What's the Best Double Shoulder Brace and Why Do I Need One?

A double-shoulder brace is a specialized orthotic device designed to provide support and stability by simultaneously immobilizing both shoulders.

It is typically used by individuals who have suffered from bilateral shoulder injuries or certain musculoskeletal disorders that require immobilization during the postoperative period. Athletes often use them as well for a faster recovery time for muscle repair after strenuous exercise.

How do shoulder braces work, when are they typically needed, and how does using a double-shoulder brace aid in recovery from injuries? Keep reading on to learn everything you need to know about double-shoulder braces!

How Do Double-Shoulder Braces Work?

Double-shoulder braces comprise a vest component that can wrap around the upper back and chest area to provide a strong foundation for support. It has rigid cuffs or panels attached to it for extra cushioning. 

These cuffs, especially over the shoulder joints, assist in the restriction of unnecessary movement at the joints. The double-shoulder brace has adjustable straps, so you can fasten it according to your size preference, making sure stabilization suits you best. 

The shoulder supports and braces compress the shoulder joint gently, which can help decrease swelling, pain, and inflammation. With continued use, a shoulder brace can promote proper muscle extension and contraction and improve blood circulation, thereby reducing muscle stiffness and pain.

With the help of immobilization on both shoulders, the restriction in the range of motion provides faster relief from pain and a quicker healing time for injuries. 

Which Injuries Require Double-Shoulder Braces?

Double-shoulder braces can be used as an assistant device for a variety of injuries. Some of the most common shoulder injuries where shoulder supports and braces are recommended are listed below.  

1. Shoulder Arthritis

When the shoulder joint undergoes degenerative changes with age or injury, it causes the joint to become stiff, swollen, and painful. 

Using shoulder supports for arthritis helps in relieving pain and regaining muscle strength, which in turn increases the overall functionality of the muscle. 

2. Rotator Cuff Tears

A rotator cuff tear is an injury that may result from a fall or inappropriate positioning of the group of four muscles and associated tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint. 

Since double-shoulder braces allow a controlled range of motion, using them for rotator cuff repair helps protect the tendons as they heal. 

Once the rotator cuff muscles are repaired, double-shoulder braces are encouraged to be worn during physical activities to limit the chances of re-injury.

3. Dislocated Shoulder

A dislocated shoulder is a musculoskeletal injury where the upper arm's bone, called the humerus, adjacent to the shoulder pulls out of the shoulder socket. 

Using a double-shoulder brace helps stabilize the shoulder joint following a dislocation injury by keeping the ball of the humerus head centered inside the socket. Joint stabilization decreases the risk of recurrent dislocations since they are common.

4. Acromioclavicular Joint Injury

An acromioclavicular joint injury is more commonly known as a shoulder separation. When the shoulder separates, there is an injury to the ligaments of the shoulder joint that connect the collarbone, known as the clavicle, to the shoulder blade. 

Shoulder braces support the weight of the arm by offloading stress from the injured acromioclavicular joint ligaments during healing.

5. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome typically occurs during shoulder flexion, especially during overhead arm movements. Repeated impact between the greater tuberosity of the humerus and the acromion leads to shoulder tissue problems.

Certain double-shoulder braces have diagonal strapping that enhances the activation of stabilizing muscles and reduces the chances of impingement.

6. Shoulder Strain

A shoulder strain occurs due to overstretching of the muscles and tendons located around the shoulder joint. With the use of shoulder pain braces, you can immobilize the strained shoulder muscles, which gives them adequate time to rest and heal properly.

Measures to Aid in the Recovery of Shoulder Injuries

There are certain measures that we can employ to ensure a steady recovery from shoulder injuries. 

1. Use Shoulder Braces

Shoulder braces play a key role in providing rest to strained muscles and decreasing inflammatory reactions at the shoulder joints. 

The type of shoulder brace that you can use depends on factors such as the severity and location of the muscle strain.

2. Physical Therapy

With controlled movements of shoulder muscles via physical therapy, we can speed up the healing process for shoulder injuries. 

Physical therapists also use techniques such as heat or cold therapy and electric shock-like stimulation, which can provide adequate pain relief.

3. Massage and Training

Massage therapy is well-known for its numerous benefits for muscle recovery and repair. It can not only help promote blood circulation in the shoulder but also alleviate muscle tension and reduce muscle pain and stiffness. 

Targeted strengthening workouts also focus on rebuilding strength in the muscles surrounding the shoulder.

4. Supplement Nutrition

Shoulder injuries may be recurrent due to muscle weakness secondary to mineral or vitamin deficiencies. Thus, the use of supplements and balanced nutrition aids in recovery. 

Protein is an important nutrient for repairing damaged muscles. Vitamin C helps synthesize collagen, while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining bone health. Therefore, it is recommended to eat more protein-rich foods, such as fish and meat, as well as vegetables that are rich in vitamins.

Misunderstandings of Using Double-Shoulder Braces 

There are certain factors to take into account before starting to use double-shoulder braces as a therapeutic option for shoulder injuries. 

Before you go to pick a shoulder brace for yourself, it is necessary to explore the common misconceptions and mistakes that you might have to deal with when using shoulder braces. 

