Compare the shock doctor bilateral knee brace vs. the shock doctor ultra knee support to find the right fit and support level for your sport.
As an avid athlete, I know firsthand the aches and pains that can come from high-impact sports. My knees in particular seem to take a beating after a pickup basketball game or intense cardio kickboxing class. So when my doctor recommended wearing a knee brace for extra stability and compression, I started researching the top brands to find the right one for my needs.
After digging into countless reviews and product details, two braces from Shock Doctor really stood out – the Bilateral Knee Brace and the Ultra Knee Support. Both offer medical-grade construction and customizable features, but they have some key differences that I weighed when making my final decision.
Bilateral Design for Balanced Support
The Shock Doctor Bilateral Knee Brace provides an equal amount of stabilization on both sides, which is ideal for sports where you use both legs/knees symmetrically like running, cycling, hiking, or crossfit-style workouts involving jumping and lateral burpees.
The dual vertical hinges follow your knee’s natural motion but add extra reinforcement against hyperextension and collisions. This gives me peace of mind doing high intensity interval training where I’m constantly going from sprints to squat jumps to lunges.
I also appreciate that it has removable liners that wick moisture to avoid sweat buildup during long training sessions. The brace fits snugly without pinching or chafing, and the neoprene material keeps my knees warm as I workout.
Targeted Support of the Ultra Knee Brace
If you only need reinforcement on one side, the Ultra Knee Support is an excellent choice. I opted for this after tweaking my right ACL and meniscus playing pickup basketball – it has Velcro straps to customize the compression level and target just my injured knee.
The X-strap stabilizer and dual hinges prevent my knee from buckling or twisting, while still giving me a full range of motion. I can pivot and cut without worrying about further damaging my ACL. It also has an open patella design and silicone lining so I don’t have to sacrifice comfort and mobility.
Choosing the Right Shock Doctor Knee Brace Size
Before ordering any knee brace online, be sure to measure your leg circumference about 6 inches above your kneecap. I consulted Shock Doctor’s sizing chart for the Ultra and Bilateral braces, both of which follow the 875 sizing.
For example, my measurements put me right between a Large and an Extra Large. I opted to size up to the XL brace just to ensure a good fit that wasn’t too snug but still supported my joint.
Additionally, consider measuring your thigh circumference to choose between standard and extended lengths. You want the brace to fit comfortably in place without sliding or bunching behind your knee when active.
Do Your Research and Get Personalized Advice
While I can share my positive experiences using Shock Doctor knee braces, your sport and injury history may require a different style or brand entirely. Be sure to do your own thorough research before purchasing.
I also cannot stress enough how valuable it is to get personalized advice from a doctor, physical therapist, or athletic trainer familiar with your needs. A medical professional can recommend the best brace features and compression levels to support your knees without restricting your mobility.
At the end of the day, the most important factors are finding a brace that feels stable and comfortable for your body and activity level. Don’t hesitate to try different options – a good knee brace can be a game changer in letting you play on without pain or limitations!
Look into the shock doctor performance knee brace for stability during pivoting sports like basketball or soccer.
Struggling With Knee Pain From Sports?: Find The Right Shock Doctor Knee Brace With These 15 Tips
If you’re an avid athlete who regularly participates in pivoting sports like basketball, soccer, or football, you know that knee injuries are an unfortunate risk. The constant starts, stops, jumps and landings required in these sports put a lot of stress on the knees. Without proper support, it’s easy to sustain an injury that could sideline you for weeks or even require surgery. That’s where a quality knee brace like those made by Shock Doctor can help.
Shock Doctor is one of the most trusted names in sports bracing and protection. They make a variety of braces designed specifically to provide compression, stabilization and support for the knee joint during dynamic athletic activity. Wearing a performance knee brace from Shock Doctor during your games and practices can give you the added stability you need to play with confidence, while also reducing your risk of sustaining a painful knee injury.
If you’re considering a Shock Doctor knee brace to help alleviate knee pain and prevent injury, here are 15 tips to help you select the right model:
- Consider your sport – Shock Doctor offers sport-specific braces for football, basketball, soccer, volleyball and more. Choose one tailored to your activity.
- Measure your leg to ensure a proper fit – An ill-fitting brace won’t offer adequate support. Follow sizing instructions.
- Opt for bilateral hinge braces for maximum stabilization – Hinged models like the Ultra Knee Support provide medial/lateral support.
- Don’t forget about compression – Compression sleeves and braces increase circulation and reduce swelling.
- Get a brace with antimicrobial lining – Prevents odor and bacterial growth from sweat.
- Look for vented, breathable materials – Keeps you cool and comfy even during intense activity.
- Make sure it’s easy to take on and off – Pick a brace that’s simple to don and doff whenever needed.
- Consider adjustable features – Straps, closure systems and hinges that customize the fit and support level.
- Check for silicone grip – Silicone printed on the interior helps prevent migration and slipping.
- Choose extra padding and protection if needed – For more cushioning on bony areas like the patella.
- Pick your preferred closure type – Laces, Velcro, buckles etc. based on what’s most convenient.
- Make sure it’s latex-free if you have allergies – Many Shock Doctor braces are latex-free.
- Read online reviews and testimonials – Get feedback from real customers who use the brace for your sport.
- Compare prices between models to find the best value – More expensive doesn’t always mean better quality.
- Ask your coach or athletic trainer for product recommendations – They may have good brace suggestions for you.
Finding the ideal Shock Doctor knee brace takes some research and trial and error. Ultimately, you want adequate compression and customizable support without restricting your mobility. Shock Doctor’s patented X-Fit straps prevent migration, while their unique hinge systems provide medial/lateral stabilization and hyperextension control. Their braces also integrate Lycra and neoprene for flexible, breathable comfort. With the right brace, you can play hard and fearlessly attack the court or field knowing your knees are protected.
Some top-rated Shock Doctor knee braces to consider include:
- Ultra Knee Support – bilateral hinges, X-fit straps, antimicrobial lining
- Ultra Knee Support with Compression – same features plus compression sleeve
- Maximum Support Knee Brace – medical-grade support ideal for ACL/PCL injuries
- BioFlex Supports – flexible, low-profile design with antimicrobial moisture-wicking fabric
- Ultra Gel Laced Knee Brace – neoprene and silicone construction with stabilizing lace-up closure
Shock Doctor also offers a handy knee brace sizing chart on their website to help you find just the right fit. Measure the circumference of your mid-thigh and mid-calf as directed, then match those measurements against their chart to determine your ideal brace size.
For example, their popular 875 knee brace comes in sizes ranging from XS (12″-15″ mid-thigh, 10″-12″ mid-calf) up to XL (18″-21″ mid-thigh, 15″-17″ mid-calf). So obtaining those thigh and calf measurements before ordering is crucial for getting a brace that fits comfortably and provides maximum support. An ill-fitting brace can actually do more harm than good if it’s constantly sliding out of place.
Hopefully these tips have given you a better understanding of how to select the perfect Shock Doctor performance knee brace for your sport and needs. Keeping your knees stable and pain-free is vital for staying active in the sports you love. With the right brace providing targeted compression and support, you can keep doing what you do best – attacking the court or field at full speed with confidence.