There is a huge range of bracing, bandages, and other support products available - so how do I know which one is right for me? There are key differences between bracing products and bandages, both in function and the injuries they are tailored to care for.
Difference between Bracing and Bandaging Products
Bandages cover an open wound or injury while it heals, maintaining cleanliness, providing protection and compression to the wound. They may also be useful in covering wound dressings, preventing them from rubbing off.
Bracing and splint products are primarily used to protect and support an injured limb, or another body part. They perform a very similar job to bandages, in the protection and covering of an injury, but braces provide additional support and often prevent movement of the injured limb due to their stiff nature. Fractured bones, for example, are held in place when a splint is used to immobilise the joints near the fracture which allows them to heal correctly.
Benefits of Bracing
Total Patient Care provides a large selection of wrist braces, including the popular SecurBasic, SecurPremium, Universal Neoprene, and Exoform wrist braces.
Our SecurBasic and SecurPremium wrist braces feature high quality velcro fastenings which allow for the best fit to the patient’s wrist, as well as for the amount of compression on the injury to be adjusted. They both have sturdy aluminium stays which work to keep the wrist immobilised, which promotes faster healing and prevents further injury. The SecurPremium brace has additional durability, comfort, and breathability due to its mesh material.
The Universal Neoprene wrist brace has the advantage of a fit that suits almost any patient, and is ideal for the treatment or rehabilitation of wrist sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, and arthritis.
Our Ossur brand Exoform wrist braces are ideal for patients suffering tendonitis, post cast healing, soft tissue injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Ergonomically contoured padding on the inside of the brace provides the patient with the best possible fit and most comfort. The brace has a durable outer layer and a moldable palmar stay, both of which contribute to the brace’s ability for immobilisation and support.
How do I choose the right size?
Follow these short guides to choosing the right size wrist brace, or find the products on our website for more information.
For SecurBasic and SecurPremium, measure your wrist circumference just below the base of your palm, and pick the brace size accordingly.
|
X-Small |
Small |
Medium |
Large |
X-Large |
|
130-145mm |
145-160mm |
160-175mm |
175-190mm |
190-205mm |
Exoform Wrist braces are only available in small to large sizes. Measure your wrist circumference the same way to determine the appropriate size.
|
Small |
Medium |
Large |
|
160-185mm |
185-205mm |
205-235mm |
Benefits of Bandaging
As mentioned above, bandages can be used to secure wound dressings, as well as protect the open surface from contamination, and provide compression to the injured limb. We offer a range of compression bandages, each of which are perfect for reducing the swelling of a sprain or strain.
After sustaining an injury, using compression bandages such as our cohesive wrap bandage, rather than strapping tape, is ideal as it helps to reduce the immediate swelling and pain that follows. Strapping tape does not always provide the same benefits as bandages and is better suited to preventing further injury when resuming regular activity.
Total Patient Care offers a variety of compression bandages, such as Tubon, FlexiGrip, SecurFast, and the cohesive wrap bandages mentioned previously.
Tubon is a tubular gauze bandage that has several indications. It’s well suited to physiotherapy, rehabilitation and casting, being used as the first layer prior to the application of cast padding and material, and as the lining for splints and braces. It is used similarly for oedema control; it’s able to be applied prior to pressure bandaging. Tubon bandages also perform well in wound care when they are applied over dressings to secure and prevent mess. Tubon bandages are made of 100% cotton, and as such are absorbent while allowing good air circulation to the skin. These are one of the most popular bandages we offer and are very comfortable. They are also available in 8 sizes, the smallest of which being suited for paediatric uses and fingers/toes, and the largest for adult limbs.
Flexigrip bandages, unlike Tubon, are well suited to being applied following cast removal. This bandage is designed for orthopaedic and vascular treatment, providing a low-medium compression and reducing swelling. It is also designed with patient comfort in mind, being of a cool knit fibre, and is gentle on soft tissue, and joint or rib injuries.
SecurFast bandages are very similar to Tubon bandages though are only available in four sizes and won’t cater to the smallest injuries. They are made of a lightweight, easy-cut, conforming material that has less risk of fraying than traditional tubular bandages.
What other support products are out there?
Bracing and bandaging are just a small selection of the support products we offer. We supply a variety of aids to daily living, each tailored to users who need support in common tasks of everyday life. Visit our website or contact our Sales Team at sales@totalpatientcare.com.au to find out more about our splints and compression garments, or our ADLs.
Please note that this is not an official diagnosis and you should always seek advice from your GP or medical professional to get the correct care for your injury.