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Thread: Knee brace for touring?

  1. #1
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    Knee brace for touring?

    Looking for a knee brace with good lateral support for touring. I tore my acl a long time ago and it was never repaired. Over the years ended up with knee pain. Dr suggested wearing a brace when I ski, so for years I have worn a metal brace when skiing at the resort and it helps. But it’s not comfortable to wear when going uphill.

    So looking for something that will hopefully be less cumbersome and more comfortable for the uphill, but still provide good lateral support. Any recommendations?
    on the send bus to gnar town

  2. #2
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    Anything that will actually provide some proper support is going to be cumbersome... it's kind of unavoidable.

    But I'd recommend you spend the money and see a professional to get one custom fitted. It's going to be much better than anything off the shelf almost every time.

    Sent from my SM-A536W using Tapatalk
    Goal: ski in the 2018/19 season

  3. #3
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    CTI custom carbon brace was what i had after my surgery but it was royal pita to tour in. Even just lift rides were not much fun.

    You will have to decide for yourself what you are willing to put up with.
    watch out for snakes

  4. #4
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    Bauerfeind Genutrain S might work for you. It is very comfortable for the ups and the downs. GenuTrain-S-Knee-Brace

    DeRoyal makes one called the Warrior that also comes in a short version for using with ski boots. I tried one of the non-short versions years ago, and it offered exceptional support and stability but lacked in comfort compared to the Bauerfeind. warrior-ii-knee-brace

  5. #5
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    I’m assuming you do weight training and stationary cycle often. If not, make it part of your life. I second the notion of getting a custom fit knee brace. A brand like Don Joy is the go-to for most athletes. I believe there is a carbon fiber option for weight consciousness.

  6. #6
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    I tour with people that use custom made braces. One tours with one all day and night, another puts it on before heading down... usually before I figure out the overlap and tongue on my mercury. I haven't heard anyone complaining about comfort and they rip skiing with damaged ACL.

  7. #7
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    I asked the surgeon if i was gona need a knee brace and he said " well if i did it right you shouldn't need one" said he had blown his ACL and had used a brace in his first year back but doesnt anymore

    if i was gona get one it would probably be the Donjoy

    2 + years post surgery my knee is mechanicaly fine/ no pain but its still not strong I don't think a brace would do anything for that so still working on it, the gym 3-5 times a week, leg press and hamstring machine
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  8. #8
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    In the TGR way you are going to get differing and opposing options. I personally did not like the Don Joy, but did like the CTI (used on both knees, tore both ACL's in back to back years). Although after a couple years I stopped using both. Skiing is way better without them.

  9. #9
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    And the big one ^^ every knee is different, so the knee is mechanically sound but weak or SFT to the point I could not click into a Marker Baron but that appears to be getting better

    I just developed bursitis in one hip ( had to sell all the kayaks) which means the hip hurts on the way up and the knee hurts on the way down
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by XXX-er View Post
    And the big one ^^ every knee is different, so the knee is mechanically sound but weak or SFT to the point I could not click into a Marker Baron but that appears to be getting better

    I just developed bursitis in one hip ( had to sell all the kayaks) which means the hip hurts on the way up and the knee hurts on the way down
    Opposite hip from your repaired knee, I bet. You problem is going up the knees kinetic chain, next is your back. Leg press isn’t doing much for you. Focus on unilateral movements vs bilateral-single leg vs both together. Single leg Romanian dead lifts, lunges in all directions, single leg step-up’s onto a box, single leg hamstring curls and leg extensions. Put an emphasis into the eccentric portion of the movement. Hammer your core with bracing drills-hollow body holds, single arm farmers walks(suitcase carry) turkish getups, etc.
    Remember: surgeons are good at surgery, NOT rehab. Follow Mike Reinhold, Eric Cressy, Mike Boyle, Dr Katie Claire and The PT Initiative on Instagram.

  11. #11
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    Maybe sum stand up paddling when/if hip gets better will help and get you on the water XXXL-er?

