurs when you receive a hard impact on the shoulder, and it is outside of this hole. It can be partial, when the ball doesn't come completely out of the socket, and total when it comes completely out.

Basketball is one of the most likely sports to cause this type of injury. Remember, the player is running up and down the court, looking for a good position to catch the ball and make the pass that will lead to victory. In the course of this running, a jerk occurs, which can lead to a fall on the shoulder, resulting in a dislocation.

Shoulder Bursitis

There are small, soft sacs underneath the tendon of the shoulder, whose purpose is to smooth out movement and prevent any kind of friction that could cause pain. When these sacs become inflamed, they cause this condition. The symptoms that appear are inflammation, accompanied by pain and redness of the affected area and, in some cases, it is difficult to move properly.

One of the reasons why basketball players are so prone to bursitis is that it is caused by repetitive movements. An example of this can be seen in a basketball game, where the athlete is constantly raising their arms to throw the ball over their head, either to dunk it in the basket or to pass it to another player. This type of mobility causes irritation of the bursa, so wearing a shoulder brace is recommended.

Rotator cuff injury

The rotator cuff is responsible for the stability and strength of the shoulder. But when the tendons that make up the rotator cuff become inflamed, this causes an injury that usually manifests as severe inflammation, accompanied by excruciating pain. A recurring cause is performing sports and work activities, where you perform a variety of actions that involve sudden movements. These types of movements affect the shoulder and inflame the tendons.

It often occurs in players of the sport, which consists of a series of constant and sudden movements. As can be seen in one of these games, where the athlete, while running from one end of the field to the other, tends to make inappropriate movements involving the head, arms and shoulders, in order to avoid the offensives of members of the opposing team. These types of movements can lead to these types of painful injuries.

Shoulder Fracture

Shoulder fractures occur when the clavicle bone and, in other cases, the humerus bone, are broken or cracked. They are the result of a sudden impact on the arm during a sporting event. This type of injury is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and discoloration of the skin, as well as the inability to move the arm and a fair amount of swelling.

During basketball practice, this type of injury is possible, as it is quite common for players to bump into each other while running on the court, hitting their shoulders hard, and sometimes they can fall on the court and injure the joint.

Buying guide: Tips on how to buy the best shoulder brace for basketball

The sports shoulder brace will be your ally in continuing to effectively play the sport you are so passionate about. Therefore, it is worth, before choosing, to evaluate a number of features that allow you to choose the best option according to your needs and circumstances.

Among the factors to be evaluated are: functions, prices, materials, design, size and even the most appropriate closure:

Depending on their function

  • Shoulders for pain relief: soreness is so common in basketball, whether it is after an injury, overtraining or other reasons that can generate this discomfort in the shoulders. That's why sports compression shoulder braces are recommended, because not only do they reduce inflammation and pain, but thanks to their design, they put gentle pressure on the affected body part, which activates circulation and reduces pain.
  • Shoulder protectors: if what you need is to protect your shoulder from possible injury, it is advisable to look for a shoulder protector made of durable yet flexible materials that will allow stability and comfort during your sports activities. Sportswear gives you the security and peace of mind you need to play basketball in the best possible way, without fear of injury or damage.
  • Shoulders with support: it is important when buying a shoulder sleeve that it has the support you need, giving stability to the joint so that you can recover. A garment such as a sports shoulder brace, with such features, will make it easier to adapt to the joint and continue to comply with their basketball practices without major complications.
  • Immobilization shoulder supports: Sports immobilization shoulder braces are used for very specific functions, as their name suggests. They have a dual function and impact in terms of the shoulder (and also in terms of using it), as they can be used as a preventative measure in cases where the joint has a minor pain or injury and prevents it from getting worse, and when it has suffered a major injury, where it now needs a supplement to help it recover.

Manufacturing material

In a product that you use daily, as in the case of sports shoulder braces, it is essential that it is made of comfortable materials that do not cause allergic reactions, that are soft and elastic, since you will use it for the practice of basketball, which requires good maintenance of the body and health.

Among the ideal materials for the manufacture of these garments is neoprene, which is light and elastic, allowing it to adapt to the body according to its characteristics, but it is not breathable, so it is combined with other fabrics such as nylon and spandex. Other fibers used in the manufacture of shoulder supports are foam, polyester, klevar, plastic, silicone, among others.

Although most companies use materials that are free of germs and allergic effects to the user, each of these materials must be analyzed according to each person's skin and condition, which can create side effects.

Type of support

Fasteners are essential to prevent the garment from rolling or slipping. This ensures that the compression shoulder brace does its job, giving the shoulder the stability and security it needs. If you want to keep the product in the right place, you need to evaluate the fasteners shown below and you'll be able to determine which one fits your needs:

  • Adjustable straps with Velcro closure: This type of strap allows for proper compression, due to the fact that they are adjustable, easy to close and each athlete can adapt them to their needs and determine the degree of pressure they need.
  • Neoprene: This is the most used material in the manufacture of sports shoulder straps, due to its properties of resistance, submission and compression of natural form that exerts in the joint, generating in the same product, and without many artifacts, the support needed for sports activities. Of course, if you want to complement it with other support accessories, this would be ideal for added security and protection.
  • Hook and loop fasteners: these are easy to handle. Usually made of nylon, they replaced the zipper and buttons, avoiding the possible failures of zippers that get stuck or rusty. They allow you to adjust and customize your shoulder tension. They are suitable for basketball players, as they give you the confidence that your shoulder is stable and protected.

Size

When choosing a backboard, it is essential to make sure of the size. It must fit perfectly, because if it is not the right size, it will not be able to perform the function it was designed for. There are one-size-fits-all sizes, which usually use fastening systems so you can have a more customized fit.

Now, if you're one of those people who prefers a compression shoulder support that completely fits your measurements, then we're going to explain how to size so that you know what measurements you're looking for in shoulder braces. The first thing you need to do is to use a tape measure, and measure the thickness of your arm withit, and then measure your shoulders, specifically from armpit to armpit.

Design

One of the things that immediately catches your attention when buying an item is its design. The colors used, the finish, the shape, among other aspects, are one of the first things you look at, and the same is true when buying a sports shoulder brace. These garments come in a wide variety of designs in different colors, such as blue, black, gray and white.

Their design not only covers the aesthetic part, so that it is harmonious to the eye, but they are also created to provide the relief and protection needed to pursue sports activities with taste and style. Therefore, we can conclude that sports shoulder sleeves are the perfect combination of fashion and functionality, which is not easy to find in today's sports market.

Price

Cost is one of the most sought after features by many people. But, its value is very fluctuating, as it will depend on many factors such as materials, design, function to be fulfilled, subjugation, local currency and much more, so you should first assess the need for which you want to buy, since the protection and care of your health, must be important aspects to be able to perform the practice of basketball properly.

Do compression shoulder sleeves for basketball really work?

As we have already explained, basketball is a sport that, due to its repetitive movements and the high level of competitiveness on the court, some accidents can occur in the players themselves, leading to shoulder injuries due to the constant and sudden mobility that must be exercised in this joint. Compression shoulder braces are the best solution to prevent and heal any kind of injury in this area.

Undoubtedly, this compression garment is the best ally of the basketball player and the athlete in general, because its benefits not only cover the trauma, it is also possible to improve other aspects of health such as increasing blood circulation, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, among others. As well as sports areas, such as increased performance and faster recovery after each game or training session.

All these properties of compression shoulder braces have been evaluated and studied by specialists in the sports and therapeutic field, thus offering greater security and confidence in these highly qualified products for all basketball players who want to increase their sports capacity, taking care of their health at the same time.

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