Super Bowl Update: Products to help you in the big game

It's that time of the year again. With the Super Bowl coming up, the NFL's two best teams this year; the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos, are facing off for the ultimate prize. Here at Think Sport we have a wealth of products for the aspiring or professional American Football player, whether you're competing in the sport's biggest game or just playing in the park with your mates. 

Looking 'Fascia'-nable

Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been struggling this season thanks partially to a torn Plantar fascia he picked up midway through the year. The Plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue running along the base of the foot, and tears, aggravation or breakdown of the fascia can all lead to intense pain and discomfort, known as Plantar Fasciitis.

While he's recovering he might want to think about wearing the Ultimate Performance Plantar Fascia Sock, which helps to relieve pain and reduce the effects of Plantar Fasciitis. An adjustable strap system pulls the toes back up towards the knee, and by stretching the Plantar fascia for long periods (ie overnight) it encourages it to heal (or should we say heel?) properly. If you've got a similar injury this is a great choice. 

Taping Up

If you're an active person, especially if you play a contact sport like American Football, you're likely to get some muscular aches and pains. Many players in the Super Bowl will no doubt be using products such as KT Tape to help them reduce muscle pain, increase mobility and enhance athletic performance. It can provide lasting support to a number of injuries, and comes pre-cut so it can be quickly and easily applied when you need it. A huge choice of eye-catching colours also means it looks pretty great.

Throwing to Victory

In the NFL, quarterback is undoubtedly the most important position on the field, and can often be the difference between the two sides. Super Bowl quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Cam Newton are both excellent players, with Manning coming towards the end of a great career and Newton on the ascendancy.

With all the throwing they do, they might need a product such as the Bauerfeind EpiTrain Elbow Support. This is a great product for severe, persistent elbow pain, and is ideal for repetitive strain injuries such as tennis elbow. The knitted compression fabric soothes and stimulates the muscles, accelerating healing and allowing you to carry on throwing the football. 

Get a Grip

Catching the ball is an integral part of any football game, so products that can help with your grip, whatever the weather, are hugely desirable. Unfortunately the NFL has banned use of sticky substances so you won't see anyone using them in the actual game, but for any other leagues, or training, you can still use products such as the Mueller Stickum Spray and the Mueller Stickum Paste, which help you hold on to the ball. 

Brace Yourself

Knee injury is a big problem in most sports, and American football is no exception. Ligament injuries especially, such as ACL or MCL tears or sprains, are very common and can cause players to miss months at a time. This is due to the sudden changes of movement, bursts of speed and collisions that are commonplace in the game. Whether you're recovering from a tear, or trying to prevent one, products such as the Donjoy Playmaker II Knee Brace are a great option, and allow you to stay active while still protecting yourself.

Enjoy the Game!

When Sunday rolls around, bragging rights for the next year will be decided. Whether you're playing in the Super Bowl yourself or, slightly more likely, watching it on TV, you might even see some of these products being used. And as for Think Sport's pick, we think everyone's a winner (but maybe we're going for Denver in a close-fought game).