Golfers of all levels want to maximize their performance and minimize risk of injury while playing this excellent game. Even though the game might be great for physical activity, there are risks involved so it is important to be proactive in taking care of your body before pushing too hard or too fast during training or play. One way athletes can help protect themselves is through wearing a knee brace when playing golf. A knee brace worn by an athlete with existing knee pain may give them the confidence they need to push through their current state of discomfort and go for that perfect shot rather than sitting out until the pain subsides.
The good news is that there are many different types of braces, including both active and passive braces, with different designs depending on the user’s needs. It’s important to make sure you choose the right type of brace for your needs.
A Knee Sleeve for Golf
We like the RiptGear Knee Sleeve for Golf because it provides compression to the knee joint to warm it up and losen the joints. The sleeve is very relaxed and easy to put on, comfortable for all day use.
The material is breathable and adapts to the body temperature so it can be worn in any weather without discomfort. It’s designed for both men and women, as well as golfers of various levels from casual amateur to professional. In addition, it can also be used for injuries such as arthritis or a torn ligament for pain management between rounds.
Choosing the Right Knee Brace
Before choosing a knee brace, it is very important that an athlete understands their injury or pain diagnosis. Most importantly, an individual should ask themselves “What are my goals?” The brace they wear will be determined by what they hope to achieve from wearing one. A doctor or physical therapist familiar with knee injuries and treatment can help guide you in making the most appropriate choice for your knee brace options. For example, if you have patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) there are many different types of braces available to help stabilize your kneecap while allowing full range of motion throughout your leg and ankle.
When choosing a knee brace, always keep in mind that the fundamental purpose of wearing one is to provide support so you can continue to play pain-free.
Golf Knee Injuries
There are many injuries that can occur when you play golf. Knee injuries are one of the most common ones that effect players’ performance or cause them to stop playing all together. The following list is not inclusive but highlights some of the more frequent knee-related problems experienced by professional and recreational players:
The good news is there are ways to prevent these injuries, including working with a physical therapist who can make sure your body is in balance before you begin training or play. A proper strength and flexibility program for your lower body muscles (quadriceps, hamstrings, hip stabilizers) will help decrease your chance of injury during play. Using a bracing option such as an unloader brace might also be helpful during rehabilitation until you reach a point where these injuries no longer occur.
Some of the most common knee braces worn by golfers are listed below:
Unloader Braces – Unloader braces help decrease pain and pressure in the knee joint during daily use or athletic activity. When worn after an injury, they can help prevent further damage to your cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and other tissues in your knee. This type of brace is helpful for individuals with arthritis or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).
An unloader brace works by transferring weight away from areas that may be causing stress on your joints to another area that will be more comfortable for you during play. For example, if you have excess stress on your patellar tendon (just below your kneecap) and need relief, an unloader brace can help shift some of the weight away from that area.
An unloader brace can be either knee length or above the knee, depending on each person’s preference after speaking with a doctor and/or physical therapist to see what they recommend for your specific needs and diagnosis.