Your questions about Bauerfeind products, answered by licensed physical therapist Erin Grigsby.
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Q: I have a slightly misaligned knee which is causing me pain while and after I run (3-4 miles). I was looking at your products and find the Genutrain P3 most appropriate to my needs, however I wonder if it is okay to wear the Genutrain P3 while I am running. How does the bandage cope with the sweat? Can I wash it after use? Is it recommended to wear it while running? Thanks for your help.
-Sabrina C.
A: Hi Sabrina. First, all Bauerfeind GenuTrain products can be used for sports and running. In fact, many NBA and Olympic athletes use them during practice and competition.
You mention your knee is misaligned. Is this your main knee joint or your knee cap? The GenuTrain P3 does focus on knee cap alignment if you are a severe lateral tracker or dislocator of the knee cap. If you are only a mild-to-moderate lateral tracker of the knee cap, the originalGenuTrain can help with that. Please note the P3 is 2.5 inches longer than the rest of the GenuTrain knee supports, so you measure in a different place for it. Both the original GenuTrain and the GenuTrain P3 can help with mild main knee joint alignment.
Both GenuTrain options mentioned are soft, breathable and moisture wicking so they do well with sweat. They are also machine washable and we recommend regular washing (gentle, cold with non-additive detergent so no woolite or fabric softener. Lay flat to dry.) to prolong the life of your support.
As always, please check with your health care provider to see which option may be best for you.
Q: I’m an avid racquetball player with an injured meniscus. I recently purchased the Bauerfeind GenuTrain P3 for my left knee. Unfortunately, it’s much bigger and heavier than the original Bauerfeind (GenuTrain) knee brace. So now I’m considering buying the GenuTrain A3. How does the A3 compare to the P3 in terms of size and weight? Thanks.
-M.V.
A: Thank you for purchasing a Bauerfeind knee brace. The GenuTrain P3 is our largest/longest knee brace. It is 2.5 inches longer than all other GenuTrain models. This is because it must hit the iliotibial band to try to relax it to lessen the pull on the knee cap. The P3 is usually for knee cap dislocations or severe tracking of the knee cap. For meniscus, we usually recommend GenuTrainor GenuTrain A3. Here is a video explaining the differences between the GenuTrain models:
Another option you have is our new Bauerfeind Sports Knee Support. It differs from the GenuTrain models as it’s been optimized for sport. The knit makes it about 15% lighter in weight and has gripping and ventilation zones to optimize it for sport. The GenuTrain, GenuTrain A3 and Sports Knee Support are all the same length (shorter than the P3 you currently have) and the Sports Knee Support is the lightest of them by about 15%.
Q: Will wearing your knee braces effect muscle strength when used 8 hours a day for normal activities or exercise?
-Brad A.
A: This is a very good question! If a brace is rigid or immobilizes you, it can weaken the muscles; However, our line of GenuTrain knee supports are made of soft knit supplying medical-grade compression which actually encourages muscle contraction. You do not have to worry about muscle weakening while wearing a Bauerfeind GenuTrain knee support.
Q: I am interested in purchasing splints/braces for instability and pain in ankles, knees and wrists. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and have pain and severe fatigue. I have been looking at web sites and have had your products highly recommended by other’s who are diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos. I find myself overwhelmed and unsure how to best go about knowing which products are best fitted for my issues and where (online or store) to purchase them. I will most likely have to space out my purchases to accommodate my finances, but would like to get going on figuring this out. Any help you can provide will be most appreciated.
-Joyce L.
A: Thank you for your interest in Bauerfeind supports. Yes, the EDS community loves Bauerfeind for many reasons. First, we have a high level of microfiber in our knit which makes them comfortable for sensitive skin. Secondly, our products provide medical-grade compression to reduce pain and swelling while giving support. We have products with non-rigid components all the way up to rigid components depending on your level of instability and what you personally need. It is not unusual for EDS patients to get 4 or 5 of our products.
Here is a video of a webinar we hosted in 2015 explaining how Bauerfeind bracing can help people with EDS and which products are best for EDS patients. The webinar is an hour long but will give you very detailed info. I know this is a big investment for you so I think it is worth the time to watch so you get the right product. Once you watch it and know what ones you think are right for you, please check with your health care provider to confirm.
If you have further questions, you can email me back. Also remember if you buy them off ourwebsite, you have 60 days to return or exchange them. Hopefully this helps take the worry out of getting the right one.
For more information about Bauerfeind’s support of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome patients, please visit our EDS Resource Page.