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Bracing treatment

Supportive devices to help with stability and weakness and improve pain in your joints

Elder-woman-holding-hand-wearing-arthritis-brace
Bracing is where a device is fitted to a part of the body, usually a joint such as the knee, to provide support, relieve pressure and improve stability. This can also help to reduce pain.

You may benefit from bracing if you have been suffering with painful joints, stability issues or ongoing pain. Braces can also help with rehabilitation and returning to sport after accident or injury by protecting the affected area as it heals. Our chartered physiotherapists have lots of experience in using various braces to help people get back to their best.

If you are living with a painful joint that's affecting your quality of life, bracing treatment could be a great non-surgical treatment option to help you get you back on your feet and doing the things you love. Get in touch today to arrange a session with a physiotherapist to find out if bracing could help you.

The cost of physiotherapy starts from £64 for your first appointment.* This is based on a 45-minute appointment and includes a full assessment and treatment plan.

The cost of follow-up appointments starts from £50.*

The cost of your total physiotherapy treatment will depend on various factors such as your condition, how many sessions you need and what type of treatment you are recommended. Some of our specialist treatments such as injection therapy and Phits Insoles are priced separately, however you will be informed of any additional charges as part of your treatment planning. Your physiotherapist will always discuss your treatment options with you.

*This is a guide price and may vary. You'll be told the exact cost before you book.

There are a range of reasons why you may need orthopaedic bracing. Reasons you may need a brace can include:

If you are unsure whether you could benefit from bracing treatment, book an assessment with one of our dedicated physiotherapists who will be able to advise you on the most appropriate treatment for your concerns.

At Circle Health Group, we offer a variety of braces to help patients who are suffering from injuries or chronic conditions including ligament sprain, tendon injuries, osteoarthritis and arthritic knees. We also use braces to help those who need post-operative support, for example following ligament surgery.

We use a wide range of different braces, and the best type for you will depend on various factors. Braces can be used on many different areas of the body, and the design and function will differ depending on which body part they support. Some braces are static while others have moving parts. Some will allow for unlimited movement in the affected area while others limit or even prevent movement.

Your physiotherapist will let you know which brace is the most appropriate for your requirements and will ensure it is fitted properly. Some types of braces we offer include:

Ankle or foot brace

An ankle brace is designed to surround the ankle and some the foot. It helps to control the movement of the ankle as well as helping it to stay in the correct position. It can help to compensate for any weaknesses or to correct deformities.

Knee brace

A knee brace device extends from approximately mid-calf to mid-thigh level and helps to relieve pressure on the knee joints. It helps by shifting weight away from the most damaged area of the knee, allowing you to walk longer distances more comfortably.

Back brace

Back braces can be used to help reduce the effects of arthritis. They are typically made out of stretchy fabric and can help relieve back pain.

Shoulder brace

Shoulder braces can be used to help support your shoulders and your back. They often crisscross over your body and can compress the upper part of your arm. They can help to relieve pain from the shoulders or back.

Wrist brace

You may need a brace, wrap or split for your wrist to help control pain in your hand caused by arthritis or to support you in activities such as playing sport, such as tennis or working at a computer and typing on a keyboard.

Braces are mainly used in the four stages of rehabilitation:

  • Protection – to help reduce your pain and inflammation following surgery or an injury
  • Mobilisation – to allow for controlled movements in the early stages of rehabilitation while protecting the injured or operated areas
  • Restore – to help while you gradually start returning to your normal activity levels, but where you need some assistance until your strength has returned
  • Return to activities or sport – to assist and support the previously injured area, or to offload an arthritic area that otherwise causes pain and stops you enjoying your hobbies and activities

When you choose to go private for bracing treatment with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

  • Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
  • The freedom to choose your hospital and physiotherapist
  • Specialist physiotherapy equipment and imaging facilities at your fingertips
  • Specialist advice and exercises to follow in sessions and at home
  • Tailored services (your physiotherapist will build your timetable around your needs)

If you would like to learn more about bracing treatments, call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle physiotherapy team in June 2023. Next review due June 2026.

  1. What is an Orthopedic Brace?, Northwest Broward Orthopaedic Associates
  2. Bracing, Advanced Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Institute
  3. Bracing, NHS Sherwood Forest Hospitals
  4. Types of Orthopedic Braces, Wheeler
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