blustone Health
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)
Unloader Braces
In-Home Fitting (Greater Vancouver)
Book a Knee Bracing Consultation
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Contact Information
Blustone Health
15464 Madrona Drive, Surrey
Phone: 778-902-8258
Email: blustonehealth@gmail.com
Knee OA Unloader Braces
(In-Home Fitting)
If knee osteoarthritis is making walking, stairs, or standing more painful than it should be, an unloader knee brace may help by providing targeted support designed to reduce stress through the knee during daily movement. Blustone Health provides in-home knee bracing across Greater Vancouver, including professional measurement, fitting, and adjustment
Book a Knee OA Bracing Consultation
What Is an Unloader Brace?
An unloader brace is designed to provide targeted support that can change how load is distributed through the knee during movement. Many people with knee OA notice that symptoms worsen during weight-bearing activities; an unloader brace is often chosen when you want a more structured option than a compression sleeve.
You’ll usually benefit from an unloader brace if:
- Knee pain is worse during walking, climbing stairs, standing, or longer errands
- Symptoms feel more pronounced on one side of the knee (inner or outer)
- You want to stay active (golf, travel, work, gym, longer walks) with more confidence
- A compression sleeve helped a bit… but not enough when you’re weight-bearing
- Book an in-home fitting to get fit in the comfort of your home.
Who This Is For?
Knee OA bracing may be a fit if you:
- Have knee pain that flares with walking, stairs, or standing
- Feel “pressure” or discomfort on one side of the knee
- Want more confidence for longer walks, travel, or time on your feet
- Prefer an in-home fitting instead of clinic visits
- Have tried a sleeve and want a higher-support option
Not sure? Book a consult and we’ll guide you.
Why We Use Össur Bracing
Össur is a well-known bracing brand with options that cover a wide range of needs, from supportive sleeves to higher-support braces. A lot of braces look similar online. In real life, the difference is whether you can wear it comfortably for the situations you actually care about.
Össur’s Unloader One is built around a few practical advantages:
- 3-Point Leverage System is designed to unload pressure on the painful side of the knee.
- Dynamic Force System straps that work with the leverage system to deliver unloading support during movement.
- Low-profile design intended to be less bulky and more wearable day-to-day.
Custom vs Off-the-Shelf Knee OA Bracing
Custom Knee OA Bracing
Custom options are ideal when:
- You want a more precise fit and stable feel
- You need a brace that stays comfortable for longer wear
- You want a brace that feels consistent during day-to-day movement
Off-the-Shelf Unloader Options
Off-the-shelf options can be a great fit when:
- You want faster turnaround
- Your needs are mild to moderate
- You prefer a simpler setup that still provides more support than a sleeve
Medial vs Lateral Unloader Bracing
Unloader braces are typically fitted based on which side of the knee needs support.
Medial Unloader
Often chosen when discomfort is more noticeable on the inner (medial) side of the knee during walking or stairs.
Lateral Unloader
Often chosen when discomfort is more noticeable on the outer (lateral) side of the knee during walking or activity.
During your fitting, we’ll assess movement, comfort, and goals to recommend the best match.
Our In-Home Knee OA Bracing Process
1) Intake & Goals
We clarify your goals—walking, stairs, daily activity, travel, time on your feet, comfort, and stability.
3) Fit & Adjust
We fit the brace, adjust straps and alignment, and confirm comfort through real movements (walking, stairs, sitting).
5) Follow-Up Tweaks
If anything feels off after real-world use, small adjustments can make a big difference.
2) Assessment & Measurement
We take key measurements and assess movement to determine sizing and the right type of support.
4) Wear & Use Guidance
We’ll show you how to put it on correctly, how it should feel, and practical wear tips.
6) After Your Fitting
- It may take a short break-in period to get used to the feel
- Comfort matters—if something rubs or feels too tight, adjustments help
- Many people use the brace during longer walks, errands, travel, or flare-prone days
Do I need a doctor’s note or referral?
Book NowA doctor’s note or referral is preferred, and some insurance plans may require it for the brace to be claimable or reimbursed. If you don’t have one yet, you can still start by booking a consultation—we’ll let you know what information your insurer typically asks for and what to request from your doctor.
How do I know if I need an unloader brace vs a sleeve?
Book NowCompression sleeves are usually best for lighter daily support and comfort. An unloader brace is often chosen when you want a more structured option for weight-bearing activities like walking and stairs. We’ll help you choose based on your symptoms, goals, and comfort. Your health care provider will usually help you pick the best option.
How long does an in-home fitting take?
Book NowMost fittings include time for intake, measurement, fitting, and adjustments. The exact time depends on brace type and whether follow-up adjustments are needed after real-world use. But we usually budget 45 mins for assessment, and 20 minutes for the fitting.
What should I wear to the fitting?
Book NowShorts are ideal so we can fit and adjust the brace properly. Comfortable clothing that you can move in is perfect.
What if the brace feels uncomfortable after a few days?
Book NowThat can happen early on. Strap tension, alignment, and positioning can be adjusted. If it rubs or feels too tight, reach out, and we’ll help you troubleshoot and refine the fit.
Can you fit braces in condos or small spaces?
Book NowYes. In-home fittings work well in condos and homes. If there are entry or parking instructions, share them when you book.
How quickly can I be seen?
Book NowAvailability depends on the week, but we aim to make booking simple and fast. For quickest booking, call or text us directly.
How long does it take to get the brace?
Book NowIt depends on the type:
Off-the-shelf braces & sleeves: often same week if the right size is in stock.
Custom braces: we usually quote 1–3 weeks from your fitting to receiving it (we’ll confirm the timeline when we place the order).
Once it arrives, we’ll make sure it’s properly fitted and adjusted for comfort and function.