Knee brace for Osteoarthritis: will it weaken my quads?
I get that question often, patients who are concerned that if they wear a brace they will somehow “weaken” their quadriceps. Well, as recent studies show, rest assured that you CAN wear the brace without any significant change in your muscle strength.
Think of it this way: if your brace allows you to be more functional, then you are working harder and getting all the benefits of increased mobility. So brace away! If you are already using a brace, let me know your personal experiences.
~Ed Deboo, Physical Therapist, Bellingham, WA