By Kristin Kennedy, PT, DPT
Have you ever wondered if wearing a brace would be helpful or harmful to your hypermobile joints? Joint hypermobility can affect one or multiple joints and often leads to pain, discomfort, and even daily challenges with stability. Deciding whether a joint brace will be helpful for you depends on several factors, such as:
Which joints are hypermobile
Whether the hypermobility is causing pain, instability, or other related symptoms
Why Can Braces Be So Helpful for People with Hypermobility?
To understand why braces can benefit people with hypermobility, let’s explore the concept of proprioception. Proprioception refers to the body’s ability to sense where a joint is in space. It helps us control movement and maintain stability without consciously thinking about it. For individuals with hypermobility, proprioception can be diminished or altered.
When proprioception is compromised, the body struggles to recognize the correct alignment of joints. This can increase the risk of dislocations (when a bone completely slips out of its joint) or subluxations (a partial dislocation, where the bone moves out of place but doesn’t fully leave the joint). These issues are common in hypermobile individuals and can lead to chronic pain, tissue damage, and functional limitations.
Braces can help improve proprioception by providing external feedback to the body, essentially "reminding" it where the joint should be. This external support can increase awareness of joint positioning and reduce the risk of injury.
Options for Bracing
There are several options available for bracing hypermobile joints, ranging from lightweight, conservative supports to more comprehensive systems. Each option serves a specific purpose and should be tailored to individual needs. Here are some examples:
Kinesio Tape and Compression Sleeves
While not technically braces, these can enhance proprioception by applying gentle pressure to the skin and underlying tissues. This can improve your awareness of joint positioning and provide a sense of stability without restricting movement.
Single Joint Brace Examples
Ring Splints: These are small, lightweight braces designed to stabilize hypermobile finger joints. They help prevent joint hyperextension while allowing functional use of the hands. Ring splints are especially helpful for those with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) who experience frequent finger instability.
Ankle Braces: Supportive for hypermobile or unstable ankles, these braces can reduce the risk of sprains or rolling the ankle. They provide both compression and mechanical support to keep the joint aligned.
Full-Body Braces
The Body Braid: This unique system wraps around the body to provide gentle, continuous feedback about posture and alignment. It supports multiple joints simultaneously, encouraging proper movement patterns and improving overall stability. While it doesn’t rigidly immobilize joints, it offers proprioceptive input that can be beneficial for those with widespread hypermobility.
Do Braces Make You Weaker Over Time?
One common misconception is that braces can make your muscles weaker over time by relying too heavily on external support. However, this is not true when braces are used correctly. Braces are designed to enhance, not replace, the function of your muscles by improving alignment and proprioception.
Initially, wearing a brace may feel uncomfortable or strange—similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes. Your body isn’t used to the optimal positioning the brace provides, and your muscles may need to adjust to working more efficiently. Over time, this can actually lead to improved strength and stability because your muscles are no longer compensating for misaligned joints.
A Note on Joint Immobilization
While braces can be incredibly beneficial for improving proprioception and joint stability, it’s important to remember that a joint should never be fully immobilized for extended periods unless medically necessary. Prolonged immobilization can lead to joint restrictions, reduced range of motion, and muscle atrophy, ultimately worsening symptoms over time.
Instead, braces should be used as a tool to support optimal alignment and function while still allowing movement. This balance ensures that your muscles and connective tissues stay active and engaged, promoting long-term joint health and stability. Always consult with a physical therapist or healthcare provider to ensure proper use of bracing and avoid any unintended consequences.
Bring Your Brace to Your Physical Therapy Sessions
If you’re already using a brace or thinking about getting one, feel free to bring it with you to your sessions with us! We can help make sure you’re wearing it correctly and that it’s giving you the right amount of support without restricting your movement. Together, we’ll figure out how to incorporate your brace into your overall plan so it works for you—whether it’s helping with stability, reducing pain, or improving your confidence during activities. Our goal is always to make sure you feel comfortable and supported, every step of the way!
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