Durable medical equipment is a term for a variety of braces and other supportive devices. Bracing helps stabilize and protect injured or weakened parts of your body while they heal, or it can also offer long-term support for chronic conditions. The durable medical equipment braces Orthopaedic Institute of Dayton uses are a safe, noninvasive treatment that can help you avoid the use of strong prescription painkillers. This is important because as well as potentially causing serious side effects, opioid drugs are often highly addictive.