Better Sports Medicine for Better Health

We are excited to announce the launch of our new website, DonJoy® Store, the ultimate destination for sports bracing, injury prevention and therapy. Our new website is designed to provide you with a seamless shopping experience, where you can find everything you need to enhance your sports performance and stay protected from injuries.

This website is the “wonder-child” of BetterBraces.com and DonJoyPerformance.com, combining the best of both worlds. YOU, our customers, are the reason we made this upgrade. Here’s what you get.

• Enhanced technology to provide a smoother consumer experience and faster checkout
• Injury Information Guide, so you’re armed with:
  • The latest information on the most-common sports injuries
  • Products to prevent injury and help protect you while you recover, and…
• Exclusive Promotions and Giveaways!

At DonJoy Store, we specialize in providing high-quality sports equipment and braces for athletes of all levels, from beginners to professionals. We have a wide range of products, including knee braces, ankle braces, shoulder braces, back braces, and more. Our products are carefully curated to meet the needs of athletes in different sports, including basketball, football, soccer, and more.

One of the key features of our new website is its user-friendly design, which makes it easy for you to find the products you need. You can browse our products by sport or by the type of brace you need. We also have a search bar that allows you to quickly find a specific product. Our website is also optimized for mobile devices, so you can shop on the go.

We pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service, and our new website is no exception. You can reach out to a product expert via our toll-free customer hotline or contact form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We also have a comprehensive FAQ section, which answers many of the common questions our customers have.

In addition to our high-quality products, we offer free shipping on all orders. We also have a 30-day return policy, so you can shop with confidence knowing that you can return any product if you're not fully satisfied.

NOTE: with the launch of DonJoyStore.com, the former sites (BetterBraces.com and DonJoyPerformance.com) will officially retire. But all the products and info our customers enjoyed on those sites has been migrated to DonJoy Store, so you won’t miss a thing!

We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible shopping experience, and we believe that our new website is a testament to that commitment. So, whether you're a weekend warrior or a professional athlete, head over to DonJoy® Store today to find the sports equipment and braces you need to take your game to the next level!

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT REQUIRED TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MANY WILL ENTER AND FEW WILL WIN. YOU HAVE NOT YET WON..

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT ENDORSED BY OR AFFILIATED WITH INSTAGRAM. AS A CONDITION TO ENTERING THIS PROMOTION, YOU RELEASE INSTAGRAM, FROM ALL LIABILITY.

1. Eligibility: The DonJoy Performance® 2019 Trizone® Holiday Giveaway (the “Giveaway”) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. If you are a minor in your state of residence, you must have the consent of your parent or legal guardian to enter. Employees and non-employee workers of DJO Consumer, LLC and its respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, and agents, and those prize providers and agencies that are involved in the development or execution of this Giveaway or any of its materials, and the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such person are not eligible. The Giveaway is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor: The Giveaway is sponsored by DJO Consumer, LLC, 1430 Decision St, Vista, CA 92081 (“Sponsor”).
3. Agreement to Official Rules: By participating in the Giveaway, each entrant fully and unconditionally agrees to and accepts these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Giveaway.
4. Promotion Period: The Giveaway begins at 11:00am Pacific Standard Time (“PST”), December 04, 2019 and ends at 11a.m. PST, December 09, 2019 (the “Promotion Period”).
5. How to Enter: To enter, during the Promotion Period, you must follow DonJoy Performance on Instagram (@donjoyperformance) and tag two (2) friends (each an “Entry”). You must have an account with Instagram and comply with the Instagram Terms of Use (see https://help.instagram.com/478745558852511). One only one (1) Entry per person during the Promotion Period.   Any attempt to enter using scripts, bots or any automated programs or any attempt to obtain more Entries through the use of false or fictitious Instagram accounts shall be prohibited and will subject such Entries and the entrant to disqualification.
6. Guidelines And Restrictions:

• Entries must not contain material that violates or infringes on another's rights, including but not limited to privacy, publicity, or intellectual property rights.
• Entries must not disparage Sponsor or any other person or party affiliated with the Promotion.
• Entries must not contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, obscene, hateful, tortious, defamatory, slanderous, derogatory, or libelous.
• Entries must not contain material that promotes bigotry, racism, hatred, or harm against any group or individual, or promotes discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
• Entries must not contain material that is unlawful, in violation of, or contrary to the laws or regulations in any state where the Entry is created.

Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any Entry that violates these restrictions or that otherwise does not comply with the requirements of these Official Rules.

7. Drawings: There will be a drawing to win the prizes described below on or about December 09, 2019. On the drawing date, Sponsor will select the name of two Winners in a random drawing of all eligible Entries received during the Promotion Period. The winners will be notified by direct message on their Instagram account; entrants agreed to be so notified and to maintain their account in a manner to allow such direct messaging. If a potential winner fails to respond within two (2) days of notification or any notification is returned as undeliverable, Sponsor may select an alternate winner in a random drawing. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible Entries received during the Promotion Period.
8. Prizes: The following prizes will be awarded (the “Prizes”):

• One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded, each consisting of 1 Medium DonJoy Performance® Trizone® Knee Sleeve, 1 roll of DonJoy Performance Kinesiology Tape, 5 small diecut DonJoy Performance stickers, 2 large diecut DonJoy Performance stickers, and 2 large rectangular DonJoy Performance stickers at $99.99
• Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable in cash. There is no prize substitution, except that Sponsor may substitute a prize of equal or greater value if the advertised prize is not available. Each Prize winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with Prize receipt and/or use. Limit: 1 Prize per person. All expenses of using the Prizes not specifically listed above are the sole responsibility of the winners. Sponsor makes no representation and warranties regarding the Prizes and expressly disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use.

9. Publicity: Except where prohibited, participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant's consent for Sponsor and its designees to use entrant's name, likeness, prize information, city and state of residence for promotional purposes in any media worldwide without further consideration or right of approval.
10. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but, not limited to, fraud, virus or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) cancel the Giveaway and award the prizes in a random drawing from among all eligible Entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules of this or any other promotion, or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
11. Release and Limitations of Liability: Except where prohibited, by participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, Twitter] and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, promotional partners, prize partners, agents and agencies, and the officers, directors and employees of them (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, printers or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of Entries; (e) late, lost, or undeliverable Entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. If, for any reason, an entrant's Entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant's sole remedy is another Giveaway Entry, if it is possible. If the Giveaway, or any part of it, is discontinued for any reason, Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible Entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any prize offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In the event that production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than the stated number of prizes as set forth herein to be available and/or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible prize claims.
12. Disputes: Entrant agrees that: (a) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Giveaway or any prizes awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the United States District Court for the Southern District of California or the appropriate California State Court located in San Diego County, California; and (b) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering any Giveaway, but in no event attorneys' fees. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California.
13. Privacy: Entry in the Giveaway constitutes consent to transfer personal information to Sponsor in the United States for purposes of administration of the Giveaway by Sponsor and its authorized agents and for such other purposes to which entrant may consent, or as otherwise described in these Official Rules and in accordance with Sponsor's privacy policy at https://www.donjoystore.com/privacy-policy.

Winner List: For a winner list, visit DonJoy Performance's Facebook and Instagram stories. The winner list will be posted after winner confirmation is complete.

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT REQUIRED TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. MANY WILL ENTER AND FEW WILL WIN. YOU HAVE NOT YET WON..

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOT ENDORSED BY OR AFFILIATED WITH INSTAGRAM. AS A CONDITION TO ENTERING THIS PROMOTION, YOU RELEASE INSTAGRAM, FROM ALL LIABILITY.

