Aids for pain relief usually means three kinds of product: braces and supports that hold or compress a joint, slings and splints that rest an injured part, and hot and cold packs that warm or cool a sore area. None of them fixes the cause of pain. What they can do is support a joint while it is used, limit a movement a health professional wants limited, or make an ache easier to live with. This guide explains how each type is used, what Healthdirect says about them for common problems, and how to choose and fit one well.
Get a diagnosis first
A support chosen without knowing what is wrong can hide a problem that needs treatment. Healthdirect advises seeing a doctor for a sprain or strain that causes a lot of pain, where a fracture or dislocation is possible, or where symptoms are not improving within a week. For back pain, it suggests seeing a doctor if the pain is not getting better after about 6 weeks or is affecting sleep or daily activities. A GP or a physiotherapist can work out what is going on and say whether a brace, a strap, a cold pack or none of these will help.
How braces and supports are used
Supports work in a few different ways, and the right one depends on the job:
- Compression sleeves are stretchy and pull on like a sock. The Elastic Knee Support, for example, is sized by measuring just above the kneecap and contains rubber, so it does not suit someone with a latex allergy.
- Hinged braces have side hinges that guide movement. The McDavid Deluxe Thermal Hinged Knee Support has adjustable hyperextension stops to help control range of motion.
- Splints hold a joint still or straight. The Wrist Splint with gel pad has two pre-formed aluminium splints that can be moulded to fit the wrist.
- Slings take the weight of an injured arm, and the Arm Sling fits either side.
- Back supports wrap around the waist. The Lightweight Mesh Back Support uses four spiral spring stays and adjustable elastic straps.
Healthdirect’s sprains guidance notes that for a moderate to severe sprain, a physiotherapist may recommend bracing, taping or bandaging the injury for a few weeks, alongside exercises to help it heal. That is the pattern to aim for: a support for a set purpose and period, as part of a plan.
Supports by body area
The braces and supports range is grouped by the part of the body it supports:
- Knees: the knee braces range runs from simple sleeves to hinged braces and a knee immobiliser. Healthdirect lists strapping or a brace among the treatment options for knee pain.
- Back and abdomen: back supports include wrap-around braces, an abdominal and surgical binder, and seat-back supports such as the Apollo Back Support and the Lumbar Roll.
- Elbow, wrist and hand: for carpal tunnel syndrome, Healthdirect says a doctor may recommend a wrist splint to keep the wrist straight, especially at night, and the Adjustable Wrist Sleep Support is made for that. For tennis elbow, a physiotherapist may suggest a brace or strap on the forearm to reduce stress on the painful area. These are in the elbow, wrist and hand range.
- Neck: Healthdirect states that braces and collars are not considered useful for neck pain, and should only be worn for a short time on a health professional’s advice. The neck and above range includes the Soft Sponge Cervical Collar for that situation.
- Shoulder and ribs: the shoulder and upper back range includes thermal shoulder supports, posture straps and a rib belt.
- Ankle, foot and leg: the foot and leg range covers ankle braces with side stabilisers and elastic and neoprene supports.
- Legs and circulation: compression hosiery includes Ibici medical stockings at 18 to 22 mmHg. Medical stockings like these are best worn on a doctor’s advice.
Arthritis: support has limits
People with arthritis often hope a brace will solve the problem. Healthdirect is candid: for knee osteoarthritis, some people try heat or cold packs, taping, a brace or insoles, but the evidence is not clear on whether these help. It suggests asking a physiotherapist or occupational therapist about aids and supports, and notes that a walking stick can reduce the load on hips and knees. The walking sticks range is worth a look alongside any knee support.
Hot and cold therapy products
Hot and cold therapy comes in several forms. The MY Hot/Cold Reusable Gel Pack and the Wrap On Ice packs can be heated or chilled, and versions with a compression strap hold the pack in place hands-free. Dencorub heat patches stick on, and the Icare HydroSense system uses a control unit that regulates the water temperature in its pads, with the small pad adjustable from 8°C to 48°C. You will find them in the muscle and joint relief, Wrap On Ice and HydroSense ranges.
Whether to use heat or cold depends on the problem:
- For a new sprain or strain, Healthdirect’s first aid advice is to put a cold pack on for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, never directly on the skin, and it says a doctor may advise against using heat on a mildly injured area.
- Its page on joint pain describes a different method for the first 1 to 3 days after an acute injury that avoids ice altogether, so ask your GP or physiotherapist which approach suits you.
- For muscle aches, Healthdirect lists applying heat to the sore area among the treatments, and for low back pain, it says heat can improve blood flow, reduce pain and help muscles relax.
- For neck stiffness, Healthdirect says either heat packs or ice packs may be used.
Always follow the product’s instructions for heating, chilling and how long to apply it.
Fitting and wearing a support
Most supports are sized by a measurement, not by clothing size, and each product states where to measure: around the wrist, around the waist at its widest point, or around the knee. Measure before ordering rather than guessing. Healthdirect’s joint pain advice is that a compression bandage should not be too tight or worn at night, and the same caution applies to any support that squeezes. If a support feels wrong, check with whoever recommended it.
A support should sit alongside movement, not replace it. Healthdirect states that keeping active has been shown to be the most effective way of managing non-specific back pain, and a physiotherapist can suggest exercises to suit the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist?
No. Healthdirect explains that you do not have to see your doctor for a referral to see a physiotherapist. It can still be worth seeing a GP first to talk about treatment options or to get a referral for a specific condition. Costs vary between practices, so check before you book.
Can I wear a knee support all day?
It depends on the support and the reason for wearing it. Some product descriptions say a support can be worn all day or night, such as the Universal Neoprene Knee Brace, but that describes comfort, not what is right for your knee. Ask the GP or physiotherapist who suggested it how many hours a day to wear it and for how many weeks.
What if I am between two sizes?
Check the measuring point the product gives, measure again, and compare with the size chart. Many supports have adjustable straps or hook and loop fasteners, which give some room either way. If you are still unsure, call 1300 767 777 with your measurement and the product name, and the team can check the sizing details before you order.
To ask about a brace, support or hot and cold pack, call Allcare Warehouse on 1300 767 777 or drop into the Liverpool showroom inside Northumberland Arcade.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Read our disclaimer.