1. Wear for Long Periods

We can wear shoulder braces for long periods; however, it is essential to note that long-term wear should not cause a hindrance to recovery. 

If there is unusual discomfort or irritation, the use of a shoulder brace should be discontinued, and you must seek professional help.

2. Incorrect Size

Some people may not pay attention to the size when choosing double-shoulder braces, thinking that it doesn't matter if they are tighter or looser. However, improperly sized braces may not provide adequate support and may exacerbate pain or lead to new injuries. 

Therefore, it is crucial to pick the right size for yourself that is not too tight to restrict blood flow but not too loose to hang off loosely from the shoulders without enough support.

3. Select the Wrong Product Type

Before we pick a shoulder brace, we should consult a health professional who can help us select the best brace suited to our healing needs. With a variety of braces available, picking the correct product type for yourself becomes crucial. 

4. Immediately Use Shoulder Braces After Shoulder Injury

It is essential to evaluate when to use shoulder braces in the presence of a healthcare provider. They can help rule out life-threatening injuries that would otherwise require more invasive treatment, as immediate use of shoulder braces may limit swelling reduction in some cases.

5. Ignoring Pain Signals

Pain is an important signal indicating that the body may need rest or treatment. If the pain intensifies or persists after wearing a double-shoulder brace, it should be stopped immediately, and a doctor should be consulted.

Fivali Double-Shoulder Braces

Fivali offers the best shoulder brace for sports and pain relief with an ergonomic and lightweight design. With cushioning material with points to disperse pressure, Fivali double-shoulder braces offer comfort with extended relief. 

Fivali braces are user-friendly as they are easy to wash and store. They provide comfort with sweat-absorbing pads that keep you sweat-free while you wear the shoulder brace during intense physical activity. They have a double-stitched edge made out of a breathable mesh to allow greater comfort for the user during the recovery process.

These orthotic devices have a unique design with edge buckle technology that applies gentle pressure on the shoulders from the back, helping them align appropriately. 

Once the shoulders are aligned in a suitable position, it reduces the strain on shoulder injuries. You can use Fivali shoulder braces while working out in the gym, playing volleyball outdoors, enjoying your weekend golf, or just doing your daily chores at home! Here are revommendations that you should not miss:

Top Picks	Fivali Double Shoulder Compression Sleeve for Sports and Daily Lives	Fivali Compression Double Shoulder Brace for Fitness
Features & Advantages	Soft and Comfortable Fabric: Comfortable and flattering to wear. Provides Stability During Physical Activity: Double shoulder sleeve, offers reliable support to your shoulders and help you perform better. Helps Pain Relief and Injury Prevention: This double shoulder compression sleeve can relieve stress and discomfort, and speed up recovery. Close-fitting, Invisible: can be worn on the outside of clothing with no visible signs of wear. At the same time, this shoulder compression sleeve compresses your shoulders and helps decrease joint stress. Thin and Lightweight Design: Easy to wear and would not affect you when sports or work.	Close-Fitting and Comfortable: The shoulder support sleeve can be worn easily and enjoy a perfect wearing experience. Detachable Compression Straps: Provide stability, compression and personal wearing ways. Secure Velcro Fastenings and Elastic Fabric: The shoulder joint can be held in place by compression straps to prevent severe displacement during intense exercise. It decreases the risk of getting injured. Additionally, the fabric of double shoulder brace  is suitable for every body size. Stability for Sports, Pain Relief, Injury Prevention: You can wear the shoulder brace for sports in or after physical activities, which can support you all the time.
Application	Sports Shoulder pain relief Injury prevention	Sports Shoulder pain relief Injury prevention
Size	SIZE SHOULDER WIDTH  BODY WEIGHT M      15.7-17.3"(40-44cm)    110.2-132.2lbs L       17.7-18.9"(45-48cm)    132.2-154.3lbs XL     19.3-20.5"(49-52cm)   154.3-176.3lbs	SIZE Shoulder Width        Weight S        14.2-15.4"(36-39cm)    99.2.-132.2lbs M       15.7-17.7"(40-45cm)    132.2-165.4lbs L        18.1-20"(46-51cm)        137.8-209.4lbs
	SHOP NOW!	SHOP NOW!

FAQs

1. Can I Wear Shoulder Braces While Sleeping?

The compression and immobilization offered by double-shoulder braces are beneficial for pain-free sleep at night. However, there are certain potential drawbacks, such as skin irritation, discomfort due to the rigid nature of the double-shoulder brace, and circulation issues.

2. How to Choose a Double-Shoulder Brace with the Appropriate Size?

The primary concern with a double-shoulder brace is proper sizing, as we need optimal support to immobilize the joint during the healing process. 

It is essential to follow a manufacturer's guidelines and consult healthcare professionals to choose the perfect size for yourself and see what a shoulder brace does.

So now you know, “What does a shoulder brace do?” But for the best results, you need to invest in high-quality shoulder braces. 

Fivali double-shoulder braces, made of flexible and breathable materials, are ideal for sports and daily use. They offer high joint stability and compression. We also offer shoulder braces that are designed especially for dislocation prevention and recovery. Visit our website for the most suitable one for you!