Elbow Brace
Elbow braces play a crucial role in managing and preventing various elbow injuries. They are specialized pieces of gear worn around the elbow to provide support and compression, facilitating the healing process and reducing discomfort. These braces come in various styles, but they all serve the same primary purpose: minimizing muscle stress throughout the healing process.
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Treatment of Elbow Injuries: Custom DJO Elbow Brace, BAUERFEIND EpiPoint and BREG HEX Elbow Brace for Elbow Injuries
Now we'll look at two popular elbow braces, the Custom DJO Elbow Brace, BAUERFEIND EpiPoint and the BREG HEX, to see how they fare in helping treat and prevent common injuries like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and hyperextension.
Custom DonJoy Elbow Brace
DonJoy's custom elbow brace premium and strongest bilateral upright elbow brace offers several benefits and features:
- Custom-made: The brace is created from a cast, ensuring a precise fit and optimal functionality for the individual wearer.
- Low profile design: The brace is designed to have a slim profile, allowing it to fit easily under uniforms and clothing without causing discomfort or hindrance.
- Quick turnaround time: DonJoy promises a turnaround time of 72 hours, meaning the brace can be manufactured and delivered to the patient promptly.
- Supracondylar and condyle pads: The brace includes patented supracondylar pads medially (on the inner side) and pneumatic air condyle pads laterally (on the outer side). These pads provide comfort and prevent migration of the brace during movement.
- Liner options: Patients have the choice between suede or chamois liners, providing additional comfort and customization.
- Customization options: The brace offers a range of individualization options, including 16 color options, 6 graphic patterns, and 18 graduation options. This allows patients to personalize their brace to their liking.
- Adjustable flexion/extension stops: The bilateral polycentric hinges on the brace have adjustable flexion and extension stops. This feature allows healthcare professionals to address the patient's specific range of motion protocols and restrictions, providing tailored support.
- Hyperextension control and ligament instability support: The carbon fiber frame, in combination with the hinges, offers support for medial and lateral ligament instabilities. It also helps control hyperextension of the elbow joint.
- Extension stops: The brace comes with pre-installed 10° extension stops, limiting the range of motion to prevent overextension.
- Stop kit: The brace includes a stop kit that offers additional flexibility in setting the range of motion. It includes flexion stops at 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°, and extension stops at 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, and 40°.
- Size requirements: To use this particular brace, patients must have a minimum circumference of 10.5 inches in the forearm and 12.5 inches in the upper arm.
Overall, the DonJoy custom premium and strongest bilateral upright elbow brace provides a personalized and supportive solution for individuals with medial/lateral ligament instabilities, hyperextension issues, and other elbow-related concerns.
Bauerfeind EpiPoint Elbow Brace
The BAUERFEIND EpiPoint brace has an integrated elastic pressure cushion (pad) that reduces pressure on localized tendon attachments. This targeted aid ensures the injured regions get the support they need to recover and feel less pain.
In addition, the brace has a bright red danger zone that serves as a warning. The red warning region alerts you to release the pressure on the tendon attachments if the strap is pulled more tightly than is recommended. This feature ensures that the pressure applied corresponds to the situation and prevents any discomfort or injury from using too much force. With the EpiPoint brace, you may confidently and securely manage your condition, maintaining the right mix of support and comfort for a complete recovery.
Breg Hex Elbow Brace
The Breg HEX adjustable hinged elbow brace can be a great tool, especially for someone who leads busy life yet has trouble with excessive elbow flexion. This support effectively limits your elbow's range of motion, protecting it from unnecessary bending. The hinge mechanism is adjustable in exact 10-degree increments, allowing you to choose the degree of restriction to suit your requirements. The brace has a half-sleeve design, making it simple to take on and off your upper arm. Made from mesh and neoprene, which allows air to circulate freely, it is ideal for physically demanding pursuits that need freedom of mobility.
This elbow brace not only limits the amount your elbow may bend but also protects and cushions your elbow with extra foam padding. The hinges are also padded for added comfort. It comes in various sizes, and its hinges may be modified to meet specific needs. This brace is a breeze to wear thanks to its slip-on style and half-wrap sleeve. Comfort is maximized thanks to the combination of neoprene and mesh fabric in its design.
Physiotherapy for elbow conditions
Physiotherapy is highly effective in the management and rehabilitation of various elbow conditions. Here's how physiotherapy can help with common elbow conditions: Physiotherapy can assist with elbow injuries in many ways. Physical treatment for elbow injuries often includes activities that improve balance and coordination. These motion-controlling exercises are crucial for regaining normal joint mobility and enhancing joint proprioception. Reducing ulnar nerve discomfort may also be aided by adopting more ergonomic practices in the workplace. Additionally, specific exercises are often employed to mobilize and alleviate excess pressure on the ulnar nerve, facilitating its healing process for those with ulna-related issues.
Braces: Common Conditions Suitable for Elbow Bracing
An elbow brace may help treat various disorders that affect the elbow. The following are some frequent conditions for which an elbow brace could be necessary:
- Lateral/Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis/Golfers Elbow)
The overuse injuries, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are among notable culprits for the pain and inflammation in the elbow area. Causes of these conditions include routine motions, including gripping, lifting, and swinging.
- Hyperextension Injury
Hyperextension of the elbow joint is a common injury sustained by athletes who perform gymnastics or martial arts or who fall onto an outstretched hand. Possible causes of this elbow injury include a dislocation, a muscle strain, or a sprained ligament.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome appears as an ulnar nerve neuropathy. Tinnitus and shooting pain that starts on the inner side of the forearm and travels down the fourth and fifth fingers are classic symptoms. The underlying cause of this condition is the compression of the ulnar nerve located at the elbow.
- Olecranon Bursitis
This is the inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that cushions the bony end of the elbow. Common causes of this condition are accidents or sickness or because of a persistent disease like rheumatoid arthritis. It makes the affected area experience inflammation, discomfort, and limited mobility.
- Elbow Instability
Elbow instability occurs when the ligaments responsible for stabilizing the elbow joint sustain damage, leading to a weakened joint that is more susceptible to dislocation. Possible factors contributing to this condition include traumatic injuries, repetitive stress, and underlying medical conditions.
The Bottom line
Since there isn't just one reason for elbow discomfort, it's crucial that the medical professional determines the best cause before prescribing any treatments. Recuperation times vary from person to person because of many factors, including injury severity and pain tolerance. You should see a trained specialist for effective therapy for elbow joint discomfort. It is highly discouraged to do any form of self-treatment for elbow discomfort without first getting the okay from your healthcare provider.
Dan Steffens
C. Ped. (C)
Location: MyoDynamic Health - Barrie
Owner & Pedorthist
Born and raised in Barrie, Dan is a very proud owner and founder of MyoDynamic. He has had extensive training that specializes in the manufacture and design of custom orthotics, compression stockings, custom knee braces, orthopaedic shoes, and other foot care products. Dan is dedicated to his patients rehabilitation and satisfaction at his clini... See More
Book With DanLauren Simonds
C. Ped. (C)
Location: MyoDynamic Health - Innisfil
Pedorthist (Currently on Mat Leave)
Lauren received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education from Wilfrid Laurier University. Following graduation she completed the post-graduate diploma program in Pedorthics through the University of Western Ontario.
As a Canadian Certified Pedorthist practicing since 2011, Lauren is determined to help people g... See More
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