Choosing the Best Shoulder Brace

Shoulder braces come in all different shapes and sizes, from options with a slim design made to combat sprains and strains, to heavy-duty braces that immobilize the joint completely. Take a look at our guide for help sorting through the options. We'll teach you what to consider including material, type, range of motion, level of support, and recommendations tailored to your needs.

The Types of Shoulder Braces We Offer

Shoulder Support Brace

MaterialNeoprene TypeAdjustable Wrap Range of MotionStabilizing Support LevelMild to Moderate FeaturesReversible Fit, Compression Pad, Extender Strap RecommendationsSprains, Strains, Mild Rotator Cuff Injuries

Shoulder Compression Ice Pack

MaterialPolyester & Foam TypeWrap Range of MotionStabilizing Support LevelMild to Maximum FeaturesRemovable Pump, Thermal Defense Layer, Heat Therapy RecommendationsPost-Surgery, Rotator Cuff, Strain, Tendinitis

Hot and Cold Shoulder Sleeve

MaterialNylon Blend + Gel Interior TypeWrap Range of MotionFull Support LevelMild FeaturesHeat Therapy, Gentle Compression, Reversible Fit RecommendationsMuscle Soreness, Arthritis, Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Abduction Sling

MaterialNylon & Nylon/Spandex Blend TypeSling Range of MotionImmobilizer Support LevelMaximum FeaturesRemovable Pillow, Therapy Ball, Quick Release Strap RecommendationsPost-Surgery, Dislocation, Soft Tissue Strains

Advanced Abduction Sling

MaterialNylon/Polyester Blend TypeSling Range of MotionImmobilizer Support LevelMaximum FeaturesAbduction Pillow, Stability Strap, Offloading Strap, Exercise Ball RecommendationsPost-Surgery, Dislocation, Extended Wear

What to Consider When Choosing Your Shoulder Support

We broke down all the most important factors to help you find the best option for your needs.

Material

Type

Wrap

Our wrap-style shoulder braces are crafted to contour to the natural shape of your shoulder, providing targeted mild to moderate support and compression while gently limiting your range of motion. They fully open for easy application, accommodating limited mobility, swelling, and inflammation. Versatile and comfortable, they can be worn over or under clothing on either shoulder and are secured with adjustable straps across the bicep and chest for a personalized fit.

Abduction Sling

Designed to immobilize and support the arm while maintaining the shoulder in a slightly abducted position away from the body. This type of brace helps reduce strain on the shoulder joint and promote proper healing following surgery or a shoulder injury. An integrated supportive pillow helps maintain proper positioning and alignment while limiting unwanted movement that could interfere with recovery.

• Advanced Abduction Sling
• Shoulder Abduction Sling

Adjustable Straps

Adjustable straps ensure proper sizing, fit, and positioning for optimal support and recovery.

• Straps around the bicep allow for customized compression and can be easily adjusted to accommodate swelling and inflammation.
• Adjustable chest/shoulder straps provide a custom fit and can be fully released, making the brace easy to slip on and off. Added padding around the neck provides extra comfort.
• Our Shoulder Abduction Sling and Advanced Abduction Sling include 2 additional straps around the abdomen and forearm to ensure proper positioning, a tailored fit, and immobilized support.

Range of Motion

Level of Support

Mild

Best for minor injuries or those further in the recovery process. Our Shoulder Support Brace offers mild, adjustable support for a controlled range of motion during day-to-day activities. 

For mild immobilization of the arm and shoulder joint, consider this arm sling. 

Moderate

If you’re seeking more moderate support, you may need a brace that can limit your shoulder’s range of motion. The versatile design of our Shoulder Support Brace has an adjustable exterior compression pad for a range of mild to moderate support and doesn’t interfere with daily activities.

Our Compression Shoulder Ice Wrap can also be adjusted to provide moderate support. Its unique design comes equipped with a hand pump and valve; you can inflate the brace to your desired compression needs. However, this wrap is mainly used for recovery and would not typically be worn during activity or sports.

Maximum

For serious shoulder injuries or post-op recovery, our Abduction Sling or Advanced Abduction Sling is likely the appropriate option to immobilize the shoulder joint and prioritize healing post-surgery, dislocation, or soft tissue strain.

For maximum pain relief and recovery support, go for the Compression Shoulder Ice Wrap. With multiple adjustable straps and an internal compression pump, this wrap can give maximum support to the shoulder joint.

Additional Features

Extender Straps

The Shoulder Support Brace comes with an additional extender strap to accommodate larger chest sizes.

Hot and Cold Packs

Our Compression Shoulder Ice Wrap uses an Arctic Flex gel pack for hot or cold therapy. It's a hands-free way to soothe your joints and can be removed when not needed.

