For those looking to invest in a medical knee brace, it helps to understand the differences between leading brands, their products, and the types of knee braces available. In this article, we aim to assist you in finding the knee brace that works best for you and your needs.
Icarus Medical and Spring Loaded Technology are two well-renowned brands, recognized for their range of high-quality medical knee braces. We will provide a detailed comparison between these two providers, focusing on their flagship knee brace offerings to help patients like you make an informed decision.
Icarus Medical Innovations
Icarus Medical was founded by Dave Johnson with the core intention of providing innovative and quality bracing solutions for those suffering from knee pain and mobility issues.
In his early 30s, he was faced with the very real possibility of needing a knee replacement – and he decided to take his fate into his own hands. Dave found a knee brace on eBay, outfitted it with springs, and created his own assistance-extension brace, later patenting the design, which was the inspiration for the company today.
And since then, Icarus Medical has helped thousands of patients regain confidence and return to their regular lives. Knee pain and disease are serious, and Dave and the team have worked tirelessly to help build a future where it’s not a life sentence for those affected.
Overview of Product Offerings
Icarus Medical offers a range of knee braces designed to suit various users and their needs, ranging from athletes to post-operative patients. The primary products offered include the Ascender Unloader Knee Brace and the Hermes KAFO.
However, that’s not all that is available. Other products, not including those in development, include the Hercules and the Kronos. To learn more about each, we highly suggest visiting the product page or contacting a member of the Icarus team.
I. Ascender Knee Brace
The Ascender provides advanced support to wearers through its lightweight and high-support structure. It is custom-made for each knee – thanks to the 3D scan-to-brace technology provided in-house by Icarus Medical. Each brace is constructed from the highest-quality materials, ensuring maximum comfort and longevity for the wearer – no neoprene casing here.
The Ascender is able to unload up to 40lbs from the knees, all in a lightweight 1lb build – making it suitable for most users. Even more, it is covered by the majority of insurance plans, creating accessibility for as many patients as possible.
Best suited for those struggling with arthritis, severe knee pain, or those in post-operative recovery. However, the Ascender can help treat a range of conditions, including knee weakness, or as a part of a general knee injury recovery plan.
This is just an introduction to the Ascender and what makes it so great. To learn more or inquire, we invite you to contact a member of our team.
II. Hermes Knee Brace
The Hermes is one of the newer additions to the Icarus lineup.
As the world’s first adjustable, dynamic, dorsiflexion assist brace – the Hermes has a lot to offer in one package. Like other Icarus products, it is known for its breathable materials and high comfort.
Scan-to-fit technology allows users to 3D scan their leg for a highly precise custom fit, on top of high adjustability out of the box. Below is a quick overview of some of the Hermes features:
I. Low-Profile Adjustable Dial with Push-Button Release
II. Lightweight 3D-printed Conforming Frame (9-12 oz)
III. High-Torque Dorsiflexion Assist Up to 150 in-lb (17 Nm)
IV. Conforming Fully Customizable Calve, Foot & Ankle Components (Range-of-motion = 100°)
The Hermes is best suited for patients dealing with conditions such as dorsiflexor weakness, foot drop, Charcot-marie-tooth disease, MS (Multiple Sclerosis), stroke damage, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, or varus/valgus foot and ankle deformities. If you fall into one of these categories, you may be a prime candidate for the brace. Contact our team for more information.
Spring Loaded Technology
Spring Loaded Technology is a company that provides a good range of products for a variety of knee and leg-related injuries and cases. Using technology known as ‘liquid spring’, Spring Loaded Technology is able to provide a high caliber of knee support for its patients.
Overview of Product Offering
Spring Loaded Technology focuses on its flagship and only product, the Spring Loaded Knee Brace. Let’s dive into the specifics of the product and who it is best suited for.
I. Spring Loaded Knee Brace
This brace is an ‘Offloader Knee Brace’ design, featuring bionic technology for enhanced support and an adjustable, personalized fit. It’s designed to be quite durable yet lightweight, prioritizing pain relief while keeping users mobile and flexible.
Spring Loaded Technology claims that all patients report significant pain reduction, and 60% have a reduced reliance on other treatments.
Key DIfferences
Now we dive into the comparisons between each company and their primary product offerings.
Icarus Medical
- Advanced Support Tech: Icarus Medical braces incorporate cutting-edge support and unloading systems to ensure maximum efficacy. Notably, the Ascender unloads up to 40lbs in a 1lb brace.
- Scan to Fit: Each brace is designed to fit a wide range of body types, using 3D scanning technology to provide a precise and comfortable fit.
- High-Quality + Breathable Materials: The use of breathable, high-quality materials ensures high durability for the long term and guaranteed comfort even during extended use. Icarus products are a long term investment worth making.
Why Icarus Medical Knee Braces?
Icarus Medical braces are engineered to provide high support to those who need it and when they need it. The Ascender is particularly noted for its ability to assist athletes, individuals in post-surgery recovery, and those managing chronic pain and conditions and the challenges they present.
With a heavy focus on comfort and fit, their braces are designed to be easily adjustable, thanks to 3D scanning technology, ensuring a snug fit that doesn’t compromise on movement or comfort. Customer feedback often highlights the exceptional experience and fit provided by these braces.
Spring Loaded Technology
- Bionic Technology: The use of bionic technology and the ‘liquid spring’ system is in place to better provide adequate support and assist in pain relief.
- Adjustable Fit: The Spring Loaded brace offers an adjustable fit, catering to each user’s unique needs.
- Focus on Mobility Enhancement: The primary goal of these braces is to enhance mobility and provide significant pain relief with a system that makes it possible.
Why Spring Loaded Technology Braces?
Spring Loaded Technology braces are designed to offer proper support and stability, particularly for individuals seeking moderate pain relief and improved mobility. They emphasize an adjustable and personalized fit, ensuring that users find the braces comfortable to wear during a wide variety of activities.
Knee Brace Affordability
One of the most important factors to consider is of course – price. Let’s break down the affordability and pricing structures of each company’s braces.
Icarus Medical
Icarus Medical offers a wide array of knee braces that benefit users with their advanced features, comfortability, and cost-effectiveness. Their braces, including the Ascender, Hermes, Kronos, and Hercules, provide an exceptional balance of quality, support, and comfort, for different people and their needs – making them a valuable investment.
Furthermore, Icarus Medical’s products are available through most insurance, drastically reducing the price that patients pay. In fact, the average patient pays less than $200.
Spring Loaded Technology
Spring Loaded Technology’s knee brace also presents a good value proposition. It offers advanced support and durability for those needing significant knee support and mobility enhancement.
The brace starts at $1999; however, Individuals should check to make sure it is covered by their insurance plan before making a purchase.
Making a Decision for You
Icarus Medical and Spring Loaded Technology both offer great knee braces with a distinct range of features and solutions catering to different people and their needs. Icarus Medical stands out for its fully 3D scan-to-fit custom designs, versatile use cases, and advanced support technology, making it an excellent choice for most users. Spring Loaded Technology, on the other hand, also focuses on those needing significant mobility enhancement and pain management.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on one’s individual needs and preferences. However, considering the accessible insurance coverage for Icarus Medical’s knee braces, we believe that most patients would benefit from acquiring one of these knee braces. If you are actively searching for one yourself, visit the product page or contact one of our representatives to have any of your questions answered.
