What Do Compression Sleeves Do?
Compression sleeves for the arms and the lower legs aren't just for show — people who wear them, usually athletes, use them because of the many benefits they provide.
What do compression sleeves do? One of the main benefits is the targeted support they give during exercise, which works to reduce muscle soreness and recovery times.
What Do Compression Sleeves Do — Main Purpose & Benefits
Like all other forms of compression clothing, the primary purpose and benefit of compression sleeves is to promote optimal blood circulation in the body. The science behind what compression wear does is that the binding garment places just the right amount of pressure on the veins and tissue, which, in turn, forces blood to flow through a smaller canal, helping blood recirculate and stream back to the heart.
Graduated compression support sleeves in particular, apply specific pressure and compression around the arm or calf to promote oxygen-rich blood flow to and from the limb. With the improvement of oxygen delivery in the body, muscles also become more stabilised.
Healthy blood circulation brings about several other health benefits as well, including:
- Comfort and relief from swelling, pain and some health conditions
- Decrease or elimination of the feeling of numbness that stems from poor circulation
- Boosted energy levels
- Reduced swelling, cramping, soreness, and fatigue
- Decreased muscle vibrations — the cause of muscle soreness
- Quicker recovery times from strenuous training or injury
- Improved temperature regulation
These advantages help athletes perform better and maximise their workouts. Additionally, arm sleeves are a good support system for such individuals, as they compress the arm muscles and elbow joints to help keep them aligned and moving properly. Wearing arm and calf sleeves also offers secondary benefits, such as providing physical protection against abrasions, cuts, bumps, and from the sun.
Can I Benefit from Wearing Compression Sleeves?
While compression sleeves are generally worn by athletes, most people from all walks of life can take advantage of these benefits, especially those with active outdoor lifestyles. Arm support sleeves can also assist in treating painful symptoms caused by conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
However, it's vital to wear support sleeves that fit the person properly to avoid unfavourable reactions; sleeves that are too tight may restrict circulation instead of stimulating it, while very loose garments may not apply pressure at all. It's also best to choose sleeves labelled with graduated compression, which means calf sleeves are tight at the ankles and looser towards the knees and arm sleeves at the wrists and upper arms respectively. This design helps the blood pump back up toward the heart and prevent fluids from pooling in the lower parts of the limb.
High-Quality Graduated Support Sleeves at TXG New Zealand
Whether you need support for your calves or arms, we’ve got you covered. TXG New Zealand offers a wide range of graduated compression sleeves to help you maximise your performance while minimising the risk of injury. We also have a selection of medical-grade compression socks perfect for casual everyday wear, long travels, sports, and health. Feel free to contact us for more information on our compression products.
Please note: The information provided here is for general information only and is not intended to act as medical advice. We advise anyone interested in this subject to seek qualified, professional advice.