Exterior Compression Pad

The Shoulder Support Brace features a strategically placed exterior compression pad on the top of the shoulder for targeted support and relief. The adjustable strap allows custom compression directly to the shoulder joint for enhanced stability and tailored therapeutic pressure. This added compression helps promote healing, reduce swelling, and alleviate discomfort.

Hand Pump

Our Compression Ice Pack includes a hand pump with a release valve, making it easy to inflate and deflate the interior air bladder for adjustable compression. You can remove the pump while wearing the brace, or securely attach it with a discreet Velcro strap.

Therapy Ball

Our Shoulder Abduction Sling and Advanced Abduction Sling include a foam exercise ball to encourage blood circulation and reduce swelling during recovery. It’s a simple way to activate hand, wrist, and forearm muscles during recovery.

Reversible Fit

All of our shoulder braces, wraps, and slings are reversible fit.

A reversible fit allows the device to be used on either the left or right side. This eliminates the need to purchase separate products for each shoulder, making it a cost-effective and practical solution. Additionally, a reversible design accommodates changing needs, such as treating injuries on different sides over time. It also simplifies the selection process by offering a one-size-fits-all option for either arm. 

Our Recommendations For…

Below are our recommendations on the issues that matter most to our customers.

Rotator Cuff Surgery

If you’re undergoing rotator cuff surgery, your doctor will likely recommend an Advanced Abduction Sling as part of your post-operative recovery. This specialized shoulder support is keeps the shoulder joint properly aligned, providing essential stabilization and immobilization to promote optimal healing. The integrated abduction pillow helps maintain the correct positioning, while adjustable straps ensure a universal fit for maximum comfort and ease of use during recovery.

Recovered Rotator Cuff Tear

Recovering from a rotator cuff tear can be a lengthy process, with pain and joint weakness lasting for months, making a high-quality shoulder brace essential. For reliable day-to-day support throughout your recovery, consider our Shoulder Support Brace. Designed to provide mild to moderate stabilization, it protects your healing joint while remaining flexible and comfortable, allowing you to maintain your daily activities with confidence.

Dislocation

Shoulder instability is a common concern treated best with a quality immobilizer brace. Help recover from a shoulder dislocation injury with our Shoulder Abduction Sling. This uses gentle padding and positioning straps to keep your joint from moving. It offers cushioning in the neck strap, waist area, and the brace itself, prioritizing a high level of support to allow your shoulder to heal and strengthen. Once further along in the recovery process, our Shoulder Support Brace is lightweight support you can wear for protection and prevention during daily activities.

Sports

Shoulder Separations and other serious joint injuries come at a higher risk for those who regularly play sports. Luckily, our Shoulder Support Brace has a breathable neoprene build to help protect your joint and encourage healing. It delivers customized compression that stays flexible on the field or the court, and a slim profile for maximum range of motion. For post-game recovery and sore joints, try our Shoulder Ice Pack.

Best Shoulder Immobilizer

Sometimes, the best way to keep your shoulders fit is to keep them from moving altogether. Our Advanced Abduction Sling will be able to do just that while offering a high level of comfort and support. Its ergonomic design is ideal, as it will contour to your arm, neck, and midsection for a comfortable fit that will fit either arm.

Frozen Shoulders

If you’re struggling with frozen shoulder, we recommend our Shoulder Support Brace for daily wear. This brace provides mild to moderate support that allows for controlled movement to prevent stiffness from worsening. For extra relief and treatment of frozen shoulder symptoms, use our Shoulder Compression Ice Pack, which incorporates hot and cold therapy alongside compression into its design. The removable gel pack can be heated and cooled and stays flexible to maintain the maximum range of motion possible.

Shoulder Impingement

With shoulder impingement, you want to allow for controlled movement rather than immobilization. The Vive Shoulder Support Brace helps to limit excessive range of motion while supporting alignment and providing therapeutic compression. Its breathable material makes it comfortable to wear during normal daily activities.

Muscle Soreness

For muscle soreness, aches, and shoulder pain, get our Shoulder Compression Ice Wrap. The combination of cold therapy + adjustable compression provides unmatched relief. As an added bonus, the interior gel pack can be heated to target pain with heat therapy as well. A less robust option would be our Hot and Cold Shoulder Sleeve. It is flexible and lightweight, fitting comfortably around the contours of the shoulder to ensure complete coverage.

Shoulder Arthritis

When treating arthritis symptoms, the adjustable compression of our Shoulder Support Brace provides gentle support that reduces and prevents painful joint flare-ups. It is lightweight and can be worn comfortably during daily activities. You can also try our Shoulder Ice Pack to target swelling and inflammation with either hot or cold therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions