If you’ve been to the gym or a baseball field recently, there’s a good chance that you’ve noticed some individuals wearing compression sleeves on their arms. These sleeves do more than just keep the arm warm, and they can be perfect for anyone looking to improve or maintain shoulder function. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why more athletes are turning to shoulder compression sleeves to improve their shoulder health.
Shoulder Sleeve Purposes
A standard shoulder compression sleeve is made from stretchy and breathable materials like nylon, spandex or neoprene. They are designed to have a snug fit around the arm and shoulder without putting too much pressure on the area to restrict movement and blood flow. Worn correctly, and athletes may notice a few different shoulder-related benefits, including:
- Optimized Circulation – The constant, gentle pressure on the arm and shoulder helps to open blood vessels and improve blood flow to the shoulder. This means the shoulder and its supporting soft tissues have access to oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood, which aids in tissue recovery. Mild muscle and tissue damage will heal faster when given an ample blood supply, which is why many athletes use compression sleeves to enhance healing after normal wear and tear from games, practices or workouts.
- Swelling Control – Regular shoulder stress, like what you might experience during athletics or a workout routine, can trigger an inflammatory response in the shoulder. While this is part of the normal healing process, recovery can actually be delayed when too much fluid and inflammation develops in a region. Gentle compression prevents excessive fluid buildup and inflammation, speeding up your recovery time and reducing the risk of further injury due to persistent inflammation.
- Joint Stabilization – The shoulder sleeve also acts as another layer of support for the joint and the surrounding structures. A stable shoulder is a more functional shoulder, and this also helps to improve our form. We become more aware of our shoulder’s position and movements in relation to the space around it (proprioception) when the sleeve is providing compression and stabilization, and this enhances our form and mechanics. When you’re more aware of your shoulder and arm positioning when performing sport specific activities, it’s easier to have the right form, which reduces your risk of excessive stress and injury in the shoulder region.
- Pain Control – Shoulder sleeves can also help take our mind off pain or discomfort. The constant pressure on the skin helps to drown out pain sensations and provide a sense of pain relief. A sleeve shouldn’t be used to mask pain that requires targeted treatment, but for general soreness and mild discomfort that may develop after an extended period of stress, a shoulder sleeve can help take your mind off of the uncomfortable sensations.
As we alluded to in the last point, shoulder sleeves should not be viewed as a protective treatment option that replaces other tried and true methods, like strength training, ample recovery periods and physical therapy. These sleeves can be a wonderful compliment to a comprehensive treatment plan, but they should not be used as a sole treatment method or as a band-aid to continue playing through obvious discomfort. Rest, physical therapy and more hands-on approaches with the help of a shoulder specialist will prove more effective at providing long term relief to your shoulder issues, but for high school athletes or weekend warriors who want a little extra support and stabilization to their shoulder during their athletic endeavors, a shoulder sleeve can be a great option.
For more information about shoulder injuries and the best way to overcome them, connect with Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
