Depending on the cause of your pain, however, braces can help. They can provide the support and stability your shoulder needs to heal after an injury. For some injuries, it’s vital to use a brace so your injury doesn’t worsen or heal improperly. A shoulder brace can help by: Compressing the shoulder joint to reduce inflammation Reducing shoulder instability to allow injuries to heal more quickly and in the right position Keeping the shoulder elevated to improve blood flow and aid healing Allowing you to adjust the temperature of your brace for hot or cold therapy Correcting postural habits that are leading to pain There are a few different types of braces, ranging from simple slings that keep the shoulder immobile to shoulder stabilizers that still allow you to exercise. Some people may also benefit from posture support devices that can help you prevent pain from incorrect posture. Before using any brace, always talk to your doctor. Always. You only want to use a brace after they’ve diagnosed the source of your pain and have advised you to use a brace. If they haven’t, we discuss some other alternative treatments later on in this post. Some types of injuries, for example, require surgery.