TO COMPRESS OR NOT TO COMPRESS---THAT IS THE QUESTION.

TO COMPRESS OR NOT TO COMPRESS---THAT IS THE QUESTION….

Athletic fashion has seen a rise in the wearing of compression sleeves and shorts.  The added athletic clothing has been seen in all sports at all levels of completion. Recent press releases have called the efficacy of these articles into question.  Are they worth while, do they do as they promise and can they be detrimental?

Let me start with detrimental.  In almost all cases, no.  If you are in good enough shape to participate in a sport then you are in shape enough to wear the compression sleeve or shorts.

How do they deliver on the promise of increased circulation and muscular efficiency?   

Your muscles have elasticity as a common characteristic.  Unlike your tendons and ligaments, your muscles will return to their original shape after contraction or stretch.  The younger you are the denser the muscle is and the quicker they can return.  As we age the loss of density reduces elasticity.  The compression sleeve can add to the elasticity available and add to your ability to remove waste from the cells.  The muscles covered by the sleeve must be big enough to stretch the sleeve during contraction in order to receive the compression benefit.  My suggestion to active patients is to have another sleeve available when participation is complete.  At that time putting the fresh, not stretched or wet sleeve on will add to your ability to clear muscles of waste.  This will speed your recovery time and limit the post exercise ache.  A reduction in recovery time equals an increase in fitness level.

Of course, water intake, nutrition and preparation for your sport far outweigh the need for the sleeve.  Yes, they help, however, more after the event than during.