Taping & Braces

photo credit: euthman

What is your go-to solution when you hurt yourself?

Do you pop the IB and sit the next session out? Seek medical attention ASAP? OR, are you one of those that straps on a brace, determined not to skip a workout session and hobbles through the next sweat fest (denying the pain :)?

If you are a brace-donner, have you ever wondered what that brace was doing for you?

First, the research:

Studies testing the efficacy of functional bracing on the stress and strain of our joints have shown that even small magnitude forces placed on the bone surface cause excessive displacement of the joint surfaces despite the brace. Furthermore, a study conducted on college American football athletes showed that the rate of occurrence of injury was unaffected by the athletes wearing the protective braces.

Second, my spiel:

Braces are designed to act as a 'crutch' to help you achieve the things that you may feel less inclined to accomplish without the added support. This is an okay mechanism for reinforcement in the short term because it acts to give individuals a small sense of security and protection.

Braces, much like athletic taping serve as a reminder for us to prevent our joints from moving in orientations that can be hurtful or to continue to activate muscles which we need to function efficiently. However, this too, has it's limitations. The more we use these things, the less effective they are for us, because the level of stimulation it provides to the brain is dampened over time, therefore the protective mechanism they once provided is lost as we fall back into habitual behaviors.

Third, the bottom line:

My personal practice with clients is to advise against the use of braces altogether. Taping is another story. With the correct method of application and reinforcing exercise, taping can provide the needed temporary support and/or stimulation to help someone re=learn movement patterns which are mechanically effective. This ensures the proper protection of the joint by the surround muscles and allows the joint to re-integrate with movement occurring throughout the body.

What about you guys? DO you use a brace? How is it helping you?