When to Prescribe a Knee Brace

In brief

Knee bracing can affect an athbrief lete's performance or rehabilitation, and the decision to brace can have ethical and liability implications as well. When prescribing a brace, a clinician must take into account brace function, construction, and the type of support it can provide for the athlete's knee. Sports medicine professionals can ensure patient compliance by prescribing a comfortable, yet functional, brace and by letting them know what to realistically expect from wearing the device.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James E. Zachazewski

Mr Zachazewski is coordinator of sports physical therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of physical therapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals, both in Boston. Mr Geissler is clinical director of rehabilitation at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a physical therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital Physical Therapy Associates, Boston.

Gary Geissler

Mr Zachazewski is coordinator of sports physical therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of physical therapy at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professionals, both in Boston. Mr Geissler is clinical director of rehabilitation at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and a physical therapist at Massachusetts General Hospital Physical Therapy Associates, Boston.