When you see players like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kurt Warner wearing braces, you may start to wonder what they are and what they can possibly do for you. No need to worry. This article will help you get all the details behind them.
What Do Wrist Braces Do?
Wrist braces help to protect the wrist joint and keep it in a neutral position. They help to alleviate pain from wrist injuries and conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. You can contact a doctor to know whether or not you need to wear a wrist brace.
Can I Wear a Wrist Brace to Work Out?
Yes, you can. Wrist braces stabilize, support, and protect the wrist, as well as fasten injury recovery. They can also be particularly helpful when lifting weights [if you’re holding the barbell on your back] and during the bench press. Wrist braces can be worn when deadlifting too; however, they won’t offer any extra support since deadlifting involves a pulling movement and does not strain your wrists as weightlifting does.
Is it Okay to Wear a Wrist Brace All Day?
Try wearing a wrist brace sparingly throughout the day, especially when overworking your hands and wrists. However, it’s advisable to wear it consistently at night if you have a wrist injury to immobilize the wrist.
Should I Go to the Gym With a Wrist Injury?
As much exercising is good for your health, do not continue to exercise when in pain. Wrist injuries aren’t as trivial as they seem and can sometimes make it difficult to do even the simplest workouts. You should consider visiting a doctor or hand therapist to know the possible cause of your wrist injury before you continue with your everyday tasks. This way, you’ll know if it’s okay for you to still go to the gym and the precautions you should take.
Why Do Most People Wear Wrist Support at the Gym?
Just like the name suggests, the primary purpose of wearing wrist support when working out is to provide support and protection to the wrist during heavy workouts or maximum effort lifts such as overhead lifts. During these exercises, the wrist joint can experience excessive pressure under load, resulting in possible injury, failed lifts, or compromised mechanics.
When Should You Wear Wrist Support at the Gym?
You should only wear wrist support during heavy pressing workouts like overhead press or bench press since they can put your wrist in a vulnerable position where it’s easy to overextend and cause an injury. With support around the joint, the risk of injury is reduced, and the joint is kept in place.
What Can I Possibly Do at the Gym With an Injured Wrist?
If you have a wrist injury, try doing cardiovascular exercises that do not require using your wrists or arms. This may include things like using the elliptical, running, or just walking.
How Long Do Wrist Injuries Take to Heal?
Most wrist injuries usually take 2 to 8 weeks to heal, though some may take longer. Generally, the more severe your wrist fracture or sprain is, the longer it will take to heal.
What Wrist Braces Do NFL Players Wear?
Here are some of the popular wrist braces that NFL players wear:
DonJoy Wrist Braces
These wrist braces are very popular in the NFL. They allow players like Deforest Buckner to use their hands aggressively and not have to constantly worry about their wrists spraining or becoming fractured. Buckner, a defensive lineman, often hand fights and uses these braces for both support and confidence to execute his job perfectly.
The ANAFORM Wrist Wrap
While it’s not necessarily a wrist brace, the ANAFORM Wrist Wrap is another popular type of wrist support in football. This wrap provides support, limits range of motion, prevents re-injury, and speeds up recovery. This wrap can be used in football for prophylactic use or in other sports such as golf, tennis, tumbling, or gymnastics.
Product features include:
- Dual straps for maximum support
- Elastic sleeve for comfort
- Lightweight and breathable material
- Double wrap design for a secure fit
- Adjustable foam pads stabilizers for additional support
- Reflectivity to help enhance visibility in low-light situations
- Woven nylon outer shell for more durability
Sports Wrist Brace Conclusion
Playing sports like golf, football, tennis, or being a baseball pitcher can be tough on wrist joints. Athletes wear braces to prevent overextension or prevent further injury.
If you are thinking of buying a wrist brace, consider consulting your doctor for proper guidance.
