Brace & Splints

A rigid brace or splint holds the joint still. That's what you want right after surgery or on a healing fracture, when the protocol calls for no movement at all. The cervical collar and the resting hand splints fall in this group, and they're doing their job when the joint stays put.

A soft compression brace does the opposite. It supports the joint while still letting it move, the right call for arthritis or steady support through the day. A knee brace, an elbow support, or a back brace for lower back pain all sit here. And the mistake to avoid is leaving someone in a rigid brace once rehab's done, so step it down as they heal.