Move Freely: How the Right Knee Brace, Like the Össur Unloader One X, Can Support Walkers, Hikers & Everyday Movers
At Technique Health & Fitness, we believe staying active shouldn’t mean pushing through pain. Whether you love long walks, weekend hikes, or simply want to move better day to day, the right knee brace can offer meaningful relief, and help keep you doing what you love without discomfort or setbacks.
That’s where our in-house brace fitting service comes in. One of our most trusted recommendations is the Össur Unloader One X. It’s a lightweight, clinically proven brace designed to reduce pain and support natural, pain-free movement without compromising comfort or mobility.
What Is the Unloader One X?
The Unloader One X is a sleek, low-profile knee brace built specifically for people managing pain from unicompartmental joint issues—when one side of the knee bears more stress, wear, or damage than the other.
It’s particularly well-suited for mild to severe unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, where targeted offloading can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility. But its benefits also extend to a range of other conditions where reducing load on one compartment of the knee can aid recovery and comfort, including:
Degenerative meniscal tears
Articular cartilage defect repair
Meniscal repair
Avascular necrosis
Condylar bone marrow lesions (bone bruises)
Tibial plateau fractures
By offloading the affected side of the joint, the Unloader One X supports natural movement, reduces discomfort, and can help delay the need for more invasive interventions—all without compromising comfort or mobility.
These conditions often make activities like walking, climbing stairs, or hiking painful and difficult. The Unloader One X helps by using a three-point leverage system to shift pressure away from the affected part of the joint, reducing pain and improving functional movement.
This approach helps:
Ease joint pressure exactly where the damage is
Reduce pain during walking and standing
Improve day-to-day stability
Support longer walks and hikes without fatigue
Potentially delay or avoid the need for surgery
Walkers and hikers especially appreciate that it’s low-profile enough to wear under clothing, and comfortable enough for long days on your feet, from city pavements to rugged paths.
How Does It Work?
When you walk or hike, your knees absorb a significant amount of force, especially if one side of the joint is worn down. That uneven load leads to pain, stiffness, and instability. The Unloader One X works by shifting pressure away from the damaged area, using its patented three-point system to “unload” the joint.
In simple terms: less pressure where it hurts = more freedom to move.
This improves confidence and comfort, whether you're exploring the countryside or tackling everyday errands.
Why Consider a Knee Brace?
If you’re living with knee pain, stiffness, or instability, it can limit how far you walk, how often you move, or how confident you feel navigating stairs and slopes. A brace provides targeted external support, helping reduce strain, improve alignment, and restore stability.
But not all braces are made equal, and not every knee needs the same support. That’s why our team provides in-house assessments and brace fittings based on your symptoms, activity level, and goals. You leave with a brace that’s tailored to you, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Why the Unloader One X Works for Walkers & Hikers
For those who love to move outdoors, knee pain can turn even a short outing into a challenge. The Unloader One X makes walking and hiking more accessible again by:
Reducing pain during and after activity
Improving stability and confidence on slopes and trails
Supporting longer walks with less fatigue
Fitting comfortably under outdoor gear
Allowing for natural, unrestricted movement
Beyond the Brace: Benchmarking & Strength Training for Long-Term Confidence
At Technique, we take your recovery and performance seriously. The brace is just one tool, we also integrate benchmarking and strength & conditioning into your movement journey.
From your very first session, we assess and track key performance indicators like:
Joint mobility
Movement control
Strength symmetry
Walking comfort and endurance
This allows us to personalise your plan and track your progress over time with clarity. Benchmarking isn’t about comparison, it’s about understanding your unique starting point and what’s improving.
When paired with strength and conditioning, this approach helps reinforce proper joint mechanics, build stability, and maintain resilience, especially valuable for walkers and hikers who want to stay strong and mobile on varied terrain.
Whether you're planning a hiking holiday or simply want to walk your dog pain-free, these combined strategies help ensure you're moving forward, step by step.
What to Expect at a Technique Brace Fitting
We believe a good brace should fit your lifestyle just as much as it fits your knee.
Here’s what to expect when you come in for a fitting:
A detailed consultation, including symptom review and movement assessment
Expert guidance to choose the best brace for your body and goals
Hands-on fitting and adjustment to ensure comfort and effectiveness
Clear education on how and when to use your brace
Optional integration with strength training, benchmarking, or physiotherapy if needed
We stock only high-quality braces from trusted brands like Össur, and we make sure you walk away with something that supports your everyday life.
Ready to Walk Pain-Free?
We’ve seen how the right support, combined with the right plan, can give people their freedom back. Whether you’re hiking, travelling, or just trying to get through your day without discomfort, don’t let knee pain slow you down.
Brace fitting is available at our Bank and Vauxhall locations.
Book your brace fitting now at Technique Health & Fitness and start your next walk with confidence.
