Why Custom Bracing and Compression Stockings
Taping and Custom Bracing
Therapeutic tape or braces can be used to correct alignment, provide support, and provide feedback to muscles to aid in retraining biomechanics.
Therapeutic tape can be a temporary solution as an acute injury recovers to expedite your return to activity. Custom braces may allow you to better manage chronic pain and protect and stabilize an injured area.
PhysioDNA is proud to partner with Bauerfeind, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of orthopedic products. Our trained therapists can support you to measure and custom order the brace that best fits your lifestyle and movement goals.
What to Expect from Custom Bracing and Taping
After we take your measurements, it usually takes a few weeks for your custom brace to be ready. The exact time can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with us about the estimated delivery when you place your order. We’ll call you as soon as your brace arrives so we can schedule a complimentary fitting.
Regarding billing, insurance coverage for custom braces and therapeutic taping can differ, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider to see what costs might be covered. This way, you’ll have a clear idea of what to expect.
While custom braces and therapeutic tape are generally safe, you might experience some discomfort or irritation initially. If you notice any pain, redness, or other unusual symptoms, be sure to inform your healthcare provider. To keep your custom brace in good condition, clean it with a damp cloth and avoid soaking it. Therapeutic tape needs to be replaced every few days or when it loses its stickiness. Custom braces are quite durable but should be regularly checked for any signs of wear and tear.
What conditions can taping and bracing treat?
- Ankle sprains: To support the area and improve stability
- Back pain: such as sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, pregnancy, and muscle strains
- Arthritis: knee and ankle braces can help to offload your arthritic joints to prevent pain with weight bearing
- Elbow/forearm pain: tennis and golfer’s elbow respond well to taping or bracing to offload a strained area
- Wrist pain: wrist strains and sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, bone dislocation, and De Quervain’s area all commonly treated with taping/bracing.
What are the benefits of therapeutic taping?
- Pain relief: therapeutic tape can reduce pain perception by providing support and improving circulation to an area.
- Improve muscle function and support: therapeutic tape can support injured muscles by promoting proper alignment, improving activation of desired muscles, and reducing muscle strain.
- Enhance healing and reduce inflammation: therapeutic tape can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage which in turn may expedite the healing process
- Increase range of motion and flexibility: therapeutic tape can improve flexibility of a joint by reducing pain to improve freedom of movement
- Improve posture and biomechanics: therapeutic tape can increase cueing and proprioception to an area to have more awareness of its place in space, which can prevent further injury.
Compression Stockings
Leg pain, swelling, and fatigue can affect your ability to participate in daily activities. At PhysioDNA, we want to ensure you achieve your goals without being limited by pain and soreness and feel your best everyday. Compression stockings are designed to apply graduated pressure along your leg and offer a number of therapeutic benefits. Our therapists are trained to measure and advise which type of compression stockings may be most beneficial for your lifestyle and medical condition. We can provide guidance to ensure you get the optimum comfort and support out of your stockings.
What to Expect from Custom Compression Stockings
Compression stockings offer more coverage and support than compression socks, wrapping more of your leg to provide enhanced support. They should fit snugly but comfortably, and if you find them too tight or uncomfortable, you can discuss adjustments during your fitting appointment. We offer different compression levels and either knee height or above knee height.
Typically, you can wear compression stockings throughout the day, though your therapist might suggest using them only during certain times, like when you’re standing for long periods, while you sleep, or when you’re catching a flight.
While compression stockings are generally safe for most people, they may not be suitable for individuals with severe arterial disease, serious heart conditions, or specific skin issues. Our experienced therapists will ensure that you receive the safest and most effective recommendations tailored to your needs.
What are the physiological benefits of compression stockings?
- Improve blood circulation: Compression stockings assist veins to return blood towards the heart.
- Reduce swelling and edema: Compression of the lower legs can help prevent fluid buildup, leading to less swelling and a lighter feeling in the legs.
- Minimize muscle fatigue and soreness: increased blood flow will allow for increased nutrients to the leg muscles
What are the Physiological Benefits of Compression Stockings for Athletes / Active Individuals?
Alongside the previously mentioned benefits, athletes can gain:
- Faster Recovery: After exercise, compression stockings can help reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery by improving circulation and reducing inflammation. This means athletes can get back to training or competition more quickly.
- Injury Prevention: Compression stockings can provide additional support to the muscles and joints, potentially reducing the risk of injuries such as strains and sprains by helping to stabilize the lower legs.
- Improved Performance: Some athletes find that wearing compression stockings during exercise helps them perform better by reducing the discomfort and fatigue associated with intense activity. Improved performance is a more subjective benefit depending on an individual’s perceived performance.
How will compression stockings help you?
- Reduce pain and discomfort
- Improve mobility and function
- Enhance recovery
- Preventative care
Who can benefit from compression stockings?
- Those with circulatory conditions (venous insufficiency, varicose veins)
- Individuals prone to leg swelling or leg soreness after prolonged standing
- Patients post operatively after a lower limb surgery
- Pregnant women who feel swelling and soreness in the legs
- Athletes who want to improve their recovery and performance
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How can I speed up my recovery?
What does a vestibular rehabilitation assessment look like?
- Cranial nerve testing
- Reflex testing
- Eye tracking tests
- Balance testing
- Gait assessment
- Assessment of past injuries/conditions
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Help & Support
What kind of benefits can vestibular rehabilitation bring?
- Decreased falls risk
- Improved balance
- Return to previous level of function
- Decreased symptoms of dizziness/nausea/unsteadiness
- Decrease vertigo
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Additional Info
What therapists can provide vestibular rehabilitation?
- Chiropractor: Dr. Sundeep Sandher, Dr Ahmad Al-Hamdan
- Physiotherapist: Brett Alexander, Irene Chau
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FAQs
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How do custom braces differ from off-the-shelf braces?
Custom knee braces, or custom bracing, are often more sturdy and long-lasting than “off-the-shelf” models. These compression stockings are built with high-quality materials to resist the demands of vigorous activity.
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Can I wear my custom brace during physical activities?
For most athletes, it is not only possible but also advised to play sports while wearing custom bracing. Compression stockings lower the risk of injury by supporting the knee joint and offering stability during high-impact activities.
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How are custom compression stockings fitted for my specific needs?
While making custom bracings for our customers, we start by taking accurate measurements and understanding your needs & requirements. Compression stockings require adequate measurements and calculations to fit athletes and ensure optimal performance.
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How often should I wear my compression stockings for optimal results?
You can use compression stockings all day by putting them on when you get dressed in the morning and taking them off before bed (unless your doctor says otherwise).
If you require custom bracing to treat venous disorders that cause edema, they may usually be worn all day. However, the amount may vary depending on the specific setting or situation for which you are wearing them.
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How should I care for and maintain my custom braces and compression stockings?
To maintain your custom bracing in good shape, wipe it with a moist towel rather than soaking it. Therapeutic tape should be changed every few days or whenever it loses its stickiness. Although compression stockings are fairly durable, they should be examined on a regular basis for symptoms of wear and tear.
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Will my insurance cover the cost of custom bracing and compression stockings?
Custom bracing and compression stockings are often considered medical necessities. Your insurance company may need extensive details regarding the brace or compression socks, as well as a doctor’s reference.
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