Best Shoulder Wraps

If you have suffered a sports injury to your shoulder, or if you suffer from tendonitis or arthritis, you probably know how painful even routine movements can be. Doctors recommend four steps, given by the acronym RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. A shoulder wrap is made to help with the compression and elevation. A shoulder wrap is an orthopedic support specially designed to restrain and support your shoulder, making day-to-day activities more comfortable. But there are several designs, which vary according to the type of treatment that you need. Here is a guide to the best shoulder wraps on the market.

• Ice/heat therapy strap: Experts recommend applying ice to the shoulder after injury or surgery, along with applying compression to minimize swelling. After a few days, the therapy should switch to applying heat, to increase mobility and blood flow. The Elasto-Gel Shoulder Therapy Sleeve performs both actions in one product: you put the shoulder strap in the freezer, and it acts as an ice pack. When you microwave the sleeve, it can serve as a heat pack.

• Simple Shoulder Wrap: The McDavid shoulder wrap offers two levels of shoulder supports. Level 1 is a support to decrease pain from minor pulls and strains. Level 2 is advanced protection, supporting and compressing the shoulder and AC joint (= the acromioclavicular joint, at the top of the shoulder). It is recommended also for people who have suffered a dislocation.

• Shoulder support: This type of brace is larger and limits mobility significantly more. It is made to relieve sprains, strains, bursitis, and tendonitis.

• Aromatherapy wrap: Nature's Approach makes a herbal collar that serves as a relief for a variety of aches and pains: headache, chills, and sore muscles. They can be heated in a microwave or cooled in a freezer, much like the gel wrap. 

Based on all the consumers' reviews we've scanned, these are the top things they mentioned about their new stuff:

• Not clumsy: The Ueasy support brace is touted to be not so cumbersome as other brands. It is made of two sections: a gray part which is adjustable, and a black part that is fixed and offers the needed support.

• Strong rubbery smell: Some customers said that the Yosoo Elastic Shoulder Brace has a very strong smell to it, that didn't go away even after laundering it. Some say that it was so severe, they were forced to return the product.

• Deep ice therapy: If you are only interested in relieving minor discomforts, then the Elasto Shoulder Sleeve should suffice. But, if you are recovering from surgery, it's advised to use something that employs actual ice. An example is the ProSeries Double Shoulder Ice Pack System, which can soothe deeply and keep your shoulder cold for up to 30 minutes at a time.

• Careful not to cut off circulation: Be sure to use the correct size wrap. If you use a size that is too small, it can cut off your circulation. At the same time, too large a wrap will not provide the necessary support.

• Wear a T-shirt underneath the wrap: Some suggest wearing a T-shirt underneath the wrap. This way, there is less of a chance that the wrap will irritate the skin.

• Ease of use: The Elasto Shoulder Sleeve is easy to put on. Some customers said that they were able to wear the sleeve without any assistance. As long as your other arm is mobile, you will be able to attach the locking clips on the sleeve.

• Great for pitchers or catchers: The pitcher and catcher do most of the throwing during a baseball game, and that can take a toll on their shoulder. It's important to apply ice to reduce swelling after a game. Using an ElastoGel Pack can take away the mess of applying ice, that melts and tends to leak over time. 

McDavid—was started in 1969 by Dr. Robert F. McDavid created the first knee brace. He then introduced collars and braces for support and cushioning for the upper and lower body. Their products are both for prevention of and protection from injury.

Ueasy—market a wide range of sporting and camping goods. They sell knee pads, bandages, insoles, shoulder braces, and more.

Elasto-Gel Hot/Cold Therapy—was founded in 1981 as a brand of Southwest Technologies. They are located in Kansas City, Missouri. They are manufacturers of hot and cold packs, used in hospitals and clinics around the world. Their hot pack creates a moist heat to ease pain and improve mobility. Their cold pack remains flexible even at -20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Nature's Approach—make an aromatherapy shoulder wrap herbal pack. It is designed to soothe aches and pains, as well as provide comfort from muscle spasms and tension. They also sell aromatherapy eye and back pillows.