Should I wear a brace for my pain?

Sometimes. A brace can calm a painful tendon or joint and let you stay active while it recovers, but it rarely fixes the problem on its own. We use braces alongside strengthening, activity changes, and, when needed, procedures, and we tell you when to wear it and when to stop.

Will wearing a brace make my muscles weaker?

Not when it is used for the right activities and for a limited time. We pair bracing with a strength program so the muscles and tendons around the joint get stronger while the brace takes the edge off the pain.

Can I use HSA or FSA funds for braces?

Many braces and supports qualify, and Truemed can confirm eligibility so you can pay with pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars. Ask us at your visit which products fit your plan.

Which brace is right for me?

It depends on what is causing your pain. After an exam and in-office ultrasound, our physicians or physician assistants will suggest a specific brace, show you how to fit it, and explain how long to use it.

Recommended by our physicians

Braces and recovery products

The braces, splints, sleeves, and supports we recommend most, organized by body area, with the conditions each one helps.

HSA / FSA eligible

Pay with pre-tax dollars

Many recommended braces and supports qualify for HSA or FSA funds through Truemed.

Check HSA/FSA eligibility on Truemed

Shoulder

Shoulder pain

Shoulder compression sleeve
Gentle support and warmth around the joint for arthritis or rotator cuff pain when you are active.
Shoulder Arthritis Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Partial Tears
Abduction or posture sling
Short-term rest for the shoulder during a bad flare or in the days after a procedure.
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy and Partial Tears Calcific Tendinitis

Elbow

Elbow pain

Counterforce strap for tennis or golfer's elbow
Sits on the forearm just below the elbow so gripping and lifting load the sore tendon less.
Tennis Elbow Golfer's Elbow
Elbow compression sleeve
Light support and warmth for tendon pain around the elbow during work or sport.
Tennis Elbow Golfer's Elbow Distal Biceps Tendinopathy and Partial Tears

Hand and wrist

Hand and wrist pain

Neutral-position night wrist brace
Keeps the wrist straight while you sleep, which takes pressure off the median nerve. Often the first thing we try for carpal tunnel symptoms.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Trigger finger splint or thumb spica splint
Rests an irritated finger tendon or the thumb so a flare can settle, including thumb-base arthritis and de Quervain's.
Trigger Finger Thumb (CMC) Arthritis De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Hip and pelvis

Hip pain

Hip or sacroiliac compression support
Snug support around the hip and pelvis for outer hip tendon pain and sacroiliac joint pain.
Gluteal Tendinopathy and Partial Gluteal Tendon Tears Sacroiliac Joint Pain
Sit-bone offloading seat cushion
A cutout cushion that takes pressure off the sit bone, which helps high hamstring pain when sitting.
Hamstring Tendinopathy

Knee

Knee pain

Offloader or hinged knee brace
An offloader shifts load away from the worn side of an arthritic knee, and a hinged brace adds stability to a knee that gives way.
Knee Arthritis Meniscus Tears
Patellar tendon strap
A thin strap below the kneecap that eases jumper's knee pain during running, jumping, and squats.
Patellar Tendinopathy Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Foot and ankle

Foot and ankle pain

Plantar fascia night splint
Keeps the arch and calf on a gentle stretch while you sleep, which eases that sharp heel pain when you first get out of bed.
Plantar Fasciopathy
Orthotics or heel cups
Arch support and heel cushioning for plantar fascia and other foot pain.
Plantar Fasciopathy Morton's Neuroma
Ankle brace or compression sleeve
Support while the Achilles or ankle recovers and as you return to activity.
Achilles Tendinopathy and Tenosynovitis Ankle and Foot Arthritis Peroneal Tendinopathy

Questions about braces

Should I wear a brace for my pain?: Sometimes. A brace can calm a painful tendon or joint and let you stay active while it recovers, but it rarely fixes the problem on its own. We use braces alongside strengthening, activity changes, and, when needed, procedures, and we tell you when to wear it and when to stop.
Will wearing a brace make my muscles weaker?: Not when it is used for the right activities and for a limited time. We pair bracing with a strength program so the muscles and tendons around the joint get stronger while the brace takes the edge off the pain.
Can I use HSA or FSA funds for braces?: Many braces and supports qualify, and Truemed can confirm eligibility so you can pay with pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars. Ask us at your visit which products fit your plan.
Which brace is right for me?: It depends on what is causing your pain. After an exam and in-office ultrasound, our physicians or physician assistants will suggest a specific brace, show you how to fit it, and explain how long to use it.

These recommendations are general guidance, not a personal treatment plan. Ask your Propel clinician which brace or support fits your condition.

Opening December 1, 2027

Ready to get back in motion?

We are scheduling new patients now. Book an evaluation to find out what is causing your pain and how to treat it.

Request an Appointment Call (301) 200-9025

Propel Sports and Orthobiologics

10401 Old Georgetown Road, Suite 104
Bethesda, MD 20814

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Call the front desk

(301) 200-9025

frontdesk@propelsportsortho.com
Fax (301) 664-1148