Townsend Launches Osteoarthritic Knee Brace in North America

Townsend Design announced Thursday the North American launch of its Active Reliever, a soft shell single-upright osteoarthritis knee brace. A wider, global launch will follow in July.

The device alleviates pain by reducing the load on the side of an injured or progressively degenerated knee. Featuring a sewn-in integrated semi-rigid frame, the brace includes a counterforce tensioning strap, quick release buckles and a low-profile hinge that supports knee roll-and-glide movement, the company says.

The product incorporates elements of the devicemaker’s Rebel Reliever OA brace. A recent study demonstrated a 36 percent reduction of decompressive forces and improved patient quality of life, the company claims.

The Bakersfield, Calif. Company launched its first Reliever series OA brace in 1995. The devicemaker was acquired by medical textile company Thuasne in 2011. — Jason Scott