DonJoy

When you want to improve your range of motion, you take a little extra time to stretch before and after your workouts. When you want to improve your accuracy on the court, you run through shooting drills and work on your form. Just like the right exercises can help improve your skills, the proper orthopedic devices can boost your training and recovery routine. Sports braces and compression sleeves are two of the most popular types of orthopedic devices, but they benefit athletes in different ways. Here are a few main differences between the two, so you can figure out which option is right for you. Level of Support Braces and compression sleeves both offer support, but in different ways. Sports braces provide substantial support and stabilization; they might feature straps, hinges, and other sturdy components that control joint movement and offer stability.  Sleeves, on the other hand, have a simpler design and provide milder support and compression. They’re usuall...

Whether you play for a national audience or for your local rec league, staying strong and agile is the key to a great baseball season. Throwing, hitting, catching, and running are all technical, explosive, repetitive movements, so it’s important for all players to train and recover properly. When you’re swinging for the fences or diving for home plate, you’re relying on your strength, agility, and full range of motion. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to stay strong, quick, and limber during baseball season. Here are three ways to support your body this season. Talk to Sports Medicine Professionals Baseball is all about mastering technical, quick movements, which is why a tailored strength training and recovery regimen is the key to injury prevention. Working with a sports medicine professional, like a personal trainer or a physical therapist, can help you create a plan to boost your performance on and off the field.  Knee Brace Since every player brings a uniqu...

Your sports bag should be full of gear to help keep you comfortable and support optimal performance at practice and games. Whether you’re a professional, collegiate, high school, or pick-up athlete going up to bat (or pitch) this baseball season, here are a few essential items to have in your bag at all times. Water Bottle A water bottle is crucial for athletes, helping them stay hydrated and prevent cramps. You should always have a full water bottle in your bag before practice or a game, even if they have a water cooler in your dugout. You might want to continue drinking your water after the game ends, so a water bottle is necessary.  Ankle Brace Sports Brace If you’ve recently recovered from an injury or are in the final stages of a doctor-approved recovery plan, keep a sports brace in your bag to support your joints. Sports braces, like an ankle brace or knee brace, fit easily inside sports bags. If you usually wear one for exercise, you might want to invest i...

Whether you dream of going pro or simply play your favorite sport for the love of the game, sports-related injuries are a part of an active lifestyle. Injuries do more than just take a toll on our bodies. They can be mentally taxing, especially when training and competing are important parts of your regular routine. Luckily, with the right equipment, a specific plan, and some preparation, you can stay active throughout the rehabilitation process. Here’s what to know about staying active while recovering from a sports-related injury and four activities to do while you heal. What Are the Benefits of Active Recovery? Here are a few ways light, low-impact activities can benefit you as you recover from an injury: • Maintain your strength and flexibility • Boost your mood • Increase circulation • Stay consistent with your training schedule The type of activity you’re able to do during the rehab process depends on your body and your specific injury, so consult a sports medic...

Are you looking for a high-quality knee brace to help optimize your active lifestyle? You can find options for daily wear if you regularly experience feelings of joint discomfort or recently sustained an injury. If you’re searching for a reliable way to support your knee and protect against future injury, you want a knee brace you can count on. Here are five features to point you in the right direction. Knee Brace Bifurcated Strap A bifurcated strap offers a two-pronged strap that helps keep your patella, or kneecap, in proper alignment. This feature is a reliable way to address discomfort. In short, it helps keep your knee aligned, whether you are tackling everyday activities or working your way back to game action with a specific rehabilitation plan. The pull straps are above and below your kneecap, helping put a “true” and consistent pull on your kneecap, whether during extension or flexion. Plus, the design helps realign your kneecap if it tries to move out of align...

Women’s basketball ratings have skyrocketed in recent years, and the U.S. Women’s soccer team is shattering viewership records. While some people just started watching women’s sports thanks to big-name athletes and increased coverage, plenty of people have been showing up for women’s sports for decades and know how important it is to support female athletes. As women’s sports start to receive the recognition they deserve, it’s essential for female athletes to get the support they need when training, competing, and recovering. Whether you’re a casual athlete or have dreams of going pro, here are a few ways to get support you can count on as a female athlete. Find Information About Common Injuries While sprains, strains, and joint injuries are common for all athletes, female athletes can be especially prone to ACL tears, concussions, and fractures. Since these common injuries impact women at a higher rate than men, female athletes should be aware of common injuries in their ...

Spring is a time of exciting changes in sports. Not only do the sports themselves change from one season to the next, but the needs of the athletes can evolve, too. The changes you see in athletics during the spring can be straightforward once you know the basics, so it’s important to consider every detail. From clothes to targeted knee running support , here are four things you should know about playing sports during the spring. Knee Running Support There Are Changes to Sportswear During spring, athletes start to shed their layers. You’ll see more compression shirts and leggings in the beginning of the season, but they’ll soon shed these extra layers in favor of their short sleeves and shorts, especially the sports that involve plenty of cardio. Others may show up to games or matches wearing team warmups, but they’ll take them off before taking the field or court. Of course, there are also indoor sports, like MMA. Thanks to their controlled environment, these see little ...