1. Eligibility: The DonJoy Performance® 2019 POD® Holiday Giveaway (the “Giveaway”) is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry. If you are a minor in your state of residence, you must have the consent of your parent or legal guardian to enter. Employees and non-employee workers of DJO Consumer, LLC and its respective parent companies, subsidiaries, affiliates, and agents, and those prize providers and agencies that are involved in the development or execution of this Giveaway or any of its materials, and the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings, and children) and household members of each such person are not eligible. The Giveaway is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations and is void where prohibited by law.
2. Sponsor: The Giveaway is sponsored by DJO Consumer, LLC, 1430 Decision St, Vista, CA 92081 (“Sponsor”).
3. Agreement to Official Rules: By participating in the Giveaway, each entrant fully and unconditionally agrees to and accepts these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Giveaway.
4. Promotion Period: The Giveaway begins at 11:00am Pacific Standard Time (“PST”), December 13, 2019 and ends at 11:00a.m. PST, December 20, 2019 (the “Promotion Period”).
5. How to Enter: To enter, during the Promotion Period, you must follow DonJoy Performance on Instagram (@donjoyperformance), tag one (1) friend, and include a comment describing what sport/activity you may participate in (each an “Entry”). You must have an account with Instagram and comply with the Instagram Terms of Use (see https://help.instagram.com/478745558852511). One only one (1) Entry per person during the Promotion Period.   Any attempt to enter using scripts, bots or any automated programs or any attempt to obtain more Entries through the use of false or fictitious Instagram accounts shall be prohibited and will subject such Entries and the entrant to disqualification.
6. Guidelines And Restrictions:

• Entries must not contain material that violates or infringes on another's rights, including but not limited to privacy, publicity, or intellectual property rights.
• Entries must not disparage Sponsor or any other person or party affiliated with the Promotion.
• Entries must not contain material that is inappropriate, indecent, obscene, hateful, tortious, defamatory, slanderous, derogatory, or libelous.
• Entries must not contain material that promotes bigotry, racism, hatred, or harm against any group or individual, or promotes discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age.
• Entries must not contain material that is unlawful, in violation of, or contrary to the laws or regulations in any state where the Entry is created.

Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any Entry that violates these restrictions or that otherwise does not comply with the requirements of these Official Rules.

7. Drawings: There will be a drawing to win the prizes described below on or about December 20, 2019. On the drawing date, Sponsor will select the name of two Winners in a random drawing of all eligible Entries received during the Promotion Period. The winners will be notified by direct message on their Instagram account; entrants agreed to be so notified and to maintain their account in a manner to allow such direct messaging. If a potential winner fails to respond within two (2) days of notification or any notification is returned as undeliverable, Sponsor may select an alternate winner in a random drawing. The odds of winning a prize depend on the number of eligible Entries received during the Promotion Period.
8. Prizes: The following prizes will be awarded (the “Prizes”):

• One (1) Grand Prize will be awarded, each consisting of 1 Black, Medium Left DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace, 1 Medium, Right DonJoy Performance POD Ankle Brace, 1 roll of DonJoy Performance Kinesiology Tape, 5 small diecut DonJoy Performance stickers, 2 large diecut DonJoy Performance stickers, and 2 large rectangular DonJoy Performance stickers at $134.99
• Prizes are not transferable and not redeemable in cash. There is no prize substitution, except that Sponsor may substitute a prize of equal or greater value if the advertised prize is not available. Each Prize winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with Prize receipt and/or use. Limit: 1 Prize per person. All expenses of using the Prizes not specifically listed above are the sole responsibility of the winners. Sponsor makes no representation and warranties regarding the Prizes and expressly disclaims the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular use.

