Basketball Shoulder Brace: A Sports Medicine Expert’s Guide

Do you ever feel like your shoulders might give out during a basketball game? This happens to many players and is even more common among professional athletes due to the fact that they use their shoulders a lot while playing. Your shoulder joints are so susceptible to injuries due to the complex motion of their rotations and lateral movements. The shoulder joint is a ball-and-cup construct, but because it has such a large range of motion, it can easily get hyperextended or dislocated. Moreover, the deltoids and rotator cuff muscles are the primary stabilizers of the shoulder joint. This means that the rotator cuff muscles need to be healthy and strong if you want to keep your shoulders safe from injury.

 

Common shoulder injuries in basketball

The most common shoulder injuries in basketball occur due to a forceful movement that occurs during strenuous gameplay. These injuries most commonly occur in the areas of the clavicle (collarbone), rotator cuff, and acromioclavicular joint. Let's check out these common shoulder injuries in summary:

Anterior shoulder dislocation

The most common shoulder injury in basketball injuries occurs in the acromion process of the scapula, often resulting from forceful frontal shoulder rotation.

Acromioclavicular joint sprains

These injuries result when force is placed on the AC joint (elbow) and cause it to become hyperextended, which can also cause a partial or complete AC separation.

AC joint sprains

These injuries occur as a result of force being placed on the deltoid and AC joints and cause them to become hyperextended

Rotator cuff tears

These injuries occur when the rotator cuff muscles get caught between the humerus and the scapula resulting in tears in these muscle tendons.

Labral tears

These injuries occur due to a labral tear, which is most commonly caused by an overload of the shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff tendonitis

A buildup of scar tissue around the rotator cuff tendons causes this condition.

Impingement syndrome

This condition occurs when supraspinatus becomes trapped under the greater tuberosity of the humerus, leading to inflammation

Superior glenohumeral ligament tears

This injury occurs when there is an overload or tears in this ligament, which surrounds the joint capsule.

What is a basketball shoulder brace?

A shoulder brace is a medical device designed to stabilize the shoulder joint, improve shoulder function, and prevent many injuries. For basketball players, a shoulder brace can help you protect your shoulders during collisions and falls, provide you with the stability you need to play certain sports effectively and allow you to make contact without worrying about being injured.

How does a basketball shoulder brace work?

A shoulder brace is designed to support the shoulders and surrounding muscles by preventing excess motion in the shoulder joint. For basketball, a proper shoulder brace can help prevent several injuries that might occur due to repetitive arm movements. You have to rely on your shoulders a lot when you play basketball since they are responsible for throwing the ball and providing leverage during jumps. Additionally, your shoulders are one of the first things that other players will hit during physical contact. But even more importantly, you must protect your shoulders against injury. If you suffer an injury to your shoulder joint, the long-term consequences can include weakening of the rotator cuff muscles, stiffness and soreness in the shoulder joints, and loss of strength and mobility in your arms. This can cause several issues, including lower back pain and nerve damage, which will prevent you from playing basketball. It's important that basketball players take proper precautions to minimize the risk of injuries.

Benefits of basketball shoulder brace

• It can help prevent injuries.
• A shoulder brace helps keep the shoulder joint stable.
• It can prevent the shoulder joint from over-extending.
• It is comfortable and doesn't restrict your movements.
• A shoulder brace offers better support to your rotator cuff.

How to choose the right shoulder brace?

When choosing a basketball shoulder brace, you should consider the following factors:

Compatibility with your arm movements.

Choosing a brace that will fit your arm movements is important, so be sure to try it on before you decide to buy it. You may need to adjust certain parts of the brace if your arms are not on the same plane or have different shoulder areas.

Comfort.

You should not have any issues with fitting or wearing your shoulder brace all day while playing basketball and similar sports. The shoulder brace should be comfortable yet positioned properly to provide the support you need for your rotator cuff.

Size.

The size of your basketball shoulder brace will depend on your arm length, so be sure to choose one that will fit you well and allow you to move freely. Women should consider getting smaller sizes because their arms are often shorter than their body size.

Durability and strength.

It's essential that your shoulder brace is made from quality materials that can withstand heavy usage without breaking or causing more injuries. Make sure that the shoulder brace you choose is made from quality materials, such as leather and latex.

Protection.

When choosing a shoulder brace, you should consider how well it will protect your shoulders during collisions and falls when playing basketball or any other sport. It's important to choose a durable and strong shoulder brace that will provide the protection you need during gameplay.

Other tips to avoid shoulder injuries in basketball

Shoulder injuries in basketball can be prevented by taking some precautions, such as:

Wear proper shoes.

It's essential to wear proper shoes when playing basketball because improper footwear can increase your risk of suffering a shoulder injury. Refrain from wearing high heels to prevent strain on your knees, spine, and shoulders. Always try to wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable while playing basketball.

Do stretching exercises before or after each game or practice session.

Stretching and warming up your muscles before playing basketball or performing other activities is essential. This will help you avoid muscle cramps, strains, and pulls that can occur when you play basketball for a lengthy period.

Maintain proper body posture.

When playing basketball, it's important to maintain good posture by keeping your shoulders squared straight forward with the floor rather than raised up or slumped forward. You should also keep your elbows slightly bent and close to your body while dribbling the ball.

Conclusion

Shoulder injuries in basketball are common and can be prevented with proper precautions, such as wearing a good-quality shoulder brace. When playing basketball, it's important to protect your shoulders to continue playing safely. For more information on shoulder injuries in basketball, please read our other articles: Shoulder injuries in hockey, Shoulder injuries from football, Shoulder pain, and pain relief in tennis.