Why Are Physiotherapists in Latin America Recommending Orthopedic Garments, Soft Goods, and Braces?

Around 20.4% people in Latin America (LATAM) suffer from osteoarthritis, the Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) estimates. Similarly, the incidence of road accidents and sports injuries is also rising in the region, with the increasing number of automobiles on the roads and more people opting for outdoor sports. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), per every 100,000 people, 24.8% in Ecuador and 21.5% in Colombia died in road crashes in 2018.

Browse report overview and detailed TOC at Latin America Orthopedic Garments, Soft Goods and Braces Market Demand Forecast 

P&S Intelligence says that on account of these factors, the LATAM orthopedic garments market size will increase to $376.3 million by 2030 from $223.1 million in 2019, at a 5.2% CAGR between 2020 and 2030. Similarly, the LATAM orthopedic soft goods and braces market is expected to display a 4.9% CAGR between 2020 and 2030, to grow from $177.4 million in 2019 to $291.1 million by 2030. All such products are useful in the physical rehabilitation of people with orthopedic and other musculoskeletal issues after a major injury, accident, or surgery.

As LATAM is predominantly a developing region, raising awareness about orthopedic diseases and treatment options is important. This is why many public and private organizations are hosting campaigns and seminars to educate people about muscle-and-bone-related issues and how they can be managed and treated. For instance, the International Orthopedic and Traumatology Association (IOTA) had planned to host the Mexican Federation of Associations of Traumatology and Orthopedics 31st National Congress 2020 in October, to spread awareness about the ways to manage and treat orthopedic and traumatic injuries.

Among the several types of orthopedic garments available in the region, such as socks, braces and support, sleeves, pantyhose, masks, and vests, braces and support witness the highest adoption. Such garments support the ligaments and reduce the weight the joints are subject to, in order to provide pain relief. Braces and supports are also more preferred than soft goods, as they are widely used by osteoarthritis and osteoporosis patients. Moreover, these products are utilized for patient rehabilitation and for people who have suffered a post-operative injury.

The rehabilitation of people with bone and muscle issues is generally done by physiotherapists, 350,221 of whom existed in the region in 2019, as estimated by the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. Such medical practitioners recommend orthopedic garments, soft goods, and braces, so that patients do not have to visit them that often, which helps in bringing down the healthcare spending. Therefore, with an increasing number of people suffering from musculoskeletal issues, sports injuries, and physical trauma, physiotherapists are witnessing an increasing footfall, which is driving the adoption of therapeutic and supporting goods.