Orthopedic brace and method of use

A method of using an orthopedic brace for a treatment area of a human body, the brace having a main panel, main panel fasteners at opposite ends of the main panel, and at least one reinforcing member cooperating with the main panel, the brace further having a ring-anchoring panel extending across the reinforcing member and securing two sliding rings to the main panel and at least two straps for applying compressive forces to the reinforcing member, the method comprising:

• a) encircling the treatment area with the brace;
• b) locating the at least one reinforcing member at the treatment area and fastening the brace using the main panel fasteners;
• c) adjusting the straps to apply compressive forces to the treatment area via the reinforcing member, wherein the step of adjusting further comprises threading the straps each through a respective one of the sliding rings, applying tension to the straps by pulling on the straps in opposite respective directions to apply force to the reinforcing member via the sliding rings, and fastening an end of each of the the straps to a respective one of the strap fastening pads;
• d) and maintaining compressive forces on the treatment area while undergoing activity.

An orthopedic brace for providing mobilization with movement therapy to a treatment area of the human body comprising:

• a flexible main panel having two ends and including a main panel fastener for securing the ends of the main panel together and thereby securing the main panel in an encircling position around the treatment area;
• a reinforcing member retaining panel attached to the main panel at a substantially central location thereof and forming a reinforcing member retaining pocket with the main panel;
• the reinforcing member retaining panel further including at least one ring anchoring panel secured at opposite ends to the reinforcing member retaining panel and defining a ring anchoring area therewith, the ring anchoring area being located above the reinforcing member retaining pocket;
• two sliding rings secured in the ring anchoring area such that the rings are permitted to move in a lateral direction relative to the main panel;
• a reinforcing member disposed within the reinforcing member retaining pocket and extending beneath the ring anchoring panel;
• at least two strap fastening pads comprising loop-type fasteners secured to the main panel at opposite sides thereof;
• at least two straps, each having a first end fastened to the main panel at a position adjacent a respective strap fastening pad, and a second end having hook-type fasteners for engaging respective ones of the strap fastening pads, each strap adapted to extend through a respective one of the rings, such that tension applied to the second end of the strap pulls on the respective ring and results in an increased compressive force on the reinforcing member and the treatment area.