Do you have shoulder pain? If yes, shoulder support braces can provide immense relief. But should you wear a brace for shoulder pain, do you need one, and how long should you wear a shoulder brace after an injury or surgery? If you’re unsure about the answers to these questions, here are the essentials you need to know about braces for shoulder pain.
Types of Shoulder Braces
Shoulder braces are categorized into two broad types:
- The wrap
Wrap-type shoulder braces are designed with the intention of stabilizing the shoulder and provide limited mobility. They hug the contours of the shoulder, are fastened across the chest, and don’t extend further than the bicep. They offer mild to moderate compression and support and are ideal for shoulder sprain, shoulder strain, mild rotator cuff injuries, shoulder tendonitis, ACJ injuries, and shoulder arthritis. - The sling
Sling-type shoulder braces are designed with the intention of immobilizing the shoulder for long-term recovery. Sling-type shoulder braces are designed to bear the weight of the arm and maintain it in a neutral position for the duration of the recovery and are fastened over the uninjured shoulder. They offer moderate to high support and are ideal for rotator cuff support, soft tissue strains, post surgical recovery, dislocation, and shoulder impingement syndrome.
Should You Wear a Brace for Shoulder Pain?
A shoulder brace can be beneficial depending on the severity of your shoulder pain. A shoulder brace can support your shoulder and aid in faster healing after an injury by immobilizing your shoulder or limiting movement. Moreover, a shoulder brace can prevent your injury from worsening as you recover.
However, if you are experiencing shoulder pain, consult your doctor or physical therapist to determine the best course of action. They may recommend wearing a brace in combination with other treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, or surgery.
When Do You Need a Shoulder Brace?
Shoulder braces can help with various injuries that affect the shoulder. Here are some common conditions that may necessitate wearing a shoulder brace:
- Dislocated shoulder: The shoulder joint is the body’s most flexible joint. As a result, your shoulder joint is the most susceptible to dislocation. A shoulder brace can immobilize your shoulder and promote faster healing after a shoulder dislocation. A shoulder support brace can also help to speed up the healing process after a shoulder dislocation surgery.
- Rotator cuff tears: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that provide stability and help with mobility. When the rotator cuff is injured, simple everyday tasks, such as getting dressed, can become arduous and painful. A shoulder brace can help to limit shoulder movement and relieve pain. It can also strengthen the rotator cuff after it has healed and prevent reinjury.
- Shoulder impingement syndrome: Shoulder impingement syndrome arises when the tendons in the shoulder rub against the shoulder blade. Often, the syndrome occurs due to activities that involve repeated shoulder movements, such as swimming or weightlifting. A shoulder brace can help to support the shoulder and restrict shoulder movement to heal the affected area.
- Shoulder tendonitis: Shoulder tendonitis occurs when the tendons in the shoulders become inflamed, resulting in acute pain. A shoulder brace can provide support and compression to the shoulder, minimizing pain and inflammation.
- ACJ injuries: Acromioclavicular joint injuries, commonly referred to as ACJ injuries, occur when the ACJ becomes injured. The ACJ helps stabilize the shoulder and is vital to shoulder movement. ACJ injuries are particularly common among athletes who play contact sports, such as football or ice hockey. A shoulder brace can reduce the inflammation that arises after an ACJ injury and help to promote recovery after surgery.
- Shoulder labral tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder joint. Labral tears typically occur due to activities that involve repetitive shoulder motions, such as swimming or direct blows to the shoulder. They may also arise due to aging, as the tissues in the shoulder become more susceptible to tearing. Shoulder support braces can control blood flow to the shoulder joint and alleviate shoulder pain.
- Shoulder arthritis: Shoulder arthritis is characterized by inflammation in the shoulder joints. Over time, it may also lead to the degeneration of the shoulder joints. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, and limited shoulder mobility.Typically shoulder arthritis arises due to overuse or age. Shoulder braces can help to strengthen the shoulder joint and minimize inflammation and pain.
This NatraCure shoulder brace combines three therapies in one – compression, heat, and cold.
Ideal for use following rotator cuff surgery or injuries from baseball, tennis, weightlifting or golf.
How Long Should You Wear a Shoulder Brace For?
The length of time you should wear a shoulder brace depends on the severity of the injury or condition. For instance, if you have a mild shoulder injury, you may need to wear a brace for a couple weeks to a month. On the other hand, if you have a serious injury, such as a torn rotator cuff or a dislocated shoulder, your doctor or physiotherapist may recommend that you wear a brace for several months or even a year.
In most cases, you may need to wear a brace until you recover. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also need to wear a shoulder brace for either 3-4 hours daily or the entire day and remove it when you go to bed.
Consult your doctor or physical therapist to determine how long you should wear a shoulder brace. They will advise you on how long to wear the brace and help you develop a treatment plan.
How Should I Sleep With Shoulder Pain?
Sleeping with shoulder pain can be extremely uncomfortable. If you have shoulder pain, here are some things you can do to minimize discomfort while sleeping:
- Switch sides: If you want to sleep on the side like most people, consider sleeping on the side that isn’t painful. For instance, if you’re experiencing pain in your left shoulder, sleep on your right one.
- Use a supportive pillow: Place a supportive pillow beneath the sore shoulder to reduce the strain on it while you’re sleeping.
- Use an ice or heat pack: Place a heat or ice pack on the affected shoulder about 15 or 20 minutes before going to bed to minimize pain and inflammation.
Finally, consult your doctor or physical therapist if you can’t get any sleep or get inadequate sleep due to shoulder pain. They may recommend sleep positions, medication, exercises, and other interventions that can alleviate the pain and help you to sleep at night.
