It’s finally time to get a shoulder brace for your rotator cuff. If you keep ignoring your pain and discomfort, you’ll only extend the healing period and cause further damage to your shoulder joint.
Finding the best shoulder brace for support and pain relief doesn’t have to be a challenge. That’s why OrthoBracing has outlined everything you need to know about the road to a speedy recovery.
Below, you’ll learn about the rotator cuff, why shoulder braces are so important and the best options for healing quickly so you can regain pain-free mobility.
What is a Rotator Cuff?
Regardless of how you’ve been injured, it’s likely that you’ll need a shoulder brace for your rotator cuff. But before you learn about the best braces available for healing and pain relief, it’s important to understand your shoulder joint and how it’s been injured.
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that make up part of your shoulder joint.
The rotator cuff holds the top part of your upper arm bone firmly in your shoulder socket and keeps your shoulder stable when you move your arm in any direction.
It’s no surprise that rotator cuff injuries are common since your shoulders play a huge role in daily movement and activities.
Most injuries are caused by wear-and-tear from repetitive movement. Over time, the muscles and tendons that make up your rotator cuff break down and lead to the following injuries:
- Tendinitis - tendons become irritated and swollen from constant shoulder movement
- Bursitis - excess rubbing between bone and muscle cause swelling and pain
- Rotator Cuff Tears - tendon in rotator cuff is torn due to sudden impact or movement
If you’re an athlete, above the age of 40 or performing a lot of heavy lifting, you’re more susceptible to damaging your rotator cuff. If you start to feel pain in your shoulder joint, be sure to speak with your doctor as soon as possible to avoid making an injury worse.
The Best Shoulder Braces
Ultimately, the best treatment for you will depend on your age, the type of pain you’re feeling and how badly you’ve injured your shoulder.
Only an ultrasound performed by a healthcare professional can determine the seriousness of your injury.
In some cases, your medical provider may suggest surgery if a tear is large or discomfort lasts longer than 6 months.
In the meantime, wearing a shoulder brace around your rotator cuff will:
- Provide support
- Decrease pain and inflammation
- Prevent further damage
Below, you’ll find the best shoulder braces for your rotator cuff to encourage healing, reduce pain and get back to being your best self.
DonJoy Sully Shoulder Brace
The DonJoy Sully Shoulder Brace is used to stabilize or constrict shoulder movement after an operation or injury. Ideal for supporting and protecting your shoulder from further damage, this brace is also helpful to anyone experiencing shoulder separation, rotator cuff deceleration or muscle strains.
The Sully Brace is breathable, perforated and grips to the skin so support moves with you. Wearing this brace is easy, comfortable and guaranteed to help reduce discomfort and speed up your road to recovery.
DonJoy UltraSling III
This shoulder brace is best for patients recovering from surgery or injuries pertaining to the rotator cuff or strains. The DonJoy UltraSling III excels in providing great support while remaining easily customizable and comfortable to its wearer.
EVS Sports SB04
The EVS Sports SB04 fits many sizes and provides great support during physical activity. Easy to slip on and off, this brace can be worn on both left and right shoulders. If you’re suffering from mild arthritis or need extra support while you exercise, this is a great option.
RICE Therapy
Each of the shoulder braces for rotator cuffs mentioned above will be most beneficial if used in conjunction with the RICE Therapy. This natural healing method represents 4 techniques used in the medical field to accelerate the recovery process:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
By using methods explained in the chart above, you can aid your body in returning back to a healthy state without the risk associated with prescription pain medication.
One of the easiest ways to combine the benefits of ice and compression is by using a cold therapy machine. These machines are specifically designed to replicate the healing properties associated with cryotherapy, an age-old method of treating pain and inflammation.
As one of the best medical ice machines, the Breg Polar Care Wave is sure to provide relief.
This specific system is compact, quiet and easy to use, making it the perfect ice machine for both home use and travel. Combining the benefits of cold compression therapy with support provided by your shoulder brace is the most reliable way to ensure quick healing.
Find Support Today with OrthoBracing
After learning about the best shoulder braces for the rotator cuff, you’re one step closer to finally finding the support you need.
OrthoBracing is ready to get you to the finish line. At orthobracing.com, we have everything you need to heal from your injury and accelerate your healing journey.
For more helpful recovery and injury prevention resources, continue reading below:
Best Shoulder Compression Sleeves: What to Look For
Best Shoulder Braces for Pain Relief
Top Benefits of Cold Compression
What Is Cryotherapy? Benefits, How to Do It At Home or a Clinic
7 Best Cold Therapy Machines for Faster Recovery Times
5 Best Ice Machines for Knee Pain Relief
