Most tasks in daily life require the use of the arms and hands. Restricted movement or pain in these areas can noticeably affect daily functioning. Orthoses designed for the arm, shoulder and elbow joints and supports may provide relief by helping to correct posture and reducing the load on the joints. The effectiveness of these devices varies according to the individual diagnosis and symptoms; depending on whether they are used temporarily or permanently, they may contribute to improved daily comfort and functionality.
What Is an Arm or Shoulder Orthosis?
An arm orthosis is a medical device worn on the outside of the body to support or protect the musculoskeletal system. It is prescribed by a physician to treat an injury or disease; support from an orthotic technician is obtained in determining the appropriate device. Arm orthoses can serve different purposes:
- Correcting posture and movement patterns
- Reducing tension in the upper arm or forearm
- Stabilizing, mobilizing or immobilizing certain areas of the arm
While static orthoses are used to provide stability, dynamic shoulder, elbow or arm orthoses are designed to compensate for loss of function, support weak muscles or maintain joint flexibility. Depending on the treatment approach, they can be made from various materials such as thermoplastic, silicone or carbon.
What Is a Support (Orthopedic Bandage)?
Supports are made from fabric with a low or high stretch factor and are worn directly on the skin. They fit tightly to apply controlled compression to the joints and tissue, but are not intended to restrict freedom of movement. Shoulder and arm supports may stimulate blood circulation and stabilize the joints. For an additional massage effect, elastic parts called pads can be integrated into the device.
When Might One Be Needed?
Shoulder and arm orthoses serve two main purposes: assisting in the treatment of acute medical conditions or in the rehabilitation process. Some of the common conditions are:
- The period after stroke: A shoulder orthosis may relieve shoulder pain by correcting the malposition of the upper arm bone (humerus) and may support the regaining of movement. This is an important element for rehabilitation.
- Epicondylitis (tennis/golfer's elbow): Mostly caused by overuse of the elbow muscles and tendons. Pain and weakness may occur; an orthosis may provide relief by applying targeted pressure to reduce tendon tension and may help limit additional strain from repetitive movements.
- Osteoarthritis: Swelling or fluid accumulation may occur around the joint, especially in the shoulder or elbow. Thanks to its compression feature, a support may help reduce swelling while providing relief.
Determining the Right Device
The selection, application and duration of use of orthoses and supports vary from person to person. For this reason, application should be carried out in line with the specialist physician's examination, diagnosis and prescription/medical report, and fitting of the device should be done with the relevant technical staff. It should be kept in mind that a device that is not suited to the individual's condition may not provide the expected benefit.
This content is for informational purposes; for diagnosis and treatment, you should consult your physician.
