What is Brace Fitting
Richmond Physiotherapy is proud to be recognised as an official DonJoy (DJO) fitting centre for the West London area. The DonJoy brand is world-renowned as a market leader, providing a comprehensive range of braces and supports for all joints and sporting disciplines. At our Hill Street clinic, we provide a logical and detailed approach to orthopaedic bracing: ensuring that every support is selected and fitted to meet your specific anatomical needs. Whether you require a brace for acute recovery or as a preventative measure for high-level competition, we provide the high-authority clinical guidance necessary for an optimal fit.
Specialist Clinical Fitting vs Over-the-Counter Purchase
Feature
Standard Retail Purchase
Richmond Specialist Brace Fitting
Measurement
Self-measured (often inaccurate)
Clinical measurement of joint girth and alignment
Customisation
One-size-fits-most
Custom fitting tailored to your unique anatomy
Clinical Advice
None or non-medical
Expert guidance on wear-time and rehab integration
Joint Stability
Basic compression
Maximised stability without restricted range
Instruction
Manual only
Full clinical demonstration on application and removal
When to Consider Specialist Brace Fitting
Orthopaedic bracing is a vital component in managing joint instability and protecting healing tissues. You may benefit from our specialised brace fitting in Richmond if you experience:
Joint Instability
A sensation of the knee or ankle “giving way” during movement.
Acute Ligament Sprains
Recent injuries to the ACL, MCL, LCL, or PCL requiring protection.
Chronic Ankle Laxity
Recurrent rolling of the ankle during walking or sport.
Post-Operative Vulnerability
Needing additional support to protect reconstructed ligaments.
Fear of Re-injury
Anxiety when returning to high-impact sports like skiing or tennis.
Load Sensitivities
Pain in a joint that improves when external stress is reduced by a brace.
Evidence-Led Joint Support
Braces serve a critical dual purpose: providing external support to maximise joint stability while preserving the range of movement required for peak performance. Clinical evidence supports the use of bracing to relieve pain by reducing stress on injured structures and limiting movement to allow for physiological healing. At Richmond Physiotherapy, our clinicians utilise these high-authority clinical frameworks to recommend the most effective brace design and stabilisation level for your specific condition. Whether you require a rigid custom-fitted brace for an ACL-deficient knee or a flexible support for a wrist sprain, our team ensures the application is safe and evidence-led.
Who We Help
We support a wide range of individuals across Richmond and South West London seeking professional bracing solutions:
- Skiers and Snowboarders: Requiring high-level knee protection for the winter season.
- Post-Surgical Patients: Protecting repairs following ligament reconstructions or tendon surgery.
- Athletes with Chronic Instability: Providing confidence for a return to pivoting and twisting sports.
- Individuals with Fractures: Fitting specialised boots or braces for leg and foot fracture recovery.
- Racket Sport Enthusiasts: Managing wrist and elbow stability during tennis or squash.
Our Bracing Specialists
Brace fitting at our centre is overseen by our most senior clinicians, including Co-Directors Stephen Perchard and Pippa Rollitt. With decades of combined experience in musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, Stephen and Pippa possess the clinical expertise required to assess complex joint instabilities and recommend bespoke bracing solutions. As experts in the West London area for DonJoy products, they ensure that every patient receives a fitting that is both comfortable and clinically effective.
Our Richmond Clinic
Richmond Physiotherapy is located at Lawton Gate House, 7 Hill St, Richmond, TW9 1SX. We are the primary DonJoy fitting centre for residents in Twickenham, Kew, Sheen, and Teddington. Our clinic is situated just moments from Richmond Station, making us easily accessible for patients travelling from Kingston, Barnes, or Isleworth for custom measurements. Whether you are preparing for a trip to the mountains or recovering from an injury sustained in Richmond Park, our Hill Street centre is perfectly positioned to provide the support you need.
Pricing & Insurance
We provide a transparent fee structure for our specialist brace fitting consultations. Braces can be purchased directly from the clinic, and we maintain a selection of stock for immediate trial. Many private medical insurance providers, including Bupa, AXA, Vitality and Aviva, may cover the cost of orthopaedic bracing when prescribed as part of a rehabilitation programme. Please contact our reception team at 020 8332 1132 for further information or to schedule your fitting appointment.
FAQs
Why should I choose a custom-fitted brace over a standard one?
Custom fitting ensures the brace is tailored to your unique limb shape. This maximises both comfort and the mechanical effectiveness of the support, which is critical for preventing migration (slipping) during activity.
Can I wear a brace for skiing?
Yes, we frequently fit DonJoy knee braces specifically for skiers. They are designed to provide maximum stability to the ligaments while allowing the flexion and extension required for the slopes.
Do you have braces in stock?
We keep a selection of standard-sized braces in stock at our Richmond clinic for immediate purchase. For bespoke or custom-fitted options, we take precise measurements and order the brace for a follow-up fitting.
Is it easy to put the brace on myself?
Absolutely. During your fitting session, our physiotherapists provide full instructions and a demonstration to ensure you are confident in applying and removing the brace correctly.
How long do I need to wear a brace?
This depends on your clinical condition. Some patients wear a brace only during sport, while others may need it daily during the early stages of fracture or ligament healing.
Can a brace replace the need for physiotherapy?
No. A brace provides external support, but physiotherapy is essential for building the internal muscle strength and proprioception required for long-term joint health.
Glossary of Terms
- ACL: Anterior Cruciate Ligament; a key stabilising ligament in the knee.
- Bespoke Fitting: A custom-made or tailored adjustment of a medical device to an individual’s anatomy.
- DJO/DonJoy: The industry-leading brand for orthopaedic bracing and supports.
- Ligament Laxity: Looseness in the ligaments, often resulting in joint instability.
