The Best Shoulder Braces for Football

Shoulder injuries are common in high-impact sports such as football. Fortunately, wearing a shoulder rotator cuff brace during a game can protect your joints from injury. Shoulder braces can also accelerate healing by delivering support and compression to the injured area. Take a look at our list of the best shoulder braces for football and select one that fits your specific requirements.

Common Shoulder Injuries from Football

Whether you are being tackled or are doing the tackling, football shoulder injuries are common. Here are just some of the shoulder problems that can be caused by this high-impact game.

• Subluxation or Dislocation

  Often caused by contact with other players or falls, shoulder dislocations are a result of the upper arm bone, or the humerus, popping out of its socket. While the most common shoulder dislocation is forward, a shoulder can also be dislocated downward or backward. A subluxation occurs when the upper arm bone only partially comes out of the socket.

• Rotator Cuff Injuries

  There are four different groups of muscles with tendons that keep the humerus in the arm socket, all of which can be torn. A partial tear or a complete tear can be caused by overuse, repetitive motions, or trauma such as a fall. Some of the symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include weakness, pain when lifting the arm, and a snapping feeling.

• Shoulder Instability

  Often caused by repetitive injuries, shoulder instability occurs when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments can no longer hold the shoulder joint in place. As the shoulder bone is loose, it is more likely to move out of place, resulting in a dislocation or subluxation, even during everyday activities.

Benefits of Wearing a Shoulder Brace for Football Players

Football shoulder protection braces wrap the arm and chest area to protect the shoulder. Here are just some of the benefits of wearing a shoulder brace.

• Compression

  Most football shoulder stabilizers deliver adjustable compression. This, in turn, can decrease swelling and accelerate healing after a shoulder injury. Compression can also increase proprioception, or the awareness of the positioning of the arm in space, helping you control the amount of force applied during a football game. This can increase performance and prevent any risky movements that could potentially cause an injury.

• Protection

  Wearing a shoulder brace during a football game adds a layer of protection against accidental bumps and falls. Shoulder braces also limit the range of motion of the shoulder joint to protect it from dislocation or subluxation. Most shoulder braces are lightweight and breathable enough to be comfortably worn under clothing.

• Support

  If you have a shoulder injury, wearing a brace immobilizes the shoulder to prevent further injury. A brace also takes some of the pressure off the sore shoulder by placing it onto the brace. Wearing a shoulder brace is also recommended during rehabilitation exercises to prevent overextension.

Weighing All the Factors

After sifting through dozens of shoulder braces for football, we believe that Babo Care’s shoulder stability brace is a clear winner. Made from neoprene, it is fully adjustable and features a pocket for hot or cold therapy. Coming a close second, EVS sports shoulder brace and Vive’s shoulder brace are also great choices. Take a moment to look through our list, and find a brace that best suits your needs.