Do Double Shoulder Brace Help Dislocation
Yes, double shoulder braces are very effective in treating shoulder dislocation, especially in reducing recurrence, speeding up recovery, and providing support.
What is Shoulder Dislocation?
A shoulder dislocation is when the bones of the shoulder slip out of position; it can be due to high level exercises, accidental falls or a direct blow.After dislocation the patient complains of severe pain and he is unable to move the shoulder joint along with features like joint instability, swelling or deformity.
Typically the treatment for shoulder dislocation consists of the following steps.
- Closed Reduction : The physician aligns the displaced joint back into its original position using his or her hands.
- Brace Fixation : Fivali Double Shoulder brace is applied after reduction to immobilize the joint hence prevent movement and re-dislocation.
- Physical Therapy : Helps to rebuild the muscles around your shoulder, restores joint function and prevents further occurrences.
Types and Selection of Shoulder Braces
Double shoulder braces limit the range of motion of the shoulder joint, reducing shoulder abduction and rotation, ensuring joint stability.
According to research by the American Sports Medicine Association, wearing a brace can reduce the recurrence rate from 45% to 18%. Additionally, the brace provides protection for 4 to 6 weeks after the shoulder joint is reset, aiding tissue healing.
| Brace Type | Applicable Scenario | Functional Features |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Brace | Acute dislocation, post-surgery | Maximally limits shoulder joint movement |
| Mobile Brace | Recovery period, physical therapy | Allows moderate shoulder movement |
Mobile braces such as shoulder brace rotator cuff can limit shoulder joint movement to promote tendon healing.
Fixed brace shoulder braces are mainly used to stabilize joints and prevent recurrence of dislocation.
Combined Effect of Physical Therapy and Braces
Combining physical therapy with double shoulder compression sleeve can significantly improve recovery speed and effectiveness. A 2021 study in the Medical Journal shows that patients undergoing physical therapy along with braces, 85% recovered functional ability within 6 months, while those using only braces had a recovery rate of only 65%.
- Physical therapy strengthens the shoulder joint muscles.
- Start physical therapy from the 3rd week, focusing on strengthening the rotator cuff muscles.
- Gradually increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Limitations and Risks of Use
Although compression double shoulder braces are helpful in recovery, their long-term use may lead to muscle atrophy and joint stiffness. A 2021 study in the Journal of Sports Medicine reported that 8% of long-term brace wearers experienced decreased muscle strength.
- 5%-10% of patients may experience slight muscle atrophy;
- it is generally recommended not to use the brace for more than 12 weeks.
- Gradually reduce the wearing time of the brace to avoid over-reliance.
