Bracing and taping in an office sports medicine practice.

Braces can be divided according to their use: rehabilitative, functional, or prophylactic. Rehabilitative braces are used following injury or surgery to allow protection of the injured part while rehabilitation is taking place. Functional braces are used following injury or surgery to allow an individual player to return to athletic activities while protecting the injured part from further damage. Prophylactic braces are used in an attempt to prevent injury to a normal area while engaged in athletic endeavors. Braces are available for the neck, back, and both the upper and lower extremities. There are many commercially available braces that are quite useful and effective. It is still controversial whether or not prophylactic braces prevent knee injuries in contact sports. However, prophylactic braces and/or taping have proved to be quite effective in preventing ankle injuries. It should always be kept in mind, however, whether one is using rehabilitative, functional, or prophylactic braces, that a good rehabilitation program and conditioning should be instituted along with their use to strengthen the involved area and prevent further injuries.