Custom Knee Bracing
Personalized Support for Pain Relief, Stability and Confidence
Custom Knee Braces in Red Deer & Olds
At Collegiate Sports Medicine, we provide expert assessment and professional fitting for custom knee braces designed to match your anatomy, your condition and your lifestyle.
Why Choose a Custom Knee Brace?
Off-the-shelf braces can offer temporary relief, but nothing compares to a knee brace designed for your anatomy, your injury and your goals. At our Red Deer and Olds clinics, we combine a full clinical assessment with precise measurements and industry-leading bracing technology from Össur, DonJoy, Osskin and Breg.
The result is a brace that fits comfortably, protects what needs protecting and helps you move with confidence.
Why Choose a Custom Knee Brace?
Individual Fit
Moulded components, personalized sizing and fine adjustments reduce rubbing, slipping and discomfort.
Targeted Support
Whether you need to control instability, protect a repaired ligament or offload an arthritic joint, your brace is built around your specific needs.
Better Compliance
When a brace fits well and feels good, you actually wear it. That leads to better outcomes.
Custom Braces for Osteoarthritis / Custom Braces for Ligament Injuries
Custom Braces for Osteoarthritis
A custom unloader brace shifts pressure away from the painful side of your knee toward healthier tissue. This can reduce pain, improve how your knee moves and may help delay the need for joint replacement surgery. It can also help you get back to your daily activities with more mobility.
Custom Braces for Ligament Injuries
A custom ligament brace restores proper alignment, controls instability and protects healing tissue, whether you are returning to sport, recovering from surgery or managing chronic laxity.
Who Benefits from Custom Knee Bracing?
We commonly recommend custom bracing for people who are:
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Recovering from knee surgery, such as ACL, meniscus or ligament repairs (see Post-Op Therapy)
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Experiencing knee instability or a knee that gives way
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Living with osteoarthritis and needing joint offloading
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Athletes who need sport-specific protection
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Managing chronic patellofemoral pain or severe kneecap tracking problems
If knee pain or instability is limiting your movement, a custom brace may provide the support you have been missing.
Types of Knee Braces
Osteoarthritis (Unloader) Braces
These braces reduce strain on the damaged side of the knee, most often the inner (medial) side. By improving joint mechanics and redistributing pressure, they can:
- Relieve pain
- Improve function
- Potentially delay knee replacement
Ideal for people with osteoarthritis on one side of the knee who want to stay active.
Stabilization or Functional Braces
Designed to support the knee during movement and high-demand activities, these braces are often used during rehab and return to sport. Common uses include:
- Sprains or tears of the ACL, PCL, MCL or LCL
- Runner’s knee
- Severe patellofemoral syndrome
- Meniscus injuries
They provide dynamic stability and confidence in motion.
Immobilization Braces
Used after acute injuries or surgery, these braces limit knee motion so it can heal. They are typically used for:
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Protection after surgery
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Acute ligament or soft tissue injuries
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Situations where movement needs to be restricted for healing
These braces can be adjusted as you progress through rehab.
Our Process: From Assessment to Follow-Up
A custom brace should be comfortable, effective and part of your rehab plan. Here is what to expect at Collegiate Sports Medicine:
Initial Assessment
A full movement analysis, strength testing and a discussion of your daily, sport and work demands.
Recommendation
Your practitioner determines whether a custom brace is right for you and selects the best style and brand.
Measurement and Fitting
We take precise measurements. When your brace arrives, we fit it in the clinic and fine-tune the adjustments.
Education
You will learn how to put on and care for your brace, and how to follow a safe wearing schedule.
Follow-Up Care
Re-checks make sure your brace stays comfortable, fits properly and supports your rehab goals.
Coverage and Pricing
Pricing depends on the brace type and manufacturer. Many extended health plans offer full or partial coverage. We can:
• Provide the documentation your insurer requires
• Help you submit a quote or pre-authorization to check your coverage
Just ask our team and we will walk you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a custom knee brace?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks from measurement to final fitting, depending on the manufacturer and whether custom moulding is required.
Will a knee brace prevent surgery?
Not always. However, many people get enough pain relief and improved function to delay or avoid surgery. Your physiotherapist will guide this decision with you.
Can I wear a custom knee brace during sport?
Yes. Many custom braces are designed for high-demand and sport-specific use. We will advise you on safe activity levels.
How long do custom knee braces last?
Most custom braces last several years with normal use. Warranty details vary by model.
Brands We Trust
Össur
Ligament protection and osteoarthritis support
Össur offers a range of knee braces designed to support ligament injuries, manage osteoarthritis pain and improve stability during everyday activities and sports. Its product lines include CTi braces for ligament support and Unloader braces that reduce pressure on the painful side of the knee.
Best suited for: athletes, ligament injuries and people managing osteoarthritis.
DonJoy (DJO)
High-performance custom ligament bracing
DonJoy is known for custom functional knee braces that provide stability and support after ligament injuries, including ACL injuries and reconstruction. Models such as Defiance and A22 combine a personalized fit with lightweight, durable materials for demanding activities and sport.
Best suited for: active people and athletes looking for customized knee stability and protection.
Osskin
Custom 3D-printed knee braces
Osskin specializes in custom 3D-printed knee braces designed around your anatomy and the way your knee moves. Its Evoke unloader brace is designed for osteoarthritis, while the Provoke range supports ligament instability. Osskin braces are lightweight, with a hinge system designed to follow the knee’s natural motion.
Best suited for: people who would benefit from a highly individualized fit, osteoarthritis offloading or ligament support.
Breg
Versatile bracing for arthritis, ligament injuries and recovery
Breg offers knee bracing for osteoarthritis, ligament instability, patellofemoral conditions and post-surgery rehab. Its range includes Fusion and Z-12 options for osteoarthritis and ligament support, as well as braces that control movement during recovery. Selected models are available in custom configurations.
Best suited for: people who need tailored support for arthritis, instability or post-surgical recovery.
Is a Custom Knee Brace Right for You?
Our physiotherapists and athletic therapists in Red Deer and Olds can help you find out. Book an assessment or reach out with your questions. We would love to support your movement journey.