Do Braces Help with Hypermobility?
by Alicia Jeffrey-Thomas, PT, DPT
Folks with joint hypermobility often report instability, discomfort, and pain. One of the ways we help with that is by using different types of braces to improve proprioception, or the body’s sense of where it is in space. This can help prevent or minimize joint dislocations (where a bone slips fully out of its joint) and subluxations (where a bone moves partially out of place but doesn’t leave the joint). Frequent dislocations and subluxations can be a source of pain and, in the long term, can contribute to tissue damage, instability, and decreased mobility.
Do Braces Make Your Muscles Weaker?
In a hypermobile body, the muscles are often overworked because they’re trying to do the jobs of other body parts (like ligaments). A tight muscle and an overworked muscle don’t inherently mean a strong muscle. When used correctly, the idea behind compression therapy and bracing is to enhance what the muscles are doing and help with joint alignment so that the whole system can move more optimally.
It’s important to note that this is different from fully immobilizing a joint. Fully immobilizing a joint for extended periods of time should be avoided unless medically indicated or necessary. This can lead to joint restrictions and muscle atrophy. We want the body to still be able to move and to learn easier and more efficient patterns of movement.
Types of Braces and Compression for Hypermobility
There are many different types of braces and supportive equipment that can be used for hypermobility. The right option depends on the individual, the joints or areas of the body that need support, and what someone is hoping to achieve. Some options provide gentle compression and sensory feedback without restricting movement, while others offer more targeted mechanical support.
1. Kinesiotape and Compression for Hypermobility
We can use kinesiotape to support around a joint or to provide cueing to the muscles around it, so they know what their job is and where they need to be in space. This can provide quick relief of some symptoms without restricting movement. I’ve frequently used tape on shoulders, backs, hips, knees, bellies, and feet.
Compression sleeves are also considered lighter “bracing” options because they give a sense of stability without restricting movement. These can be worn over a joint, like a knee sleeve. There are even compression garments that go around the torso or can be worn like bike shorts or leggings, which can be very helpful for symptoms of hypermobility and POTS. We love recommending products like Jellibend for this type of compression because their line is specifically designed with POTS and EDS in mind.
2. Single-Joint Braces for Joint Stability
As the name suggests, these types of supports are designed with one joint in mind. They are usually customized to the individual person, but there are also off-the-shelf options depending on what body part we’re talking about.
For example, ring splints (usually made of metal, but sometimes plastic) can be made for people with excessive joint hypermobility in their hands to prevent hyperextension. It can be as simple as a single ring for one problematic finger, ranging to an entire set. Ankle braces are another example of something that can either be custom or off the shelf. They use a combination of compression and mechanical support to help prevent ankle sprains or ankle rolling.
3. Full-Body Braces for Hypermobility
The most common example of a full-body brace is the Body Braid. This is a gently compressive wrap that provides postural support over multiple joints in the body simultaneously. If someone is struggling with proprioception when they’re sitting to work at their desk, for example, the Body Braid can be helpful in cueing supportive movement patterns. It has different wrap techniques for the upper and lower body, as well as for sitting and standing positions, depending on the person’s needs.
Finding the Right Support for Your Body
Finding the right mix of braces is an individualized part of each patient’s plan of care. Some people don’t need anything at all, while others who would have never considered bracing find significant relief with the use of some type of supportive equipment.
If you already own some type of brace, feel free to bring it to your next appointment. Your therapist can help make sure it’s the right fit for your needs.
If you’re living with hypermobility and wondering whether bracing or compression could help you feel more supported, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Our team can help you understand what your body needs and find the right tools to support your movement and daily activities.
Contact us to learn more about how pelvic health physical therapy can support you and your body.
FAQs
1. I have symptoms of hypermobility but have never been diagnosed. Could bracing still help?
Potentially, yes. You don’t necessarily need a formal hypermobility diagnosis to benefit from supportive equipment. If you experience joint instability, frequent sprains, pain, or difficulty feeling where your joints are in space, a physical therapist can help determine whether bracing or compression might be useful for you. The goal is to choose support based on your individual symptoms and movement patterns, rather than relying on a diagnosis alone.
2. Should I wear a brace all day if I have hypermobility?
Not necessarily. Bracing is generally intended to support movement rather than replace the body’s own muscular support. How often you use a brace depends on your individual needs, the type of brace, and the activities you’re doing. A physical therapist can help you determine when and how to use supportive equipment so that it complements your movement rather than unnecessarily restricting it.
3. Can I use a brace even if I’m not having pain?
Yes. Pain isn’t the only reason someone might benefit from additional support. Some people with hypermobility use braces or compression to improve proprioception, feel more stable during certain activities, or help their body find more efficient movement patterns. Your therapist can help determine whether supportive equipment makes sense based on how your body moves and what you’re hoping to accomplish.
4. Can a physical therapist help me choose the right brace?
Yes. With so many different types of braces, splints, and compression garments available, it can be difficult to know what type or level of support is appropriate. A physical therapist can look at your movement patterns, symptoms, and daily activities and help you determine whether bracing could be helpful and what type of support may be the best fit.
5. How do I know if I need a brace for hypermobility?
You may benefit from bracing if you experience joint instability, frequent subluxations or dislocations, difficulty with proprioception, or symptoms that improve when you have additional support. However, not everyone with hypermobility needs a brace. A physical therapist can help you determine whether supportive equipment could be useful and, if so, how to use it without unnecessarily restricting your movement.
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