The Unloader Brace Program

The Institute for Athletic Medicine (IAM) is proud to introduce a unique program designed to help those with knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). This program offers patients with knee or hip OA the opportunity to trial knee and hip unloader braces during their physical therapy appointment. Unloader bracing takes pressure off your joint to reduce pain and help you get back to the activities you enjoy (see figure 1 & 2). The unloader braces that we trial in clinic are supported by numerous clinical studies that show physical therapy and unloader bracing are a great way to reduce pain, improve your activity tolerance and strength which can help you lose weight, improve your quality of life and delay or prevent surgery.

Unloader One® X
Figure 1. Photograph courtesy of Össur

Unloader knee bracing works best for those with the following problem(s):

• Mild to severe unicompartmental osteoarthritis (Pain on either the inside or outside of your knee)
• Degenerative meniscus tear.
• Unicompartmental knee conditions requiring load reduction, such as
  
  • Articular Cartilage Defect Repair  
  • Avascular Necrosis
  • Tibial Plateau Fracture

Unloader hip bracing works best for those with the following problem:

• Moderate to severe hip osteoarthritis

The Unloader Brace Program can help those who want to:

• Reduce pain with activities like walking, stairs, running, squatting and daily activities
• Delay hip or knee surgery, like joint replacement
• Return to your preferred activities including contact activities
• Increase strength
• Move with increased confidence
• Reduce the use of pain medication taken for knee or hip pain

To learn more about the brace program or to set up an appointment please call the Institute for Athletic Medicine at 763-586-5607

Related services

AlterG® anti-gravity treadmill – Are you trying to reach a new level in your cycling performance? Cross-train by spending time off of your bike. Walk or run on our anti-gravity treadmill. The AlterG's ability to reduce your weight bearing allows you to work out harder for longer. You can increase your endurance without increasing the amount of stress on your joints.