Choosing the right support
With so many options, it is difficult to determine which support is best for your needs.
These guides are designed to help you choose the right extremity support or back belt to fit your needs. They are based on the stages of the inflammatory process, the body’s natural process of healing. It is important to know in what stage your injury is classified when choosing a support. If you have questions, consult your doctor.
Acute Stage
In the acute stage, the body reacts to an injury by initially restricting blood flow to prevent hemorrhaging, then very quickly (within seconds) increasing blood flow to initiate the repair or healing process. Injuries in the acute stage respond well to the R.I.C.E. treatment protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Rest gives the damaged tissue the opportunity to heal without further injury. Ice slows down the inflammatory process, which leads to less swelling and ultimately faster recovery. Compression and elevation aid in controlling and reducing swelling, a natural occurrence associated with the inflammatory response. The acute stage is generally considered to last the first 72 hours post injury. Products appropriate for the acute stage provide compression and cold therapy to control the inflammatory process, and stability to prevent further injury.
Sub-acute Stage
The second stage, described as sub-acute, is considered to last from 72 hours to six to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. A mild muscle injury, for example, may recover in six weeks whereas a fracture could take eight weeks. In this stage, the inflammatory process is under control and rehabilitation is initiated. Products appropriate for this stage provide compression to control swelling and support, and stability to provide early protection during activity.
Chronic Stage
The third or chronic stage is past the six- to eight-week time frame when most injuries should resolve. Overuse syndromes often fall into this category because the tissue does not get enough “rest” and is continually re-injured. Products appropriate for this stage often provide warmth by constraining body heat to increase circulation and thereby facilitate healing. They also provide moderate to maximum stability or support to prevent re-injury.
Product Selection Guide
Our product selection guide for supports uses four terms: Breathability, Compression, Flexibility and Stability.
Breathability is the ability of the product to allow airflow. A product with a high breathability number will feel cool when used. A product with a low breathability number will feel warm when used. If the injury is chronic and retaining body heat is desired, then a product with a low breathability number would be the best selection.
Compression is the ability of the product to provide circumferential pressure around the joint and surrounding area. This pressure helps to control swelling and provides a reassuring feeling of joint strength. The higher the compression number, the more circumferential pressure the brace provides.
Flexibility is the quality that allows freedom of movement when using the product. Flexibility decreases as stability increases. A brace that provides the maximum stability provides the least flexibility. For chronic injuries, a product that balances your need for flexibility with stability is the most appropriate for your needs.
Stability is the quality that provides additional support to weak structures. For example, an ankle sprain will result in some weakness to the ligaments that support the ankle. An ankle brace that has a high number for stability will augment the weak ligament’s ability to stabilize the ankle.
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