A recent article published in The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy looked at the use of a soft knee brace and its effect on strength around the knee. It has been hypothesized that prolonged use of a knee brace will decrease the quadriceps strength because the brace is essentially helping to support the knee, which is what the muscles are meant to do. This study looked at individuals 40-70yo who wore a soft knee brace on a daily basis for 6-12 weeks. The researchers found that there was not a significant decrease in quadriceps strength at the 6 week and 12 week follow up. 

These findings can be beneficial for those suffering from osteoarthritis because it shows that a brace can help to support a painful knee without sacrificing the strength in the muscles around the knee. Ask your Atlas Physical Therapist if a knee brace would be recommended or beneficial in your treatment.

Lukas Mehling PT, DPT