Knee brace, a real solution?

Why soft knee braces can facilitate activity in the acute phase

Soft knee braces are commonly used in the early stages of knee pain because they may reduce perceived discomfort and provide a sensation of support. Compression and enhanced proprioceptive input can increase confidence during movement, which may help some patients remain physically active when pain is present. In acute or subacute situations, this temporary support can facilitate continued participation in daily activities rather than complete avoidance of movement.

Why external support does not replace rehabilitation

Although soft knee braces may improve comfort, they do not restore strength, load tolerance, or motor control. Relying on external support alone may create the impression that protection is sufficient, while the underlying mechanical capacity of the knee remains unchanged. Rehabilitation requires progressive exposure to load, movement variability, and active muscle engagement, none of which are provided by a passive support.

Muscle activation and coordination considerations

The prolonged use of soft knee braces may influence motor strategies rather than muscle structure. Some studies suggest subtle changes in muscle activation patterns and coordination during functional tasks when external support is used. These changes do not represent muscle loss but may reflect reduced neuromuscular engagement if the brace becomes a constant substitute for active control, particularly in low-demand activities.

No evidence of muscle atrophy with soft knee braces

Current evidence does not support the idea that soft knee braces cause muscle atrophy or a reduction in muscle mass. Unlike rigid braces or immobilization, soft sleeves do not mechanically restrict joint motion. However, the absence of muscle atrophy does not imply optimal recovery. Without active rehabilitation, physical capacity may plateau even if muscle mass is preserved.

Acute versus chronic use: when support may become counterproductive

A common clinical issue is the confusion between acute and chronic phases of knee pain. While short-term use of a soft knee brace may be appropriate during an acute episode, prolonged use in chronic pain can reinforce symptom-focused behavior and delay functional recovery. In these cases, the brace may contribute to pathologization of the knee rather than progressive re-exposure to movement. Gradual discontinuation, usually within several weeks, is often necessary to restore confidence in active movement and rehabilitation.

I provide structured and evidence-based online physiotherapy for patients worldwide, offering clinical assessment, diagnosis, and personalised rehabilitation.

I also receive patients in person at my physiotherapy clinic in Phnom Penh.

You can begin your online physiotherapy session through the dedicated platform:

https://www.studiohealthon.com/online-physiotherapy

More information on clinical standards and supporting evidence is available here:

https://www.studiohealthon.com/online-physiotherapy-clinical-evidence

Yannick Sarton, MSc Physiotherapist

International Online Physiotherapy & In-Clinic Care, Phnom Penh

References

Foster NE, Anema JR, Cherkin D, et al.

Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions. The Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2368–2383.

doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30489-6

Kise NJ, Risberg MA, Stensrud S, et al.

Exercise therapy versus arthroscopic partial meniscectomy for degenerative meniscal tears: a randomized controlled trial. The BMJ. 2016;354:i3740.

doi:10.1136/bmj.i3740

O’Connell NE, Cook CE, Wand BM, Ward SP.

Clinical guidelines for low back pain: a critical review of consensus and inconsistencies across international guidelines. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology. 2016;30(6):968–980.

doi:10.1016/j.berh.2017.05.001