9. Publicity: Except where prohibited, participation in the Sweepstakes constitutes entrant's consent for Sponsor and its designees to use entrant's name, likeness, prize information, city and state of residence for promotional purposes in any media worldwide without further consideration or right of approval.
10. General Conditions: In the event that the operation, security, or administration of the Giveaway is impaired in any way for any reason, including, but, not limited to, fraud, virus or other technical problem, the Sponsor may, in its sole discretion, either: (a) suspend the Giveaway to address the impairment and then resume the Giveaway in a manner that best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules; or (b) cancel the Giveaway and award the prizes in a random drawing from among all eligible Entries received up to the time of the impairment. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Giveaway or to be acting in violation of the Official Rules of this or any other promotion, or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to undermine the legitimate operation of the Giveaway may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, the Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Sponsor's failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.
11. Release and Limitations of Liability: Except where prohibited, by participating in the Giveaway, entrants agree to release and hold harmless Sponsor, Twitter] and their respective parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, promotional partners, prize partners, agents and agencies, and the officers, directors and employees of them (the “Released Parties”) from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Giveaway or receipt or use of any prize, including, but not limited to: (a) unauthorized human intervention in the Giveaway; (b) technical errors related to computers, servers, providers, printers or telephone or network lines; (c) printing errors; (d) errors in the administration of the Giveaway or the processing of Entries; (e) late, lost, or undeliverable Entries; or (f) injury or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from entrant's participation in the Giveaway or receipt, use or misuse of any prize. Entrant further agrees that in any cause of action, the Released Parties' liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Giveaway and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney's fees. Entrant waives the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. If, for any reason, an entrant's Entry is confirmed to have been erroneously deleted, lost, or otherwise destroyed or corrupted, entrant's sole remedy is another Giveaway Entry, if it is possible. If the Giveaway, or any part of it, is discontinued for any reason, Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible Entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any prize offered herein. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. In the event that production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than the stated number of prizes as set forth herein to be available and/or claimed, Sponsor reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by a random drawing among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible prize claims.
12. Disputes: Entrant agrees that: (a) any and all disputes, claims and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Giveaway or any prizes awarded shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action, and exclusively by the United States District Court for the Southern District of California or the appropriate California State Court located in San Diego County, California; and (b) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering any Giveaway, but in no event attorneys' fees. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of the entrant and Sponsor in connection with the Giveaway, shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of California, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules (whether of the State of California or any other jurisdiction), which would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of California.
13. Privacy: Entry in the Giveaway constitutes consent to transfer personal information to Sponsor in the United States for purposes of administration of the Giveaway by Sponsor and its authorized agents and for such other purposes to which entrant may consent, or as otherwise described in these Official Rules and in accordance with Sponsor's privacy policy at https://www.donjoystore.com/privacy-policy.
14. Winner List: For a winner list, visit DonJoy Performance's Facebook and Instagram stories. The winner list will be posted after winner confirmation is complete

POD® and PROTECTION ON DEMAND™ are trademarks owned by (or of) POD IP PTY LTD

When it comes to warming up, my routine has undoubtedly evolved over the years.

As a younger athlete, we don't always understand the importance of having your body as prepared as possible to perform at the highest level consistently. We tend to focus on both nutrition and training in terms of making sure we're ready but leave the warm-up (and cool down) process out of the equation.

Having all your muscles warmed up before training or competition is arguably one of the best ways to avoid injury. As an athlete, all our muscles work together to make us perform. If the hips aren't adequately warmed up, then that can affect the back, the hammies and more.

As a lacrosse athlete, if the back isn't warmed up and loose, with the amount of force we use to shoot the ball, we can quickly strain or tweak something.

Make Time for a Warm-Up

Typically, when it comes to younger athletes and not warming up, it has to do with the amount of time it takes to do so. Athletes want to get out on the field and start to play. The earlier an athlete can understand that nutrition, training, warm-up, performance, cool down and recovery are ALL connected, the better off that athlete will be and have the potential for a long and healthy career.

Type of Warm-Up

The type of warm-up will come down to the sport you play in terms of the “best” warm-up. I also believe every athlete is different; therefore, everyone's warm-up will vary. At my age, and what I'm required to do on the field to be successful, I can't do ANYTHING until my hips, glutes, and back are adequately warmed up. If any of those muscles are tight, it will impact everything I do.

