What are supports and orthoses good for?

Supports and orthotics are medical aids that can be used for various complaints, injuries, or after surgery. Depending on the design, they enable targeted movement or necessary immobilization.

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What are the effects of supports and orthoses?

Supports and orthoses can be used for various complaints, such as in the ankle, knee, hand, elbow, shoulder, or spine. They are used in various phases of treatment, for example after an injury, surgery, or for chronic complaints.  

Bracing and orthotics help maintain or regain the function of joints. They can alleviate pain and swelling. They also specifically stabilize joints and body parts. Through compression and massage effects, they promote blood circulation and thus the healing of injuries. At the same time, they protect against incorrect loads and unfavorable movement sequences, which is especially important after injuries or surgeries.  

They must be professionally adapted and applied correctly. Your medical supply store will help you with that.

When and for what do I wear a support or an orthosis?

Whether and when to wear a support or orthosis is decided by your doctor – it depends on the situation and diagnosis. The individual fitting is done by the orthotics store or, in the case of acute injuries, by medical staff at the hospital. 

Supports are often used during sports, strenuous activities, or in everyday life. They are suitable for minor injuries, overuse, or for prevention. Orthoses, on the other hand, offer a significantly higher degree of stability and correction – for example, in the case of misalignments, after surgery, or in the case of structural damage.

What does a bandage do?

A support provides stability, relief, and pain reduction – in everyday life, during sports, or after injuries. Whether it's a foot wrap, elbow wrap, thigh wrap, ankle wrap, back wrap, or knee wrap, the effect is similar: targeted support while maintaining freedom of movement.

What does an orthosis do?

Orthoses can enable complete immobilization or guide movements in a targeted manner. For example, a knee brace protects against harmful movements after knee surgery or relieves the joint in the case of arthrosis. A back orthosis straightens the spine and helps improve posture and muscle tone.

How do supports and orthoses work?

Supports improve the body's self-perception (proprioception) while simultaneously activating the surrounding muscles. The elastic knit creates a play of pressure and relief during movement, which stimulates the metabolism, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. 

Orthoses, on the other hand, are characterized by a more stable construction and can guide or immobilize joints in a targeted manner. They relieve certain body regions, protect against incorrect movements, and can be individually adjusted in many cases. They are particularly suitable for correcting posture, limiting movements, or allowing controlled movement.

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