A shoulder brace can be used for various injuries and conditions, including a clavicle fracture, a rotator cuff tear or a dislocated shoulder.
Typical costs:
For patients covered by health insurance, the typical out-of-pocket cost for a doctor-prescribed shoulder brace consists of a durable goods copay or coinsurance of 10%-50%. A knee brace typically is covered by health insurance if it is prescribed by a doctor.
For patients not covered by health insurance, a shoulder brace typically costs up to $30 or more for a clavicle splint for a fractured clavicle. For example, BraceShop.com charges about $15-$30 for a clavicle splint, while Allegro Medical Supplies charges[1] about $14-$30.
A shoulder brace typically costs $15-$600 or more, depending on the type, for a brace for frozen shoulder, a dislocated shoulder or a torn rotator cuff. For example, BraceShop.com charges about $25-$600 or more for a shoulder brace for adhesive capsulitis ("frozen shoulder"). BraceShop.com charges about $15-$600 or more for a brace for a torn rotator cuff. SOS Medical[2] charges about $20-$600 or more, depending on the brace. The cost for a basic sling-type shoulder immobilizer or shoulder support is on the low end, while a hinged brace that provides maximum support falls typically costs more.
For a clavicle fracture[3] , a doctor might recommend a sling or figure-eight brace, which criss-crosses across the back to immobilize the shoulder during healing.
For a rotator cuff injury[4] , a sling or brace might be prescribed to keep the shoulder still while it heals.
For shoulder dislocation[5] , a brace might be prescribed to offer support and limit motion.
In some cases, a doctor will recommend or prescribe an off-the-shelf brace, but in other cases, an orthotist[6] will evaluate, help to design and fit a patient with a brace.
Additional costs:
In some cases, such as after an injury or surgery, physical therapy might be required at a cost of about $50-$350 per session.
Discounts:
Drug stores and websites that sell braces sometimes offer coupons or special offers. For example, BraceShop.com has a savings club[7] that offers a 5% discount for signing up.
Shopping for a shoulder brace:
A family doctor typically would treat a minor injury, a sports medicine doctor might treat a sports-related injury and an orthopedic specialist might be required for a serious injury or surgery. The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery offers an orthopedic surgeon finder[8] by city, state or zip code.
In some cases, a patient may need to see an orthotist, a certified health professional who specializes in braces and other orthotics, to get evaluated and fitted for a brace. The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics offers an orthotist locator[9] by state.
Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
Radiologist Fee Paid: 350.00 Any radiologist reading your mammogram will be at least $350. They have 11-13 years of training after high school before they begin work. If they are not board certified, watch out. Most are and it beats getting cancer... [more]
DIY Ceiling Paid: 50.00 We bought a house with a cheap paint job. The ceilings were sprayed the same color as the walls. During COVID I painted the ceilings and a bathroom. A 120 square foot room took me about 4 hours (2 coats)... [more]
DIY vs Installed Small Deck Paid: 3000.00 We paid $1300 for materials and $1700 for labor on a 100 square foot composite deck plus a redwood gate. It took 30 hours, done last year. My husband built a 100 sf heart redwood deck for about $1000 in materials in 2019... [more]
Colposcopy with biopsy Paid: 756.00 This service was wayy to expensive in my opinion. For a 20-25 minute total visit I had to pay out of pocked 756 - 187 to OBGYN, 229 to pathologist, then 340$ for facility fee or the hospital. I don't even know what that charge was for... [more]
Bilateral Diagnostic Mammogram and Third Mammogram Paid: 1389.66 My 2021 bill, still in shock! Weill Cornell, in-network provider, billed my insurance $908 for a bilateral diagnostic mammogram, and $712 for a third mammogram one breast... [more]
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]