The Warm-Up

My warm-ups change depending on what I'm warming up to do (play a game or train), but below is what a typical warm-up could look like:

• A band around knees, bent knees, athletic position – knee out and in – 10 reps each leg x3
• Jog 20 Yards / Backpedal 20 yards (x2)
• Toe Touches, 15 yards
• Quad Pulls, 15 yards
• Knee to Chest, 15 yards
• Left, Right, Middle: Reach for The Sky, 15 yards (Spread legs, touch left foot, touch the right root, touch the middle ground under you, then reach your hands up over your head as high as you can. Take a step and repeat)
• Alternating Side Lunges, 10 yards
• Lunge with a Twist, 15 Yards
• Open the Gate,15 yards
• Close the Gate, 15 yards
• Toe Walks, 15 yards
• Heel Walks,15 yards
• A Skip, 15 yards x2
• 75% sprint 20 yards x2
• Shuffle 5 yards, shuffle back, turn and sprint 10 x2
• Backpedal 5 yards, turn and sprint 10 x 2

Remember to always speak with a professional before beginning any new workout program.

SHOP FOR YOUR TRAINING SUPPORT.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Kyle Harrison is a DonJoy Performance® Sponsored Athlete.

Whether it's your first marathon or your hundredth, keeping your body healthy and supported throughout your training and on race day is a must.

Even though marathon running is a non-contact sport, it can be a strain on your body. The constant pounding on the pavement and the repeated impact can cause knee pain, ankle strains, plantar fasciitis or shin splints¹. To help manage these common marathon injuries, you can wear supportive bracing to help you cross the finish line safely.

What to Look For in a Brace?

For long-distance running, it's important you take care of your body and wear the support you need to get you from mile one to 26.2. While we offer an array of supports, not all are recommended for running. When shopping for a brace that you want to wear for a long-distance run, look for the following:

• Lightweight: So nothing weighs you down as you tackle 26.2 miles
• Breathable: So you don't get hot while running
• Low-profile: Slim so it doesn't get in the way when running
• Reflectiveness: Reflectors are a great addition when running in dim conditions so cars see you when running
• Compression: To help enhance circulation and ease swelling
• Stays in Place: Silicone or straps help keep the support in place. You want to focus on running not adjusting your brace every mile.

BRACES FOR MARATHON RUNNERS

Shin Splints

DONJOY PERFORMANCE® TRIZONE® CALF SUPPORT

The DonJoy Performance® Trizone® Calf Sleeve is a hybrid design that combines compression and bracing. Featuring carbonized bamboo circular knit construction, you'll experience target, zonal compression to help manage shin pain. There are three distinct compression zones: a stability zone, compression zone, and comfort zone. The Trizone® Calf Sleeve is a low-profile performance support that can help you focus on running, not worry about shin pain.

Plantar Fasciitis

AIRCAST® AIRHEEL™ ARCH & HEEL SUPPORT

The Aircast® AirHeel™ Arch & Heel Support helps manage plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis by applying compression with each step. The Arch & Heel Support helps reduce swelling while aiding in circulation. This brace is lightweight and breathable and slips on like a sock.

Runner's Knee

DONJOY PERFORMANCE® WEBTECH™ KNEE STRAP

The DonJoy Performance® Webtech™ Knee Strap features a two-part system that helps provide comfort to the patella. The silicone strap is designed to fit with the contours of the knee and works with the compression molded back pad to evenly distribute pain-relieving pressure on the Patellar Tendon.

Ankle Strains

DONJOY PERFORMANCE® TRIZONE® ANKLE SUPPORT

The DonJoy Performance® Trizone® Ankle Sleeve is recommended for marathoners who need mild support for weak ankles, a sprained ankle, swelling/inflammation, or general ankle stability and support. The Trizone® Ankle Sleeve combines compression, warmth, and support. Low profile, the Ankle Sleeve is easy to put on and slim enough to wear during training or race day. Can wear on either the left or right and can be worn with most running shoes.

