Bracing

The use of braces as a support for joints while an athlete is participating in sports has been a very common and well-established practice during the past 30 to 40 years. Today, bracing has grown into a large industry in the United States. However, there is conflicting evidence as to the effectiveness of braces in sports activity.

Bracing is thought to influence the efficacy and performance of a joint in multiple ways. It is widely thought that there are structural benefits in bracing a joint. These benefits include limiting the range ...