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Best shoulder support & braces for wrestling sports (UK) - Buying Guide: 2024

Wrestling is a demanding sport in terms of health and use of shoulders. Athletes have to use the power of their shoulders to bring down the opposing player, so it's not surprising that they get injured more often and more severely.

One of the solutions that have been developed is theuse of sports compression shoulder sleeves that mitigate and prevent trauma. In this article we explain: the most common shoulder injuries, the best garments for each, the most important features to look for when buying, and more.

What is the best shoulder brace for wrestling 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 wrestling?

Wrestling athletes are constantly exposed to all sorts of injuries due to the contact and physical stress the sport requires of them. Among the most commonly injured areas are the shoulders, which have to work with force and pressure when the athlete needs to grab and take the opponent to the ground.

Tendonitis of the rotator cuff

The shoulder is made up of what is known as the rotator cuff, basic parts that are more prone to injury than the other elements of this body part. This tendonitis usually occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become inflamed as a result of overuse or weight bearing.

In wrestling, this injury is caused by wrestlers using the shoulder repeatedly and eventually wearing it down and tiring it out, so that by the time the wrestler competes or trains, the joint is already worn down to the point where it can no longer respond and is injured. It also occurs when athletes experience sudden jerks or jolts during shoulder movements or pressure on the shoulder from an opponent .

Dislocation of the shoulders

The shoulder is connected to the clavicle and the end of the scapula ("acromion"). The two parts are connected by the clavicle joint. When the shoulder separates, these two ligaments tear (partially or completely), separating the clavicle and acromion.

This injury is quite common in wrestling, as it is mainly caused by direct blows to the upper part of this area of the body or by falls with or on the shoulder, causing the above ligaments to loosen and separation to occur. Athletes tend to fall heavily on their shoulders and/or get hit by their opponents in combat.

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder injury is also quite common in wrestling, although it is difficult to detect in the early stages, but rather when it is already in progress. It is characterized by stiffness accompanied by constant pain and limited range of motion due to previous trauma that was not adequately treated.

In this case, the tissues covering the joints become stiff and scar tissue forms, preventing movement of the shoulder. The injury usually develops slowly and regresses slowly over a year or more. Wrestling athletes often bump this non-healing joint, have bruising, swelling, etc., which increases the likelihood of shoulder stiffness in their body.

Rotator cuff tendon injury

This injury is impingement of the shoulder due to inflammation of the bone spur or fluid buildup in the area, causing the rotator cuff tendon to compress and rub on the acromion.

This type of trauma often occurs in wrestling, as the main cause is the excessive and pronounced upward movement of the shoulder, which is often performed by athletes during training and also in wrestling, often pushing the shoulders to the limit of their axis, causing wear and weakening of the tendon, so that eventually it is injured and can no longer move without pain and swelling.

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

When choosing the right sports compression sleeve for your shoulders, you will be faced with many different options on the market. You need to keep in mind that choosing just any garment is not the best decision, but you need to consider how you will use it and what you need it for.

In addition, there are a number of important aspects that every contact athlete should consider when buying their own sports shoulder brace, such as function, material, fit, size, design and price.

Depending on the function

  • Shoulder supports: many of the compression shoulder braces available on the market are designed to serve as a compression contact and secure support for the athlete's shoulder, ideal for combat and impact sports where injury can occur. It can also be used as an aid in healing trauma to fix and strengthen the shoulder.
  • Shoulder support for pain relief: the support that the sports shoulder support provides to the shoulder has such an effect that it helps to improve the condition of the internal parts of the shoulder, which may be affected and therefore radiate pain. Thus, the indirect function of compression garments is also a means to help athletes relieve and treat their discomfort.
  • Shoulder braces for recovery: there are shoulder braces on the market specifically designed to help the athlete recover from a major or minor injury caused by a severe physical impact on the shoulder that traumatized the athlete. The use of this type of brace is excellent because it is an essential complement to the recovery and rehabilitation of the athlete's shoulder, accompanied by medical and physiotherapeutic assistance that ensures a faster and more effective recovery.
  • Shoulder braces to prevent injuries: Any athlete who practices wrestling or contact disciplines needs to take care of their shoulders due to the constant stress. Using sports compression shoulder sleeves is one way to prevent injury to this area of the body and provide additional support to the joint that it could not provide on its own.