How to Help Combat Common Marathon Injuries

Here are some things you can do to help combat these common marathon injuries:

• Stretch before and after working out (you may even want to stretch, warm up, then stretch some more before diving into training)
• If you've experienced knee pain, consider wearing knee braces for running. The knee absorbs much of the shock from your feet hitting the pavement. A knee brace can help alleviate some of this pressure on the structures of the knee.
• If your ankles are prone to injury, wear an ankle brace for added stability. This may help you avoid ankle rollover injuries, especially during a misplaced step or running over uneven pavement.
• Check your shoes and ensure that they're the proper fit and not worn out.
• Make sure you train before the marathon. Don't just jump in cold turkey!

If you encounter any pain, stop and check in with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Marathon running is an incredible accomplishment. Stay safe and healthy while you're out there!

Shop Braces and Supports for Runners

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Sources:

1. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2018/0415/p510.html

It's not a contact sport, so we may not think tennis is a high-risk game. However, because of the fast-paced movement, agility, quick responses and footwork, tennis players are prone to ankle injuries.¹

A tennis player's chances of rolling an ankle are very high, due to the side-to-side movement and sudden changes in direction while on the court. The surface also plays a role, as hard courts are less forgiving than clay courts.

According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons®, tennis players should be aware of the following ankle risks when playing:

• Inversion ankle sprains which can damage the ankle ligaments and can be associated with peroneal tendon injuries and ankle fractures.
• Excessive training can lead to plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, stress fractures, or posterior tibial tendonitis (PTTD)

To help manage ankle sprains and ligament injuries, many professional tennis players wear ankle braces while playing. In fact, British tennis star Andy Murray wears an Aircast A60 ™ ankle brace. Like many tennis players, he's sprained his ankles multiple times and now wears a tennis ankle brace for prevention and added support.

What Makes the Aircast A60™ So Unique?

An ankle sleeve or brace can help reduce swelling while supporting the ligaments. However, what sets the Aircast A60™ apart is how the brace supports the weakest point in the ankle. Featuring a single strap for support and easy adjustments, each side of the brace is molded at a 60-degree angle to help guard against ankle sprains and rollovers. This allows tennis players to move side to side and respond quickly on the court with support, comfort, and confidence.

Constructed of breathable material, the A60 helps keep the ankle cool and dry when wearing. The lightweight, anatomical design provides comfort without all the bulk. In addition, the Aircast A60™ ankle support is:

• Easy to put on because of its single-strap design
• Breathable and lightweight because of its unique material, keeping your foot cool and dry
• Anatomically designed for a sleek and comfortable fit
• Less bulky than other braces—fits easily in most shoes
• Great for sports

Not only is the A60™ a good ankle brace for sports, but it is also waterproof so you can have support on land or in water.

Get ready for your next tennis match with an Aircast A60™  ankle brace and you can start preventing ankle injuries!

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Sources:

1. https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/tennis-injuries-to-the-foot-and-ankle
2. https://www.acfas.org/Content.aspx?id=2074

I'm sure every athlete has their own theory and draws confidence from many different places. For me, my confidence on the field during a game is directly connected to the amount of preparation I've put into training.
There are levels to it—without a doubt—but ultimately, it comes down to everything I've done leading up to game day.

Off-Season Training

It starts with off-season training. Did you meet your goals? Did you get stronger? Faster? More skilled? Understand breaking down film better?

Generally, no matter what sport you play, the offseason is the time to get healthy and get better. If you spend your offseason putting in the work to improve your game in every aspect, that can only make you more confident heading into the season. Whether it was in college, or in the pros, every offseason I've had has been dedicated to improvement in some capacity—and I've been confident in my ability every preseason, or training camp because of the work I put in.

