The 5 Best Shoulder Braces for Pain Relief (2022)

Updated 14 Jun 2022

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We compare the most popular brands and models, and we boil them down to the top five to give you the most in-depth and dependable buying recommendation - so you can make the best buying decision possible.

BEST OF THE BEST

How We Tested

These products are recommended based on a thorough research process that aims to cut through the clutter and uncover the best products in this category. We spend hours looking into the elements that matter with the assistance of experts to provide you with these options.

Models Considered

180

Consumers Consulted

Hours Researched

Updated 14 Jun 2022

Written by

Mark Joseph Aduana

Babo Care Shoulder Stability Brace

BOTTOM LINE
Strong & Reliable
This is a good brace for people who need medium support.

PROS
This is a high-quality piece of neoprene that is adjustable and has strong Velcro straps. It can speed up the healing process and helps with rehabilitation during different stages. There is 24-hour customer support available.

CONS
The synthetic smell tends to be strong when you first put it on. The arm cuff is tough to adjust, but it gets easier with time.

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DACLE Sparthos Shoulder Brace

BOTTOM LINE
Simple Yet Solid
Posture correctors help you to be more comfortable while you are getting treatment. This is because they help to keep you stable and aligned.

PROS
Easy to use. These undershirts are designed to fit all chest sizes. They are comfortable and can be worn under clothes without being seen. They are made with high-quality, lightweight material and keep you cool and sweat-free. If you are not satisfied with them, the manufacturer offers a 100% Happiness Money Back Guarantee.

CONS
Some people get a rash from it.

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EVS Sports Shoulder Brace

BOTTOM LINE
Trusted Brand
This shoulder brace is suitable for compression and support.

PROS
This shoulder brace is made with a breathable air mesh construction. The X-strap stabilizer system keeps it in place and helps it stay on your shoulder. It also eliminates underarm chafing. It is available in all chest sizes and is comfortable and supportive over a long period.

CONS
Some people thought the design of the shirt could be improved. Others said it was tight on the arm.

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Zeegler Orthosis Shoulder Support Brace

BOTTOM LINE
Comfortable & Effective
This brace is designed to help get rid of pain after an injury to your shoulder.

PROS
This shoulder brace has been carefully engineered and well-tested. It is made with quality neoprene material, hypoallergenic material, and 3-layer design technology supporting enhanced heat control and skin ventilation. It also offers a swift recovery process. The e-book included with the shoulder brace contains nonsurgical remedies for shoulder injuries.

CONS
It does not include a user manual.

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Copper Compression Recovery Shoulder Brace

BOTTOM LINE
All-day Comfort
This brace protects you and gives you a good experience with the best hygiene.

PROS
This copper-infused fabric is 85% nylon and very comfortable. It will help you move around more easily and can be worn all day long. The material also has anti-odor properties and fits both shoulders comfortably. This brand is trusted and has good reviews.

CONS
It might not fit well, and it might be loose for some people.

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How to Choose the Best Shoulder Braces

Your shoulder joints are in constant use. You reach for things and stretch your arms a lot, so it's not surprising that sometimes you can get a strain or injury. And if your shoulder gets injured, it can greatly impact your life. This is where a shoulder brace can help you.

Shoulder braces help your shoulder move freely while still supporting it. They're constructed with the appropriate materials and features so that your shoulder can function properly in its natural posture. Wearing a shoulder brace can help patients, athletes, and individuals with persistent shoulder problems to continue doing the things they enjoy despite any needed modification.

When exercising, maintain good form to prevent shoulder injuries. Check your posture and lifting techniques in the mirror while weight training to make necessary changes.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Consider your condition and where you are in the healing process when buying a brace. You might need more than one type of shoulder brace if you have different activity levels. For example, if you walk and run, you'll need two different types of braces.

Activity level

How active do you think you will be while wearing your shoulder brace?

Sedentary: If you are mostly sitting down, a brace that immobilizes your shoulder could work for you. But if you have a desk job, a brace that restricts your movements could make it difficult to type or do other office work.

Moderate: For low-impact activity, a shoulder brace with medium support and a good range of motion can be effective and comfortable.

Active: Some braces are designed for people who engage in intense activities. These braces provide a lot of support and range of motion.

Fit

Some shoulder braces can be more restrictive than needed, especially the bulky ones. Other types of braces are less bulky and more discreet. They can be worn under or over clothing without being too noticeable. However, it is worth noting that some less adjustable braces might not fit as well as more tailored ones.

