Treatment Options

Splints and Braces

Do you require Splints and Braces? Our expert team are here to help.

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What Are Splints and Braces?

Splints and braces are supportive devices designed to protect, stabilise, and assist healing of injured or vulnerable joints and soft tissues. They are widely used across physiotherapy, sports medicine, and post-surgical rehabilitation to:

  • Reduce pain and swelling
  • Support injured joints and muscles during healing
  • Improve mobility and function
  • Prevent further injury or recurrence
  • Facilitate return to activity, work, or sport

At Spinal & Sports Care, our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, and sports rehabilitation experts works closely with patients to ensure splints and braces are selected and fitted appropriately to meet individual needs.

Conditions Commonly Treated with Splints and Braces

Splints and braces are used for a wide range of musculoskeletal and post-surgical conditions, including:

  • Ligament injuries such as ankle or knee sprains
  • Post-surgical joint stabilisation (e.g., ACL reconstruction, shoulder stabilisation surgery)
  • Tendinopathies, including tennis elbow or wrist overuse injuries
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries
  • Post-fracture immobilisation following cast removal
  • Knee osteoarthritis and patellofemoral pain syndromes
  • Postural correction for spinal conditions
  • Sport-specific injury prevention for athletes in high-risk sports

Our Clinic Approach

At Spinal & Sports Care, our evidence-based protocols guide the selection and fitting of splints and braces:

  • Comprehensive Assessment: We assess the injury, joint stability, functional demands, and rehabilitation goals before prescribing any device.
  • Custom Fitting and Education: Patients receive guidance on correct usage, wear schedules, skin care, and gradual progression back to activity.
  • Integration with Rehabilitation: Splints and braces are always part of a broader management plan, combined with physiotherapy, exercise rehabilitation, and manual therapy where required.
  • No Additional Costs: For most conditions, basic splints and braces are included as part of your treatment plan at no extra charge. Patients requiring custom devices are referred to reputable orthotic suppliers and laboratories, ensuring quality and warranty coverage.

Types of Splints and Braces Provided

We offer a range of options depending on the condition and goals:

  • Rigid Braces: For immobilisation after surgery or acute injury.
  • Hinged Braces: Allow controlled movement while protecting healing structures.
  • Elastic or Neoprene Supports: Provide compression, warmth, and mild support for overuse injuries or early return to sport.
  • Custom-Moulded Splints: Produced by external laboratories for complex cases requiring precise stabilisation or post-surgical protocols.
  • Functional Sport Braces: Designed for athletes returning to high-level competition with ongoing joint protection needs.

Research and Evidence for Splints and Braces

Research consistently shows that:

  • Early stabilisation after injury or surgery reduces pain, swelling, and risk of re-injury.
  • Functional bracing following ligament injuries enables earlier return to activity without compromising long-term outcomes.
  • Compression bracing improves proprioception (joint position awareness), reduces swelling, and enhances performance during rehabilitation.
  • In osteoarthritis, unloading knee braces can reduce pain and improve walking function, delaying the need for surgical interventions.
  • Custom splints for upper limb injuries have been shown to accelerate grip strength recovery and reduce discomfort compared to standard devices.

Our clinic stays up to date with the evolving evidence, ensuring that patients receive the most appropriate and research-backed care.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Our physiotherapists and chiropractors can assess your condition and prescribe appropriate bracing directly.

Many health funds offer rebates, depending on your level of coverage and the prescribed device.

Not always. Your clinician will provide you with specific instructions on wear time, tailored to your condition and activity level.

Custom braces offer a more precise fit and support for complex injuries, but are not always necessary. Many standard braces provide excellent results for common conditions.

Often yes. Functional braces are designed to allow safe movement during sport or rehabilitation. Still, guidance will be provided based on your individual injury.

This depends on the severity of your injury or the type of surgery. Some are used only for a few weeks, while others may be needed for longer periods to provide ongoing support.

When used appropriately as part of a rehabilitation program, braces do not cause muscle weakness. Exercise therapy is always accompanied by bracing to maintain strength and function.

A well-fitted device should not cause discomfort. We ensure proper fitting and make any necessary adjustments.

Yes. We frequently prescribe supportive devices for children in cases such as sports injuries or post-fracture care, with parental guidance provided.

Patients are encouraged to contact us immediately so we can adjust or replace the device as needed. Our goal is optimal comfort and function.