In-Season Training

When getting more specific and talking about confidence on game day, that's more directed at your preparation all week long. One of my favorite parts of being an athlete and being in season is the new challenges week to week. You can study the tendencies of your opponent on film all week long, work on the movements you'll need to do that weekend to be successful on the field all week long, and prepare mentally for the type of game you're about to compete in.

Week in and week out, during the season, everything comes down to what you do Monday through Friday to prepare for THAT game. The beautiful part about being in season is every weekend is different and requires a different type of preparation. Sometimes, it will be more time in the film room locking in tendencies of your opponent. Sometimes (lacrosse specific) it will be taking more repetitions out on the field because the goalie you're shooting on during the game plays a certain way so, you'll need to adjust your style.

Ultimately, the amount of time you commit to your game outside of required team events (practice, film, etc.) will determine how comfortable and confident you are on game day. If you manage your time correctly and make it a priority to be as prepared as possible for game day, both physically and mentally, the confidence will follow.

Shop for your training support.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Kyle Harrison is a DonJoy Performance® Sponsored Athlete.

A killer workout can lead you to couch sitting for a couple of days—hey, it happens.

But you can help ease soreness and increase blood flow to assist the recovery process. From compression sleeves and cold therapy to foam rollers and muscle stimulators, here are five recovery tools to keep you moving this season.

Compression Sleeves and Braces

Studies suggest that compression sleeves can help reduce muscle pain, damage, and inflammation. In addition, compression gear can help ease delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). So, wearing a compression support post-workout can help ease any soreness and swelling you may experience as well as helping to improve blood circulation.¹

Heat Therapy

A popular pre-workout or post-workout regime is heat therapy. Heat therapy helps blood flow move and keeps the muscles functioning properly, providing them with more oxygen and nutrients that they need. Heat therapy helps alleviate muscle tension and nagging pain from a minor injury or soreness. Heat can be applied before activity or after to help your recovery process.²

Ice Therapy

Cold therapy is one of the first steps in post-workout recovery and during injury. Ice packs and cold compresses can help reduce swelling and inflammation. In a study by the International Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that cold therapy helped to reduce muscle pain in about 80 percent of the observed study as well as improved athletic recovery.³ Adding cold therapy into a regular post-workout routine can reduce recovery time and help improve performance.

Foam Rollers

Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release⁴—think of self-massage—that aids to rid knots and loosen tight muscles while helping increase blood flow to your muscles which can help improve range of motion and assist with recovery.

Muscle Stimulation

Whether electric muscle stimulation (EMS) or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), both forms of muscle stimulation can help stimulate different muscles fibers to aid in pain relief.

TENS are small electrical pulses delivered through a device which can help relieve pain through two different means. By stimulating the sensory nerves, TENS produces high levels of endorphins to help reduce body pain. The other method is known as GATE Control Theory which works to block pain signals to the brains. TENS can help with sore muscles.^5,6

EMS provides an electrical current at a specific frequency to target motor nerves. These nerves activate the muscle to contract based on the amount of resistance applied through the device. The brain goes through a similar process to weight lifting.

Use one or all forms of recovery to help you relieve tense muscles and get back to activity quickly.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27106555
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445234/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29161748
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4637917/
5. Hadjistavropoulos, T; Craig, K. Pain: Psychological Perspectives. New York; London. Psychology Press, 2004.
6. Han JS, Chen XH, Sun SL, Xu XJ, Yuan Y, Yan SC, Hao JX, Terenius L. Effect of low- and high-frequency TENS on Metenkephalin-Arg-Phe and dynorphin A immunoreactivity in human lumbar CSF. Pain 1991; 47: 295–298.

Feeling sore? Whether it's a sign of a good workout or some sort of injury, you may be familiar with the terms rest day and active recovery.

