What is Shoulder Bracing and Shoulder Support?

As rehab professionals, we have seen thousands of patients with different types of shoulder injuries who have tried different shoulder treatments to help with their pain. Sometimes, a painful shoulder needs some support starting off in the early stages of treatment or to help you manage conditions that are longer lasting, like frozen shoulder.

When do we look at using a shoulder BRACE?

The most important thing to consider when we determine when to use a brace or a non limiting support, depends entirely on your condition or posture. Post surgery, early shoulder injury such as a shoulder dislocation or torn muscle/ligament may need a more supportive shoulder brace to allow the area to heal before diving into exercises for your shoulder pain.

However, not all shoulder braces are created equal! Some are more supportive and some are more restrictive (meaning this helps keep your shoulder in the same position to allow healing). Talk to one of our shoulder experts to see which might be right for you!

When do we look at using a shoulder SUPPORT?

The term “support” can be all encompassing but here we are talking about tools that allow your shoulder to move better and help your pain without restrictions. A regular shoulder support might be a compression sleeve, or even a shoulder brace that does not restrict movement!

Choosing the right shoulder brace or shoulder support can be instrumental in your rehab journey. Shoulder physiotherapy is an effective way to tackle your pain but with the right support, we may be able to improve your neck and shoulder pain sooner.

If you have the following symptoms, bracing may help…

  • Pain with overhead movements
  • Pain with brushing hair
  • Difficulty pushing and pulling doors
  • Pain with Reaching behind
  • Pain with lying on the shoulder
  • Waking up with shoulder pain
  • Difficulty using arm for self care at home
  • Poor physical capabilities
  • Poor body positioning

Clean, Safe and Secure

Market Mall Physio & Chiro , your health is our number one priority so we’ve redesigned our clinic and safety protocols to keep you and our team safe.​

  • Appointments required
  • Masks required
  • Staff wears masks
  • Staff gets temperature checks
  • Staff required to disinfect surfaces between visits

Common Conditions and Posture Issues Successfully Treated With Custom Shoulder Brace In Calgary NW

  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Impingement Shoulder Syndrome
  • Shoulder Separation
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Torn Labrum Surgery
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Chronic Tendon Injury
  • Shoulder Replacement
  • Multidirectional Instability
  • SLAP Repair
  • Shoulder instability
  • Shoulder Tendonitis
  • Shoulder Dislocation
  • Degeneration of Tendon Tissue
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Shoulder Bursitis
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy
  • Shoulder Arthritis
  • Shoulder Fracture
  • Shoulder Fixation Surgery

Will Braces / Orthotics Help Me?

​You may benefit from shoulder bracing if you have a wide range of shoulder-related conditions including:

Shoulder Impingement

Injuries in the shoulder can cause inflammation and fluid to build up in the small space and create pain but irritating the structures and nerves.

Shoulder Dislocation

Another common condition that results in injury to the muscles, joint, and ligaments around the shoulder joint.

Rotator Cuff Injury

One of the most common shoulder injuries seen. This injury affects the 4 primary shoulder rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis)

Shoulder Instability

Oftentimes, those with muscles around their shoulder and repeated injuries may have reduced stability in their shoulder joint which can cause injury and pain with day activities.

Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery such as rotator cuff repair, shoulder arthroscopy, labrum surgery, shoulder arthritis surgery, partial or total shoulder replacement, or shoulder fracture fixation can require support immediately post op!

Frozen Shoulder

Frozen shoulder (also known as Adhesive Capsulitis) is a chronic condition affecting the shoulder characterized by chronic joint stiffness and pain. The shoulder loses movement in all directions and can create significant disability with activities that require the arm.

Online Treatment Also Available

Although Video Consultations aren’t a new service, it may be new to you. And you may have some concerns or questions that need to be answered before you start treatment. Consider our no charge video consult where you will get all of your questions answered by a registered physiotherapist.

3 Shoulder Strengthening Exercises for Shoulder Pain

By working on these strengthening exercises you can improve your shoulder function, strength, and stability and return to the daily activities you love to do. ​Let us know how you like these!​

Shoulder Abduction Isometric

You will need a towel for this exercise. Stand beside a wall, stand up nice and tall! Put your arm by your body and bring your elbow to 90 degrees.

Press your elbow out into the wall with the towel between your arm and the wall. Press and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times.

Shoulder Blade Set

Sit in a comfortable position and upright position. Bring your shoulder blades back and down and squeeze. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Repeat 10 times every other hour.

Arm Raise with Band

While holding an elastic band at your side, draw your arm up in front of you keeping your elbow straight. Stop at the 90 degree mark where your arm is parallel with the ground. Hold this for 2 seconds and slowly bring the arm down. Repeat 10 times.

Areas We Serve:

Our patients come from all across Calgary including:

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Bracing

First, your expert therapist will examine your shoulder to determine the type of brace necessary.

Then, your therapist will determine the fit using special measurement tools and trials of different sizes.

We will do a quick test using your shoulder and provide you with advanced education programs for use at home!

Depending on the brace and your condition, oftentimes the brace will be covered. Insurance companies will typically provide a health spending account where you can claim specific medical devices such as a shoulder brace.

Sometimes, shoulder bracing can be helpful with your pain and you might find relief quickly. However, we always recommend using your shoulder brace as an adjunct with your shoulder physiotherapy. Your overall shoulder pain treatment plan will be much more effective with a combination of bracing and rehab! Give us a call to speak to our shoulder experts if you have more questions!​

We offer custom braces which may or may not include other treatment options depending on your individual condition. This includes effective non-invasive treatment massage therapy, physical therapy, custom orthotics for feet, continual patient education, dizziness services, ankle foot orthoses, knee braces, exercise programs, sports injury treatment plan etc.

You can contact us by phone or schedule a FREE video consultation online where you will have a registered physiotherapist answer your questions and concerns.

Market Mall Physio & Chiro

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Clinic Hours:

Monday 8a.m. – 8p.m.
Tuesday 8a.m. – 8p.m.
Wednesday 8 a.m. – 8p.m.
Thursday 8a.m. – 8p.m.
Friday 7a.m. – 8p.m.
Saturday 9a.m. – 3p.m.
Sunday Closed

Insurance Covered Physiotherapy, Chiropractor. Direct Billing is available for additional insurance coverage.