Material of construction

The most common materials for making sports shoulder braces that you can find on the market are listed below:

  • Neoprene: This material is one of the most preferred and used because it allows blood flow and air flow through the skin, and also because of its durability. Choose this type of material for your shoulder supports to ensure good blood circulation in this area of the body, which is also good for the health of your shoulder and its recovery from injuries.
  • Polyester: this material is best for repetitive movements, as it is very stretchy and adapts to all the movements you need to make of and with your shoulders. Also, polyester is one of those fabrics that does not absorb sweat, but allows it to escape through the holes in the fabric, acting as a breath inhibitor that prevents fungus, bacteria, mold and bad odors.
  • Elastic fabric: this type of fabric gives you a double advantage as it compresses the inner parts of your shoulder and at the same time stretches over it, so it conforms to the shape of your body and gives you the freedom of movement you need during any exercise.
  • Nylon fabric: although it is good for muscle activity to keep muscles warm, sometimes we run the risk of overheating them. The option to improve our situation is nylon fabric, which allows and stimulates proper sweating of the shoulder, protects it from overheating and keeps it healthy.

Type of support

Considering the many movements that the shoulder has to perform during training or competitions, and the fact that it is a combat and contact sport, where sudden, intense and even uncomfortable movements occur constantly, it is necessary to take into account the closure that ensures that the garment does not move or fall off by itself.

  • Wrap: This is one of the most commonly used compression garments. It fits the contours of the shoulders and restricts movement. Each time you put them on or take them off, they open completely to prevent pain and swelling. They have a strap that is placed across the chest where it is secured.
  • Straps: The closure system consists of straps that are adjustable at the chest level, so you can easily put them on, but also adjust them to how you prefer or need to wear them, either tighter or looser. This way they fit better around the shoulder and provide more stability and support for that area.
  • Velcro: Sports compression straps with Velcro are widely used and are easy to remove and put on. Their fit means they adapt perfectly to the athlete's body and shoulder anatomy, giving them exactly the support they need and the support they have trouble getting out of.

Size

Size is another important criterion to consider when choosing your compression shoulder brace for sports, because you can't choose a brace that is neither too loose nor too tight, otherwise it will do the opposite of what it was designed for and what you bought it for.

So, it can be said that there are one-size-fits-all compression shoulder sleeves on the market that adapt to the thickness and size of each person's body. This is mainly due to the material they are made of (mainly elastic) and the type of support that is fully adjustable and adapts to the contours of the body, which is also effective.

But if you are one of those people who prefer an exact measurement, here we explain how to get it. To do this, simply take a tape measure and measure the distance from your shoulder to the other shoulder, but along the chest, and then do the same with the thickness of your arm at the shoulder.

Design

Most of the sports compression shoulder sleeves on the market are characterized by their sober design, which is primarily focused on ensuring that the function they perform for the athlete is not lost in terms of efficiency, functionality and usefulness.

So, if you start looking for the perfect garment, you will notice that the most common models are minimalist and in the most common colors such as black, gray, dark green, navy blue, either white or light blue. Even if you can come across compressive shoulder braces with small colorful prints. However, the focus seems to be more on the use of the shoulder supports.

Prices

Prices for sports compression sleeves depending on their features, which include those explained above. This means that the more specialized and specific a garment is for a particular function or use, the more expensive it is.

Don't forget that buying a shoulder compression brace is also an investment in the future, to avoid complicated surgeries that could worsen your shoulder situation. To illustrate, we present some approximate prices, from the lowest to the highest, for you to consider when making your purchase.

Do compression shoulder sleeves for boxing really work?

As we have seen throughout the article, compression shoulder sleeves are responsible for acting as additional support for all kinds of repetitive or very intense movements that the player must perform of any type of combat and physical impact sport where the joint is also significantly exposed to one of the points that is more prone to trauma.

Preventionand assistance in the treatment of shoulder injuries are two of the benefits that can guarantee sports shoulder braces. All this is to keep your body healthy and prevent you from serious injuries, because you should enjoy the sport without fearing dangerous consequences that would prevent you from continuing to practice it.

Compression therapy is therefore an excellent option, because not only is it effective and non-invasive, but it also keeps your shoulders healthy and ensures that you avoid serious injuries that your shoulder could not handle on its own.

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