New Canmore Shop Brings Recovery, Injury Prevention, and Mobility Support Under One Roof

Banff Sport Medicine has opened a new retail space inside its Canmore clinic, giving Bow Valley residents access to braces, joint supports, and recovery tools with in-person guidance from trained staff.

The new Banff Sport Bracing Shop is located within the clinic’s existing space and builds on services the team has already been providing to patients.

“The Banff Sport Bracing Shop is a natural extension of the care we’ve been providing for years,” said Julie-Anne Fritz, clinical research coordinator for Banff Sport Medicine. “We were seeing more people looking for high-quality braces and recovery tools, but also wanting expert guidance to make sure they were using the right product, the right way.”

Rather than referring patients elsewhere, the clinic decided to offer those products on site so people could get both care and equipment in one place.

More than braces

While braces are a key part of the shop, Fritz said the space offers much more than many people might expect.

Products include joint supports for knees, ankles, wrists, shoulders, and backs, as well as compression garments, orthotics, mobility aids, and recovery tools.

“The focus is on helping people move comfortably and confidently,” she said. “That includes injury prevention, recovery, and long-term joint health.”

Serving the Bow Valley community

Fritz said the shop is designed for a wide range of people, not just competitive athletes.

“The shop is for everyone,” she said. “That includes athletes, people who work physical jobs, seniors who want to stay mobile, and anyone dealing with ongoing joint issues or injuries.”

In an active mountain community like the Bow Valley, she said having access to proper support and injury prevention tools can make a big difference in daily life.

“The shop helps bridge the gap between clinical care and what people need outside the clinic,” she said.

Integrated care under one roof

Having the bracing shop inside the clinic allows staff to work closely with medical and rehabilitation professionals already on site.

“Our physicians, surgeons, physiotherapists, massage therapists, and strength and conditioning coaches can recommend specific products and make sure they are fitted and used properly,” Fritz said. “That continuity helps improve recovery and reduce the risk of re-injury.”

A typical visit starts with a conversation about a person’s activity level, injury history, and goals. From there, trained staff help select and fit the right product, with professional guidance included as part of the visit.

“Fittings and support are a big part of the experience,” Fritz said. “We want people to leave feeling confident in what they are using.”

Local support over online shopping

Fritz said one of the main differences between the bracing shop and buying products online is the level of personal support.

“Online shopping does not offer fittings or advice based on how someone actually moves or lives,” she said. “Here, people get guidance tailored to their body, lifestyle, and needs.”

Early response and what’s next

Since opening, Fritz said the shop has received positive feedback from both existing patients and new customers.

“People appreciate having access to trusted products and expert advice close to home,” she said. “Many have told us it is reassuring to know they are using the right support for their situation.”

Looking ahead, she said the clinic plans to continue expanding its offerings and education, including the launch of an online Banff Sport Bracing platform.

“This shop reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the health and mobility of the Bow Valley community,” Fritz said.

Visit the Banff Sport Bracing Shop at 213–300 Old Canmore Road (second floor, Shops of Canmore) to explore the space and get fitted with expert guidance.