Shoulder Support: Know What You Need

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Whether or not you’re into strenuous physical activities, the possibility of straining the muscles on your shoulder is always a possibility. Since an injured shoulder will minimize the use of a hand, shoulder supports are extremely important items that can help make the recovery process faster and relatively pain-free. You can’t just go all willy-nilly when choosing the kind of shoulder support that will serve your needs, however, so being familiar with the different types available on the market is essential.

The most common kind of shoulder support comes in sling form. These arm and shoulder slings have adjustable foam straps and a comfortable foam-padded sling and are used to immobilize the shoulder. They are invaluable following surgery to fix rotator cuffs and shoulder decompression, both of which require that the affected shoulder not be moved.

When choosing the right kind of support it is always best to be aware of the proper treatment needed for your injury. There are some shoulder wraps that offer thermal treatment by way of a gel pack to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. These types usually fall into the higher rungs of the price ladder but the packs they use for cooling or heating treatment are generally reusable. The neoprene material used to make these supports also provide superior compression and comfort and can be used or stored for a long time.

There also exist protective equipment that protect not just one shoulder but both. These are commonly made from neoprene and also offer thermal treatment. As with the single-shoulder thermal support types, this kind of support equipment also tend to be pricier than common shoulder slings.

It is also important to recognize that apart from the sling-type designs, neoprene shoulder support equipment aren’t just invaluable when it comes to treatment. They can also provide protection against injuries. Some designs even help promote proper posture by effectively straightening the user’s back posture without the need for bulky braces.

Being familiar with the different kinds support equipment for an injured shoulder is crucial. Choosing the wrong kind of equipment for the treatment of an injury can further exacerbate your problems, so it is very important to choose wisely.