Joint Braces and Supports: What’s Worthwhile and What Isn’t?
Published by Dr Oliver Khoo at Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Someone recovering from a joint injury, or trying to prevent one, is often bombarded with options—knee sleeves, patellar taps, elastic shoulder braces, rigid stabilisers... Yet not all of these provide meaningful benefit. In this article, I’ll walk you through what research tells us about knee and shoulder supports—that is, what’s evidence-based and which may be oversold—and help you make smart, practical choices.
What they are: Stretchy sleeves with silicone padding around the kneecap.
Evidence: These often help reduce pain in patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner’s knee) by improving tracking and proprioception. Studies show modest pain relief and confidence in activity, especially when combined with strengthening exercises. In my experience, many patients report feeling more stable during rehab when using these. The effect seems largely neuromuscular rather than structural.
Worthwhile when: You’re managing mild patellofemoral pain and pairing it with personalized exercise rehab.
Less useful when: Expecting long-term structural correction; these sleeves aren’t rehab by themselves.
What they are: Structured braces that limit certain ranges of motion.
Evidence: After ACL reconstruction, the role of these braces is debated. Many randomised trials show no clear reduction in re-injury or improved outcomes when compared to functional rehab alone. Some surgeons reserve them for patients with poor muscular control or those at very high risk.
Worthwhile when: Surgeons assess poor neuromuscular control or excessive laxity.
Less useful when: Used routinely after ACL surgery in otherwise well-rehabilitated patients.
What they are: Thin bands placed just below the kneecap.
Evidence: Some patients with patellar tendonitis (e.g. “jumper’s knee”) report relief during jumping activities. The strap may unload the tendon slightly. However, evidence is conflicting—some studies show no benefit.
Worthwhile when: Mild relief during high-load activities, as a short-term adjunct.
Less useful when: Relied upon as primary treatment—rehab and load management remain key.
What they are: Rigid or semi-rigid braces that shift load away from arthritic compartments.
Evidence: Varus (for medial compartment OA) or valgus unloading braces can reduce pain and improve function in moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Results are best in early to moderate stages, where off-loading yields functional gains. But compliance is frequently poor—they're bulky and uncomfortable for many.
Worthwhile when: Early to moderate medial compartment OA, and if the brace is tolerable.
Less useful when: Advanced arthritis or if you can't wear it regularly.
What they are: Tight, stretchy fabric sleeves—often used for minor shoulder discomfort.
Evidence: High-quality trials are limited. There's minimal evidence of structural benefit. Some users report subjective warmth and proprioceptive comfort, which can be helpful immediately after minor strains.
Worthwhile when: Used briefly after mild muscle strain—mainly for warmth and sensory feedback.
Less useful when: Expecting it to fix subluxation, rotator cuff tears, or long-term instability.
What they are: Rigid supports pulling the shoulders back to improve posture.
Evidence: Temporary relief in posture awareness is common, but long-term reliance may weaken muscles. Sustainable improvement comes from strengthening scapular retractors and postural muscles.
Worthwhile when: As a short-term training aid (e.g. during desk-based work).
Less useful when: Used for prolonged periods expecting posture to “fix” itself.
What they are: Rigid or padded slings that restrict shoulder movement.
Evidence: Grade-specific protocols call for immobilisation after dislocations or repairs (especially rotator cuff). Immobilisation allows soft tissue healing, but overuse might encourage stiffness. Best outcomes come when slings are used just long enough before guided early motion.
Worthwhile when: Following acute shoulder dislocation—especially in older adults—or post-rotator cuff repair as per structured rehab timelines.
Less useful when: Used beyond recommended durations, increasing shoulder stiffness.
Braces and supports should only be used in line with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Avoid wearing one just because it “seems like it might help.”
A more expensive brace isn’t necessarily more effective. Look for supports backed by solid research—or better yet, ask your surgeon or physiotherapist before buying.
A brace can complement rehabilitation, but it should never replace exercises, load management, or physiotherapy. Think of it as a short-term aid, not the whole solution.
If a brace is bulky, painful, or you find yourself avoiding wearing it, it’s unlikely to be helpful in the long run. Comfort and consistent use matter.
Supports can be valuable in the early stages of recovery or in specific situations. But relying on them indefinitely risks muscle weakness and reduced independence.
I often suggest a patellar sleeve—especially in the early weeks—alongside tailored strengthening of the vastus medialis and glutes. It often reduces pain and encourages return to running, while the rehab addresses root issues.
Unless there’s demonstrable laxity or poor neuromuscular control, hinged post-op braces aren’t routinely necessary. We focus on structured, progressive functional rehab.
A valgus unloading brace can reduce load and pain—especially if they want to delay the need for surgery and tolerate the brace. But I emphasise realistic expectations and encourage exercise as the foundation.
A lightweight compression sleeve can provide warmth and comfort during return-to-play, but only for a few weeks—primarily as a confidence aid, not a fix for underlying rotator cuff overload.
What’s generally worthwhile:
What’s often overpromoted or misused:
A good rule: if a device seems too good to be true—like promising “instant fix” or suggesting you don't need rehabilitation—it probably is.
Answer: Knee sleeves (also known as patellofemoral sleeves) can ease pain in patellofemoral (runner’s) knee by improving tracking and proprioception—but they work best teamed with a personalised strengthening programme. Structured (hinged) braces after ACL surgery are usually unnecessary unless there’s poor muscle control or excess knee movement. For osteoarthritis, unloading braces (valgus or varus) help reduce pressure and improve function—especially in early to moderate stages—but only if they’re comfortable enough to wear consistently.
Answer: They may offer mild relief during high-impact activities—think jumping—but results are mixed. It’s best to view them as a short-term support while you work on load management and rehabilitation rather than a standalone fix.
Answer: Compression sleeves can offer warmth and a sense of security after minor shoulder strains—but they don’t fix structural issues. As for posture-correcting braces, they can heighten posture awareness temporarily, but long-term reliance may weaken your back muscles. Strengthening is the sustainable route.
Answer: Slings are critical immediately after a shoulder dislocation or rotator cuff repair as part of medical protocols to allow tissues to heal. However, using them beyond the recommended period can lead to stiffness, so it’s key to transition gradually to guided movement.
Answer: Match it to your diagnosis—not marketing claims. A brace should complement, not replace, rehab and guided exercise. Consider comfort, wearability, and whether there’s real evidence behind the device before investing.
Answer: In some cases, yes—especially with osteoarthritis. For example, a tolerable unloading brace might reduce pain and delay surgery when combined with proper rehab. That said, they’re not miracle cures—exercise and movement remain foundation treatments. Always consult your surgeon if you're unsure about the need for surgery.
Answer: Use them as a short-term aid—often during early rehab or for specific activities. Long-term or indefinite use risks diminished muscle strength and independence. If you find yourself increasingly dependent on a brace, that’s a sign to revisit your rehab plan.