Compression sleeves are form-fitting elastic garments worn on the arms or legs that apply controlled pressure to the underlying tissues. These garments have become common in both athletic and medical settings, serving as recovery and performance aids. The reasons for their popularity range from optimizing physical performance during activity to managing chronic health conditions. Understanding the underlying science of compression reveals why these tight garments are used by a broad range of people seeking to improve circulation and reduce limb discomfort.
The Science of Compression
Compression sleeves function primarily by applying external mechanical pressure to the limb, which impacts the circulatory system. This pressure helps narrow the diameter of superficial veins, increasing the velocity of blood flow and supporting venous return. This mechanism pushes deoxygenated blood back toward the heart more efficiently, especially in the lower limbs where it works against gravity.
The external pressure also reduces the accumulation of fluid in the interstitial spaces, helping prevent swelling (edema) and supporting the movement of lymphatic fluid. Furthermore, compression provides mechanical stability to the muscles during physical activity. This stability reduces muscle oscillation, which can contribute to muscle fatigue and micro-damage.
Use in Athletic Performance and Recovery
In non-medical contexts, compression sleeves are frequently adopted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts to support performance and accelerate recovery. The stabilization provided helps reduce muscle vibration during high-impact or repetitive motions, such as running or weightlifting. This dampening effect lessens microscopic trauma to muscle fibers, potentially reducing fatigue during activity.
Following intense exercise, compression sleeves are associated with a reduction in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). By promoting blood flow, the sleeves assist in the faster removal of metabolic waste products, such as lactic acid. They offer a benefit in reducing discomfort and accelerating the functional recovery of muscles in the 24 to 48 hours after a workout.
Use in Managing Medical Conditions
Compression garments remain a standard treatment for numerous circulatory and lymphatic conditions. External pressure is a recommended therapy for managing Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), where weakened vein valves struggle to return blood to the heart. By compressing the veins, the sleeves help the valves function more effectively, preventing blood from pooling.
Sleeves are also used to manage Lymphedema, a condition involving the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, often occurring after cancer treatment. The graduated pressure assists the impaired lymphatic system in moving this fluid out of the affected limb, reducing swelling. Compression is also a measure against the formation of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), which are blood clots that can form during periods of prolonged inactivity.
Choosing the Right Level of Pressure
Selecting the appropriate compression sleeve requires understanding the standardized pressure measurement, expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). This measurement indicates the garment’s tightness, determines its intended use, and classifies garments into two categories: over-the-counter (OTC) and medical-grade.
OTC sleeves offer mild to moderate compression (8–15 mmHg or 15–20 mmHg) and are used for athletic recovery, travel, and general fatigue relief without requiring a prescription. Medical-grade sleeves begin at 20–30 mmHg and can exceed 40 mmHg, reserved for treating severe conditions like lymphedema or CVI. Due to the higher pressure, medical-grade sleeves often require a healthcare professional’s prescription and specialized fitting.