Musculoskeletal issues are most commonly seen in athletes as they put tremendous pressure on their muscles and joints. But, it can also occur in people who have a highly active lifestyle. Orthopedic supports are used to correct these issues and hasten recovery. They are also used to prevent injury and enhance mobility. The type of support required depends on the degree of muscular assistance needed and the part which requires support. Based on this, different materials are used to make orthopedic supports.
Polyester
Supports, as mentioned, are used not just for rehabilitation after an injury but to also prevent injuries from occurring. As such, the material used for them should be strong and durable. Polyester satisfies both these conditions impeccably. In addition to strength and durability, polyester is also resistant to abrasions, mildew, wrinkles, and damage from many chemicals. It does not absorb moisture and dries quite quickly. Polyester, due to all these properties, is easy to maintain. Hence, it is widely used in designing orthopedic supports.
Nylon
Nylon is a versatile material that can be found in many items in and around the house. It is a highly elastic and lightweight material, which makes it suitable for designing muscular supports. It provides considerable aid for your muscles and offers greater mobility than other materials. Also, like polyester, nylon provides good abrasion resistance, making it last longer. The disadvantage with nylon is its ability to retain water. When used in an active environment, nylon will absorb sweat and make the support heavy. This will wear you down faster and can sometimes become counter-productive.
Spandex
In sports, it is important to have adequate compression and, at the same time, be able to move freely without any restrictions. The elastic property of spandex (“spandex” an anagram of “expands”) allows it to stretch as much as you want without any wear and tear. At the same time, it is lightweight and wrinkle-resistant. That’s why it is a favorite in a diverse array of clothing styles, especially activewear. These properties are applied to orthopedic supports, which provide the wearer better movement and agility.
Acrylic
Acrylic is a high-performance fiber, meaning it has high tenacity and superior strength when compared to other fibers. Acrylic supports are also comfortable to wear because they keep away moisture effectively. As a result, they dry fast when subjected to high-intensity activities. They are also resistant to odor and mildew, lasting for a long time. Another positive characteristic of acrylics is their light weight. This gives the wearer more flexibility as well as comfort. Patients who are allergic to nylon, spandex, or polyester can wear acrylic supports as it is also hypoallergenic.
Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic rubber that is used in a variety of industries. Its uses range from mouse pads and laptop sleeves to automotive parts and electrical appliances. Neoprene is soft, stable, and durable, which makes it a great choice for use in orthopedic supports. Its texture offers excellent shock protection. Therefore, your muscles are adequately cushioned from stress. This allows faster healing. Neoprene provides thermal insulation, which can cause discomfort at times. Despite this, it is quite a popular material for designing orthopedic supports.
Technological advancements in the field of medicine have enabled the design and development of a variety of supports from a variety of materials. All the materials mentioned above are used in specific supports that aptly make use of their distinctive properties.
Dawn Breeze, Orthopedic Support Supplier & Exporter
We proudly provide custom orthopedic support solution to diverse sourcing needs for online sellers, brands and procurement specialists. For more information, please check our supports & braces online product catalog.
