Choosing a shoulder harness can be complicated. Because everyone's body type is different, it can be difficult to properly size a shoulder harness, and because most shoulder harnesses are sized only by measuring the chest circumference, it can be difficult to find the perfect size.
Collarbone or posture-related injuries
If your job requires you to spend most of your time at a desk or hunched over a computer, you may have a postural injury. A constant and persistent "droop" can cause damage to the shoulder joint. In addition to physical therapy to strengthen your core, upper back and shoulders, finding postural support can help you with your injury.
Typically, supports used for clavicle injuries or postural corrections are usually made of a fabric with elasticity, such as stretch. Finding a brace with proper padding or possibly a wider shoulder strap can improve your comfort during the rehabilitation process.
Arthritis or severe stiffness
Many people - athletes and non-athletes alike - suffer from shoulder arthritis. Older adults may also have extreme stiffness in their shoulders. Often, these problems are a symptom of a period of inactivity followed by difficulty and pain when trying to move again.
In addition to physical therapy, one brace that may help treat these injuries is a heat therapy shoulder band, which allows blood to flow around the joint and helps maintain your range of motion. It is important to note that both heat and shoulder support are important for this injury, so be aware that some products offer only one of these options, not both.
Rotator Cuff or Joint Injuries
Compression is the key to finding the right support for a rotator cuff or shoulder joint injury. When choosing your shoulder brace, you should consider how you want or need to carry out this injury and the severity of your injury.
If you have a mild injury, then a simpler elastic fabric support will provide gentle compression and remind you not to overexert yourself so that the injury does not worsen. If your injury is slightly more severe, a stronger brace, such as a neoprene shoulder brace or a specialized stretch fabric shoulder brace, will better keep the injury stable. For severe injuries, your healthcare provider may recommend immobilizing your shoulder for an extended period of time to prevent further injury.
It may be important to know the severity of your injury when choosing the type of brace that is best for you. Initially, you may want to do your own care at home, so here are some helpful questions to help you determine the extent of your injury.
❈ Can you move your arm normally? Is your shoulder excessively stiff or painful when you try to move it normally?
❈ Do you have abnormal sensations? For example, do you believe your shoulder may pop out of its socket?
❈ Can you complete daily activities without pain or stiffness? In other words, is your shoulder strong enough to do the things you normally do?
If you answered yes or not sure to any of the other questions, it may be helpful to rest the wound and use ice on the area. Using a brace to stabilize the injury is also a wise step. However, some injuries require medical attention, and if you experience any of the following symptoms, seeing a doctor as soon as possible will help you recover
❈ The area around the shoulder joint looks deformed or abnormal.
❈ You are unable to use your shoulder in any way.
❈ You are experiencing severe pain accompanied by swelling.
❈ The rest of your arm or hand is weak or numb.
As we said, knowing your injury is important to help you recover, but knowing the various types of shoulder straps will also make a difference in the one you purchase.
Shoulder stabilizers
Whether you have had surgery and need stabilization, or if you need additional support to continue playing sports, shoulder stabilizers can protect the AC joint from further injury. These types of braces immobilize the shoulder and control your range of motion. Typically, shoulder stabilizer braces are used for dislocations, rotator cuff tears, separations and muscle strains.
Slings
Most people have seen or worn a sling in their lives - it is one of the most common types of shoulder straps. The purpose of a sling is to prevent additional injury to the shoulder and to keep the shoulder stable by limiting movement. A sling is ideal for supporting an arm, wrist or hand in a cast after an injury, as well as minimizing movement while recovering from a shoulder injury.
Postural Support
This type of stabilizing brace is designed to be worn while working, sitting, or performing low-impact activities. Postural supports help heal clavicle injuries and bring the shoulder back and down to correct incorrect posture. Most of these braces can be worn over or under clothing, and many of them can be adjusted to fit the needs of the wearer. For many people, sitting at desks and computers for long periods of time can lead to hunchback and neck pain, and this brace is designed to address this problem.
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