Compression Sleeves & Braces

Whether you have an injury or just need a little extra support, compression sleeves and braces can help with mobility. But what’s the difference between these two types of compression devices? Compression braces, like a knee brace or a back brace, often use both fabric and mechanical supports to protect past injuries. Your physician may recommend a brace post-surgery, but compression braces can also be used for long-term condition management, providing extra support during strenuous activities. Compression braces also apply slight pressure to the body and restrict blood flow to help reduce swelling and joint pain. But if you’re dealing more with muscle pain, devices that increase blood flow, like heating pads, may offer more relief.

Alternatively, a compression sleeve is often made of flexible, lightweight fabric and offers more range of motion than a brace. To apply mild pressure and support, you can wear arm sleeves, knee sleeves, leg sleeves, and more. Compression sleeves can help prevent injuries and possibly decrease recovery time. For athletes and other active individuals, you can find leg sleeves for basketball or elbow compression sleeves to help avoid tennis elbow symptoms. You may want to consider a knee running sleeve to offer joint support while jogging on a treadmill. And you can use compression sleeves for arms and shoulders while lifting weights. But if you have a previous or ongoing injury, it’s important to consult with your physician to decide whether a compression sleeve or brace is the right device for you.

You can find compression sleeves and braces with a variety of exciting styles and features. Many are also HSA and FSA eligible. Depending on where you need the support, you can choose from compression sleeves, gloves, straps and more. And some compression devices come with helpful features like rechargeable batteries or antimicrobial properties. But if you’re interested in active aging or just want to enhance your physical wellness, several other tools can assist you. Items like foam rollers and yoga equipment can offer a gentle source of additional support. If you’re using compression sleeves for exercise or sports, you may want to invest in other workout recovery devices, like massage guns or rollers. You can also use muscle stimulators like TENS units to further relax tense areas. And if you want to keep track of your physical activity while using compression sleeves and braces, consider checking out a fitness tracker.