EXPERT TIP
Shoulder braces come in two different styles: ones that are worn underneath clothing and others that are worn over. Consider your shoulder brace from a functional standpoint to determine which one is best for you.

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SHOULDER BRACE FEATURES

Therapy

Compression: Materials and fit are essential for shoulder braces because they provide compression to the area. Some braces also have a hand-operated or electric pump to make them tighter, which relieves pain and increases blood flow to the shoulder area so that it can heal.

Temperature: Some shoulder braces have removable gel inserts, which you can heat in a microwave or freeze to treat your shoulder. Basic models with this feature have one gel insert, while premium braces have more. These shoulder braces that use both hot and cold therapy and compression can help you heal faster.

Adjustability

Shoulder braces vary in how easy they are to adjust. Some braces you just strap on with fasteners, while others are more adjustable and fit better if you take the time to adjust them. You might need help changing some braces.

Materials

Shoulder braces are usually made of strong materials that can last through everyday wear and tear. The materials are designed to be comfortable and provide adequate support. Some of the common materials used include:

Neoprene: This is the material used to make wet suits and some fitness accessories. Braces made of this material are considered more comfortable than those made of other materials.

Webbing: Some of the materials used in the brace are flexible, while others are not. This is done to create stability in some areas and flexibility in others.

Hook and loop fasteners: These are some of the most reliable methods for securing the brace. They stay in place, and it is easy to make quick adjustments. More sophisticated braces have closures strategically placed on improving fit and support.

Mesh: Mesh is a material that helps increase air circulation. This is important because it can help minimize sweating, common when wearing a tight-fitting brace.

“Consider whether you need help putting the brace on. Some shoulder braces are simple, but others need time-consuming lacing and tightening that may be difficult to manage alone.”

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SHOULDER BRACE PRICES

We looked at shoulder braces that cost between $15 and $60. This range should fit most people's budgets.

Inexpensive: Some braces cost $25, usually having a simple design. These braces have only one layer of material and a simple hook-and-loop fastening system.

Mid-range: Braces that cost up to $40 focus on fit and have advanced adjustability features. Some of these braces also feature multiple sites to fit gel packs.

Expensive: More expensive braces (those that cost over $40) have features that serve specific purposes, such as compression, immobilization, or active sports.

EXPERT TIP

Never put a cold gel pack on your skin without using a barrier between the two. Use a towel or sleeve to protect your skin from the hard pack.

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TIPS

Clean your brace. The sweat and dirt on your brace can build up over time. Some shoulder braces can be machine-washed, while others must be cleaned with a toothbrush.
Store gel packs in the freezer. After icing your shoulder, put the gel packs in the freezer so they will be cold when you want to use them again.
You can prevent chafing if the brace fits well and is in the right place. If the brace starts to chafe after a few adjustments, you might need to get a different one that fits better.
Before you buy a shoulder brace, you should do some research. Some braces are made of neoprene, a synthetic rubber. But if you have a latex allergy, you need to determine what materials were used to make the brace.
Review your health insurance policies as they may cover your expenses for having a shoulder brace. Your doctor may order the brace for you or give you a prescription. Or, if you buy on your own, you could receive a reimbursement.
Keep your gel inserts away from pets. Pets might attract the scent on your shoulder brace and puncture the insert. The gel might be nontoxic, but it is still a good idea to keep them away from pets.

You may be restricted in your range of motion if you wear a shoulder brace. To discover how the brace affects your range of motion, gradually ease into any sports or activities. If you feel that the brace is too restricting, speak with your doctor about getting one that is more practical.

FAQ

Q. Why did my brace become too loose?

A. If you use a shoulder brace often, the material may stretch out over time. If the brace feels too loose, replace it right away to ensure you have a good fit and stay safe.

Q. Is it okay to only use one brace for all my activities?

A. It depends on how active you are and how specialized your activities are. Some shoulder braces are suitable for very active people. They have a good range of motion and still provide support. Other braces are for people who aren't as active. They keep your shoulder immobilized, so you're not as active.

Q. Is it okay to repair my brace that has a tear instead of buying one?

A. It is not recommended to patch a shoulder brace together. If the brace is already damaged, trying to fix it could affect how it fits or how well it works. This could lead to an injury. Shoulder braces are usually affordable, so it is worth spending the money to prevent a long-term injury.