Is a Shoulder Brace Good for a Dislocated Shoulder

Wearing a shoulder brace following dislocation can stabilize the shoulder joint and reduce the risk of re-dislocation. A shoulder brace works during rehabilitation by limiting the motion of the shoulder joint, which reduces pressure on the tissues, and is effective for applications in athletes and high-risk activities.

Safety Wear Tips

The way and time of wearing a shoulder brace directly impacts the result of recovery. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in their guideline on clinical practice, emphasizes that the brace should fit snuggly against the shoulder and not too tightly to prevent impairment of circulation. Ninety percent of patients experience extreme pain relief after wearing the brace correctly.

How Long Should One Wear the Fivali Shoulder Brace?

According to one study published in the Journal of the Medical Association, wearing a brace for 2-3 weeks in the acute phase following first dislocation reduces the recurrence risk by 25%. In instances of recurrent dislocations or those who have a high risk, a longer time may be involved. However, adjustments should be made based on a doctor's advice since doing otherwise may lead to unnecessary complications and discomfort.

Range of Motion

A shoulder brace represents a big limitation of the range of motion in a shoulder joint, though this is very important in the process of recovery.

Data published by the American Physical Therapy Association have shown that the use of a double shoulder brace can decrease shoulder joint motion by more than 50%, with prevention of further dislocation. Range of motion during the acute phase is reduced about 60% and is mainly composed of avoidance of shoulder abduction and external rotation, which provides the most protection for the joint.

As recovery advances, so does the loosening of restriction in movement. According to the Journal of Sports Medicine, most could regain up to 70% of normal range of motion at 6-8 weeks into recovery, but movement should be increased carefully and gradually in order not to overstimulate the joint.

Recommendations for Normal Work

Many patients question the ways of maintaining normal work routines while wearing the brace. According to a study by Occupational Medicine Association, 70% of patients reported alleviation of shoulder discomfort after making adjustment in posture.

The manual workers should avoid heavy lifting or frequent overhead movements. According to Labor Medicine studies, the average capacity for load carriage is reduced by 40% while on a shoulder compression brace. Thus, it is important to plan rest and provide activities modification to prevent re-injury from excessive use of the shoulder.

Household Chores Guidelines

Extra caution is recommended in performing household chores while on a brace.

The study from Family Health Journal stated that with the use of long-handle cleaning tools, overhead movements were reduced and the injured joint is protected, thereby shoulder activity could be reduced by about 30 percent to reduce overall burden.

Division of labor in housework into smaller steps can further protect the shoulder. According to the Rehabilitation Journal, accomplishing steps in doing household chores reduces the fatigue in the joint by 30-40 percent.

Guidelines for Exercise Restrictions

Exercises limitation is critical in the recovery process of a dislocated shoulder. According to the Journal of Physical Rehabilitation, in the case of inappropriate exercise during recovery, such as weightlifting or throwing, 65% of patients suffer from re-dislocation.

The shoulder exercises are limited to gentle flexion and extension during the early phase of rehabilitation. The International Sports Medicine Association reports that a gradual increase in the intensity of training in the sport can reduce recurrence as high as 35%.

The increase in the load generally should not exceed 10% every week. It is also best to carry out all the exercises under the direction of a physician or a physiotherapist to achieve the best recovery outcomes.

Precautions while Going Out

Wearing a shoulder brace and support outdoors involves a number of precautions. For instance, the Outdoor Sports Safety Guide provides information that cold weather reduces brace comfort. Consequently, at low temperatures, additional warm-up measures are required.

Outdoor Sports Journal reports that temperature reduces comfort when wearing a brace about 25%, so a wearer should put on additional clothes for warming up.

Wearing protective gear after shoulder joint dislocation, especially outdoors, requires a couple of things which you must pay extra attention to so that you do not experience feelings of discomfort or aggravation of the injury. Protective equipment interferes with seat belt operation while traveling and requires special care in adjusting to make sure that the shoulder is sufficiently protected.

Institute for Traffic Safety estimated that if the seat belt is not adjusted to proper positioning, as many as 35% of patients will feel sharp discomfort in the shoulder area. For decreasing the burden on shoulders, the seat belt positioning should be reasonably adjusted and should avoid carrying overweight items. This would reduce the burden on shoulders by a great amount and can improve comfort and safety when any protection gear is worn.

Quality of Life Improvements

Although there are many ways in which wearing a shoulder brace rotator cuff may affect one's daily activities, bracing is generally effective in the management of the disease and thus improves one's quality of life significantly. According to the Health Life Journal, a well-planned recovery and psychological support can raise one's life quality as high as 30%.

Psychological factors also contribute much to recovery. Research by the Psychological Health Association shows that joining support groups or being counseled will help a patient adapt better to the use of a brace and reduce anxiety and discomfort.

The brace may inhibit some social activities, but planning properly can still accommodate the person to participate in most gatherings. A study by the Psychological Health Association showed that patients who joined in social activities resulted in a 15% better recovery outcome than those with no social contacts.

Besides, keeping a balance of diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is equally important. According to the report by Nutritional Health Research Institute, a balanced diet may speed recovery by 20% and make them get back into normal life in quick time.