Shoulder injuries are some of the most common injuries that happen while playing sports. You don’t have to be an elite athlete to want and need the best basketball shoulder brace. If you have pain in your shoulder or are recovering from an injury, they can help in many different ways.
The game of basketball requires continuous arm movement, rotation, and extension. Recreational players, part-time athletes, and even professionals can all face shoulder problems at one time or another. Using a special brace can alleviate pain and help with inflammation, while other styles will restrict movement to support muscle and tendon problems.
- Best if facing joint injuries
- Breathable neoprene material
- Can be used on either sides
- Best for both sides support
- Combination of heat-retention and compression
- Breathable neoprene material
- Best for hot and cold therapy capabilities
- Includes hot & cold gel pack
- Washable and reusable
Best Basketball Shoulder Brace 2021
It’s crucial to find the best basketball shoulder brace that helps manage any pain and support your body while you heal. Without a proper one in place, you risk re-injury or prolong your recovery time.
Each type of brace has a specific goal in mind. Here are some of the best basketball shoulder brace designs to help with pain and recovery.
This brace is the best choice for individuals who are facing AC joint injuries, strains, or sprains. The perforated material contains breathable neoprene, which provides support and protection. This rubber-like material will hold fast to your skin and stay in place during physical activities or daily tasks.
The Donjoy Sully brace is a universal fit making it perfect for both left or right shoulders. The soft foam pad sits precisely on the affected area, while a hard shell foam pad protects your AC joint from any recurring injuries.
These braces can be hand washed in mild soap and water or the washing machine on gentle. Do not put this product in the dryer; instead, lay flat to air dry. If you require a shoulder brace on both sides, you will need to choose a bilateral brace as you cannot wear two of these products simultaneously.
If you need support for both sides, this is one of the best options. These braces provide support for both shoulders at once, helping to minimize sudden movements that could cause further dislocation or injuries. The elastic restraints are there to strengthen the shoulder muscles while giving you time to move correctly.
It has breathable neoprene that is easy to wear under a basketball jersey or regular clothing. The containing mesh inserts help wick moisture away from the body during exercise, keeping your muscles cooler. Additional chest extensions are available for individuals who need more coverage across the bicep.
This shoulder brace should be hand washed only in mild soap and water and left out to dry naturally. Do not use any bleach products on neoprene since it will break down the material and shorten your product’s life.
For basketball athletes looking for a brace with hot and cold therapy capabilities, this is a terrific option. The ability to apply heat or ice when necessary can help speed up the healing process tremendously. It comes with a gel pack that you can freeze or warm up in the microwave.
This brace is universal to fit the shoulder you need to support. The simple design allows you to adjust the straps and tension with only one hand. If you need more compression therapy, simply tighten the arm strap to the desired amount.
It is not bulky or restrictive, making it perfect to wear under a basketball uniform or while you sleep. Made with durable materials, you can machine wash this brace and not worry about it losing shape. Lay flat or hang to dry to ensure the longevity of your product.
Why You Need a Shoulder Brace
Not all shoulder braces are created equal. Each one will have its advantages and differences in how it will benefit the user. Your physical needs will determine the type and style that will support your shoulder. Braces are to support and stabilize the area and minimize reinjury risk while helping to alleviate pain.
You may be surprised, but shoulder injuries typically have nothing to do with your shoulder bones. Pain and injuries are most frequently from the muscles, tendons, and surrounding ligaments in the area. The many reasons you could require one include:
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Strains or Sprains
- Dislocations
- Recovering from Surgery
- AC Joint Injuries
Shoulder pain can come on suddenly or slowly build up over a longer period of extended use. Many basketball athletes will experience pain, so they will rest their shoulders to try to heal, only to find out that the pain has returned later. That is where a brace can help.
Ideally, you will be able to rest and recover properly from any injury. That isn’t always the case, though. You will often need to work and perform regular daily duties that require the use of your arm. This continuous movement can prevent your shoulder from healing effectively. Utilizing a special shoulder brace can minimize the chance of hurting yourself again and recover faster.
The Benefits of Having the Best Basketball Shoulder Brace
The benefits of these devices are abundant. If you have been experiencing any difficulties with your shoulder while playing basketball or have injured yourself from playing, you should consider using one.
They Provide Support
Your recovery time can be quicker if those injured muscles can rest properly. With the best basketball shoulder braces, hurt muscles can benefit from the added support. This type of brace will be quite snug and provide some compression to battle inflammation.
They Can Ensure Protection
In some cases, the skin around the injured area can become sensitive to superficial contact. If you have tendon damage that lies just below the skin, a neoprene shoulder brace can provide the protection needed to keep stress and contact from the area.
They Use Compression
For athletes who suffer from dislocation injuries or a partial dislocation, known as subluxation, compression can help. Research studies have found that the receptors in the skin of a frequently dislocated shoulder cannot relay proper positioning to the brain.
Compression helps to activate skin receptors that do work for message relays.
They Restrict Movement
If you are recovering from surgery or an injury, you will need to restrict shoulder movement to allow proper healing. Several types of basketball shoulder braces will help limit the movement of your arm and shoulder.
This restriction can help the healing process, keep you from dislocating your shoulder or hyperextending your arm, and preventing further injury.
They Help Strengthen
Many braces help provide some resistance when performing movement. This tension can strengthen the shoulder muscles by working against the brace while performing simple physiotherapy exercises.
Once your shoulder is healed, you will need to strengthen the muscles again before getting back to regular use. Shoulder braces can help strengthen them to get you back to playing basketball sooner.
How to Make Your Decision
You should consider each shoulder brace’s elements to help decide what will work best for you. Each brand and style will have its benefits and disadvantages, so we have researched some top ones to make it easier for you to decide.
Some types are perfect during the healing period, while others are for wearing during exercise or movement. You can find styles that will keep your muscles warm, while others will provide a cooling effect. It’s essential to determine what you specifically need.
Material
What type of material is the brace? Is it comfortable to wear for long periods or during exercise?
Your skin should be allowed to breathe while you use it. If the material bothers you at all, you will be less likely to wear it as directed.
Washable
Is the brace washable?
For an item that you will be wearing as you heal, it should be machine washable or have a way to clean it properly after prolonged use.
Many braces can be used during physical activity or sleep when you sweat, so keeping it clean is vital to prevent skin irritations from long-term use.
Performance
Does the brace perform for what you need? If you are looking for restriction, will it keep your arm from hyperextension and avoid another dislocation?
It should do what you need as well as help with pain and healing. These types of products should fit nicely under clothing so you can perform without causing issues.
Comfort and Fit
How does it fit and feel? Can you wear the brace comfortably under your clothes or basketball jersey? You will want to feel secure anytime you have it on.
If it does not fit properly under your clothes, you will not end up wearing it when you need it. A shoulder brace that moves or doesn’t stay in place will be ineffective.
Overall Cost
One determining factor you may consider is the price tag and how much you want to spend on a shoulder brace. How long will you need to use the brace?
If you are looking for a short-term solution, a cheaper alternative can be perfectly fine. If you are in the market for a long-term preventative measure for your health, you should opt to spend the extra money and choose a high-quality product that will last.
Conclusion
It is essential to explore all of the factors when trying to find the best basketball shoulder brace. From purpose and quality to overall fit and cost, which is important to you may not be to someone else with the same shoulder issue.
The market is exploding with many different brands of braces that range from low-quality to professional-grade, each with a corresponding price tag. Take your time and talk to a healthcare professional if you are unsure which style will best benefit you.
