A compression sleeve is a specialized garment designed to apply graduated pressure to a limb, supporting blood flow and managing swelling. These garments are frequently used for athletic recovery, reducing muscle vibration, or for medical purposes like managing lymphedema or preventing deep vein thrombosis. For the sleeve to provide its intended benefits and not cause harm, it must be put on correctly, as improper application can create pressure points or restrict circulation. The process requires careful attention to skin preparation and a deliberate technique to ensure the material is smooth and evenly distributed across the limb.
Preparing for Sleeve Application
Before putting on the sleeve, the underlying skin must be completely clean and dry to minimize friction. Any residual moisture, such as from a shower or lotions, significantly increases the drag between the fabric and the skin, making application difficult or impossible. It is recommended to apply the sleeve early in the morning when natural swelling is at its lowest point, which makes the process easier.
Orienting the sleeve correctly is a necessary preparation step. For sleeves covering joints like the knee or elbow, the garment often has a specific placement, such as an opening or a reinforced area. Many high-compression sleeves are best applied by first turning the garment mostly inside out, leaving only the distal end (the cuff that goes around the wrist or foot) right-side out to start the pull.
For higher-grade medical compression garments, specialized aids may be required to protect the material and assist the user. Donning rubber-coated gloves provides a better grip on the smooth fabric and prevents fingernails or jewelry from snagging or tearing the fibers. In cases of fragile skin or very high compression, a slick silk or parachute-like liner may be used to reduce friction; this liner is removed once the sleeve is in place.
The Step-by-Step Technique
The physical application should begin with the cuff positioned correctly at the wrist, ankle, or elbow, ensuring any designated heel or thumb pockets are aligned. The most effective technique involves a series of small movements, pulling up only a short section of the garment at a time. This “bunch and roll” or “accordion” technique prevents the material from being overstretched or gathered into a tight band.
Use the palms or the flat surfaces of the fingers, rather than the fingertips, when gripping and moving the material up the limb. Gripping with fingertips concentrates pressure on small points, which can damage the fabric’s elastic structure or create a localized pressure point on the skin. The goal is to use the full surface area of the palm and fingers to distribute the pulling force evenly.
As the sleeve moves up the limb, pause and smooth out any wrinkles or folds that develop, especially around joints like the ankle, knee, or elbow. These wrinkles must be gently worked out by running the flat of the hand over the area before proceeding further up the limb. Pulling the entire sleeve up in one forceful motion is ineffective and causes uneven compression and material damage.
Continue the rolling motion incrementally, working the sleeve up the limb in small stages until it is fully extended to its final position. Once the sleeve is fully on, check the entire surface by running hands over the material to ensure it lies perfectly flat against the skin. If the sleeve has a defined top band, it must sit flat against the skin without rolling over itself, which would create a restrictive tourniquet effect.
Checking for Correct Fit and Comfort
After the sleeve is fully applied, perform a final inspection to verify safe and effective compression. The primary check involves visually confirming that the entire length of the sleeve is completely smooth, as minor wrinkles concentrate pressure and impede circulation. The top cuff must also be inspected to ensure it is not folded down or digging into the skin, which can indicate the sleeve is too long or has been pulled too high.
Perform a quick circulation check, looking for signs that the compression is too great, even if the sleeve appears smooth. Immediate indicators of a fit problem include numbness, tingling, or a noticeable change in the color of the skin distal to the sleeve’s end (such as the fingers or toes). If any of these signs appear, the sleeve should be removed immediately and the sizing re-evaluated.
If minor adjustments are needed to smooth out a small wrinkle, gently use the rubber-coated gloves or the flat of the hand to work the material. The adjustment should involve sliding the material in very small motions rather than trying to yank or pull the sleeve. A sleeve that fits correctly will feel firm and supportive, but it should not cause pain or discomfort during normal movement.