While both are good for optimal recovery, it's often misunderstood what's the difference and when to use a rest day versus an active recovery. Here's the deal, your body needs rest to recover and gain strength from a hard workout or intense game. Both rest and active recovery are both tools you can use to reach your athletic goals.

Here's a breakdown of the two and when it's suggested to use one or the other. Of course, it's always recommended to speak with a professional about your recovery regimen depending on your training and/or injuries.

What Is Rest Day?

A rest day is just that, rest. A rest day doesn't include any kind of exercise. This is a great time to sleep in, run errands, spend time with friends and family, or do light housework. It's a time to allow your body to heal from your rigorous workout schedule.

If you're injured, a rest day might be recommended from your doctor to take the load and pressure off the injury.

What is Active Recovery?

Active recovery is a form of recovery that still requires you to move. It's like gentle cross-training. You're not doing a hard workout, but you can do a light cross-training workout. It's an easy to moderate intensity, low- to no-impact activity that gets your blood moving. Consider doing yoga, swimming, light strength training or light cycling to complement the demands of your high-impact workouts.

If you're recovering from an injury, sore or stiff, light movement such as active recovery, can help loosen up tight muscles or regain muscle strength. Again, speak with your doctor when it's safe to take part in activity if dealing with an injury.

Optimal recovery includes both rest and active recovery. The key is to add a few tough workouts each week with a few easy and moderate activity to balance out and avoid muscle overuse.

Dealing with discomfort? Use our brace advisor to find the right brace for you.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.

Sources

• https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/5456/passive-vs-active-recovery-which-is-more-effective
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5051742/

Spring forward and fall back into the habit of moving. Whether you're recovering from an injury or haven't worked out in a while, there's no better time than now to brush off the winter cobwebs and start moving.

With longer days ahead of us, it's a good reason to head outside to take advantage of the sunlight. Not only do the brighter days and warmer temperatures motivate people to get moving, but the increased activity can also help release endorphins which help improve both mental and physical health, according to a study from the Journal of Health Psychology.

So, if you're just getting back to activity or looking to start a new workout plan, here are four ways to get moving this spring.

Pick an Activity You Enjoy

First and foremost, find something you enjoy doing. While exercise is essential for your health, you don't want to be bored or miserable. So find something that will challenge you while you have fun, whether you like football, running, walking or hiking. If you like hiking, consider joining a hiking group that meets a couple of times a week, so you're scheduled to move.

Set It On Your Calendar

Put your workout schedule or activity of choice on your calendar, so it becomes as much a part of your day like going to work. And if other things come up, you can pull out your schedule to see what conflicts you may have (your workout), so you can either turn that meeting down or move things around. Besides, when you write something down, you're more likely to stick to it.

Address Any Injuries

If you've been injured, it's important to speak with your doctor first to make sure your injury has healed. He or she may suggest certain activities to help you get back to moving during the spring. Monitor the injury and listen to your body when exercising.

Make Sure to Recover

If it's been a while, after your workout, you may experience some soreness. One way to help alleviate stiffness or pain is to foam roll. Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release—think of self-massage—that aids to rid knots in your muscles while helping increase blood flow to your muscles which can increase mobility and assist with recovery.

Shop for more self-massage tools

Soothe Aches and Pains

Help soothe aches and pains with the assistance from ice and heat. Ice is one of the first steps in post-workout recovery and can help ease any swelling and inflammation. After icing, using heat can also help soothe sore or aching muscles.

Find Your Balance

If you want to strengthen your muscles but might not have time to work out every day, or want to find a tool to help build strength while helping to speed up recovery, consider a muscle stimulator like the Compex® device. They are easy to take with you when traveling, or you can do a quick warm-up at your desk before hitting the gym during a lunch break.

Have a Gym Bag With You

Keep a bag with your workout essentials with you at work or in your car so you can go for a walk or squeeze in some exercise when you find you have a little downtime.

Start with small goals and know it might take some time to create a new workout habit. But, stick with it.

Shop for the support you need when moving this spring.

The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.