    That Genutrain brace looks alright. All depends on your need of support and how hard you are getting after it.

    I have been doing moar trail hiking and river sup surfing the last few years in stead of mtn biking and kayaking.

    My old ACL knee repair still talks to me but generous applications of the cbd cream really helps to keep me going. Ymmv
    watch out for snakes

  12. #12
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    Thanks for the replies everyone. Good info. This is an old injury that I’ve been living with. I’ve been good about exercising (which really helps) and been lazy about it over the years. Definitely need to get back to working out more now. The knee brace I have now does help, just is too bulky and sits right on the top of the boot. Fine for resort skiing, not so good for uphill. I will look into some of the suggested braces. I’m on the east coast, so most touring is short, one day tours in the whites.
    on the send bus to gnar town

  13. #13
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    Devo, I’m in the same boat. Old injuries (bilateral ACLs), declining fitness, and feeling like the CTI braces are cumbersome.

    Has anyone tried the Stoko compression tight/brace? In concept it looks interesting.


    Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by thebear View Post
    Devo, I’m in the same boat. Old injuries (bilateral ACLs), declining fitness, and feeling like the CTI braces are cumbersome.

    Has anyone tried the Stoko compression tight/brace? In concept it looks interesting.


    Sent from my iPhone using TGR Forums
    I have the CW-X version and they provide n support, they are a heavy compression tight. There is no substitute for strength training.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by SB View Post
    Maybe sum stand up paddling when/if hip gets better will help and get you on the water XXXL-er?

    That Genutrain brace looks alright. All depends on your need of support and how hard you are getting after it.

    I have been doing moar trail hiking and river sup surfing the last few years in stead of mtn biking and kayaking.

    My old ACL knee repair still talks to me but generous applications of the cbd cream really helps to keep me going. Ymmv
    I see a PT on a regular basis, he did say to work the legs individualy cuz your good leg takes up the slack and you can't really tell

    got a shot to the bursa and it hurts less but the hip was having issues well before blowing the knee, sitting in an airplane seat was painful, just getting old imo
    Lee Lau - xxx-er is the laziest Asian canuck I know

  16. #16
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    Quote Originally Posted by SacTo View Post
    Focus on unilateral movements vs bilateral-single leg vs both together. Single leg Romanian dead lifts, lunges in all directions, single leg step-up’s onto a box, single leg hamstring curls and leg extensions. Put an emphasis into the eccentric portion of the movement. Hammer your core with bracing drills-hollow body holds, single arm farmers walks(suitcase carry) turkish getups, etc.
    Sorry for the threadhijack - looking for a simple home routine I can do with dumbbells / kettlebells to strengthen / protect injured knee (medial meniscus and ACL) - I admittedly do poorly when a dozen different exercises and variations are recommended.

    If I do single leg RDL + forward lunges and backward lunges + kettlebell swings am I hitting all the right areas?

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by bennymac View Post
    Sorry for the threadhijack - looking for a simple home routine I can do with dumbbells / kettlebells to strengthen / protect injured knee (medial meniscus and ACL) - I admittedly do poorly when a dozen different exercises and variations are recommended.

    If I do single leg RDL + forward lunges and backward lunges + kettlebell swings am I hitting all the right areas?
    I would add in more hip dominant exercises, single leg hip thrusts being paramount. Gottta strengthen the joints next up the kinetic chain. Add in lateral lunges and curtsy lunges. Focus on controlling the eccentric/negative/downward motion. Vary your tempo. Isometrics should also be considered-wall sits, isometric lunges, single leg glute bridges. Add in some plyometrics after your dynamic warmup-ice skaters, depth drops, bounding. Variation is key and it’s the spice of life! We are the apex predator, our bodies adapt to physical stress quite quickly. Change your workout every 4-6 weeks. Also, don’t forget to progressively overload-i.e. add more weight!

  18. #18
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    appreciate the advice Thanks that is helpful!

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