An orthosis for supporting a limb or a joint of a human or of a vertebrate animal, including: a sleeve which is at least partly elastic and is designed to enclose a limb or a joint, a plate made of a thermoformable material, and a pocket formed on the sleeve in order to receive the plate, the pocket having a shape adapted to that of the plate. The adherence between the plate and the inner surface of the pocket is treated in order to permit a relative movement of the plate with respect to the material forming the pocket during and after an operation of thermoforming of the plate, this being done by placing the orthosis on the limb or the joint with the plate present in the pocket. This orthosis is designed to be fitted in place and thermoformed by the user himself.

A wrist brace. A glove-like structure is formed of a flexible elastic material to conform to a human wrist and hand. The structure includes a first set of holes in the flexible elastic material on the palm side of the structure having a first size. Support sections are provided with additional sets of holes in the flexible elastic material having a second size that is smaller than the first size to provide increased resistance to rotational movements of the human wrist.

An ankle brace. A sleeve is formed of flexible elastic material to conform to the human ankle, with a top opening and a foot opening. A first sleeve portion conforms to the posterior region of the ankle; a second sleeve portion conforms to the anterior region of the ankle; a third sleeve portion conforms to the medial region of the ankle; and a fourth sleeve portion conforms to the lateral region of the ankle. The medial and lateral sleeve portions are formed with an increased volume of flexible elastic material relative to a posterior and anterior sleeve portions.

The present application generally relates to support articles and methods of making and using them. Some embodiments of the support articles of the present disclosure provide compression and/or stabilization to sore joints, tendons, or muscles. In some embodiments, the compression and/or enhanced stabilization is provided, at least in part, by one or more reinforcing portions. In some embodiments, the support articles can easily be applied by a non-trained user and can be worn in many conditions (including, for example, in the shower or during exercise) for up to three days. In some embodiments, the support articles or support articles also have a relatively slim profile and are thus discreet such that they can be worn under clothing without being noticeable. In some embodiments, the support articles eliminate or reduce joint or muscle pain or soreness.

The invention relates to pads (200), in particular for orthopedic aids, comprising a pad pressure element (100, 101). The invention also relates to the use of the pads according to the invention in orthoses or bandages as well as to orthoses or bandages comprising pads according to the invention.

A garment for providing orthopedic support or therapy to a human body may include a tubular flexible element and a tension strap. The tubular flexible element may be disposed around at least some portion of a human body and include flexible and a touch fastener portions. The flexible portion may be at an exterior of the tubular flexible element and cover a first portion of the body. The touch fastener portion may be at the exterior of the tubular flexible element and cover a second portion of the body. The tension strap may include first and second ends, where the first end includes a first touch fastener to be coupled with the touch fastener portion at a first location, and the second end includes a second touch fastener to be coupled with the touch fastener portion at a second location, thereby applying tension between the first and second locations.

A knee brace with an inflatable air bladder. In a post-surgical embodiment the brace includes a rigid shell that fits behind the knee. The rigid shell includes an inflatable air bladder on its posterior surface. A wrap is placed around the knee and the air bladder. When the air bladder is inflated, the knee is urged in the posterior direction—thereby decreasing flexion. In a rehabilitative embodiment, a rigid shell is placed over the anterior portion of the knee. An air bladder is positioned between the rigid shell and the knee. The rigid shell is held in place using the securing straps of the rehabilitative brace. When the air bladder is inflated the knee is again urged in the posterior direction.

A support for an article has a body arranged for length adjustment along a length adjustment axis. A tensioning device is connected to the support and adjustment of the tensioning device shortens or lengthens a length of the support along the length adjustment axis. The body defines at least one opening overlapping at least part of the length adjustment axis such that length adjustment is governed by modification of the size of the at least one opening according to adjustment by the tensioning device.

The present disclosure relates to a support system for patients recovering from medical procedures, including from total knee replacement surgery. The disclosed system may include a foot support unit which supports a patient's feet, where the foot support may have one or more leg grooves of a tapered height. The foot support may be placed in a patient's bed. Additionally hip support wedges may be placed beneath a patient's hip, where the hip supports provide the benefit of counteracting a leg's natural tendency to rotate outwards. The disclosed foot support and hip wedges promote proper alignment and in that way provide comfort and assist in recovery.

A light therapy apparatus includes a pad comprising at least a first layer and a second layer and a side scattering light guide mounted between the first layer and the second layer and having a first end and a second end. The first end and the second end extend in parallel with each other externally from the pad, the side scattering light guide extends from at least one of the first end or the second end in a sinusoidal shape or an inward extending circular spiral between the first layer and the second layer, and at least one of the first layer or the second layer is translucent.