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So, just which ankle support or back belt
do you need? Confused by too many options? You're not
alone. Choosing the support that’s right for you has just
been made easier with the
How to choose the right support for me
you’ll see on the body region pages. 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
The correct products can be selected based
on four qualities: Breathability, Compression,
Flexibility and Stability.
Breathability is the ability of the
product to allow airflow. A product with high
breathability will feel cool when used. A product with low
breathability will feel warm when used. If the injury is
chronic and retaining body heat is desired, then a product
with low breathability 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, 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 more stability will augment the weak ligament’s
ability to stabilize the ankle. The higher the stability
the more support the brace provides. |
