Should You Use a Sports Brace or Compression Sleeve? What to Know

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When you want to improve your range of motion, you take a little extra time to stretch before and after your workouts. When you want to improve your accuracy on the court, you run through shooting drills and work on your form. Just like the right exercises can help improve your skills, the proper orthopedic devices can boost your training and recovery routine.

Sports braces and compression sleeves are two of the most popular types of orthopedic devices, but they benefit athletes in different ways. Here are a few main differences between the two, so you can figure out which option is right for you.

Level of Support

Braces and compression sleeves both offer support, but in different ways. Sports braces provide substantial support and stabilization; they might feature straps, hinges, and other sturdy components that control joint movement and offer stability. 

Sleeves, on the other hand, have a simpler design and provide milder support and compression. They’re usually made from flexible materials like neoprene, Drytex, or elastic.

Purpose

Since braces are made of more rigid materials and offer greater stability, they’re generally used to limit certain movements or provide targeted support. This makes them a great choice for people recovering from an injury or athletes who want to protect their joints during high-impact activities.

Compression sleeves are often used to address or prevent minor injuries, such as strains or sprains. Ankle, elbow, or knee compression sleeves can also reduce swelling and promote circulation, making them a great recovery tool for athletes or a great option for everyday wear. 

Knee Compression Sleeves

Versatility

Braces can be customized to an athlete, tailored to a sport, or designed for a specific injury. Because of this, sports braces are typically a more versatile option that can address a wide range of concerns.

Compression sleeves might be easier to wear during different activities or address more common injuries, but they generally have a smaller scope of use. Sleeves are designed to alleviate minor pains, provide mild stability, or address swelling, making them great for addressing common aches and pains.

Type of Sport

Athletes who play sports that involve rapid lateral movements, jumping, and quick footwork can benefit from an ankle brace, since these sports have a higher risk of sprains and other ankle injuries. Runners, on the other hand, might wear compression sleeves to gently support their knees or boost their recovery.

Both braces and compression sleeves can be tailored to the needs of various athletes. Even though some devices are best suited for certain sports, whether an athlete needs a brace or a sleeve depends on their body and what type of support they need.

Ankle Brace

Whether you’re training for an upcoming season, rehabbing an old injury, or want to protect your joints during daily activities, braces and sleeves can help. Understanding the difference between these two types of orthopedic devices can help you choose the right one for your needs.

 About DonJoy®

 Every athlete, from elite swimmers to casual runners, deserves to feel supported as they strive for new goals. Just like a great coach or an uplifting team can help athletes perform their best, reliable sports medicine braces from DonJoy® can help them train and recover. In addition to creating equipment for training and recovery, this innovative brand offers educational resources and gear for everyday use. Whether you’re looking for a knee running support brace to keep your patella secure during your marathon training or an arm brace to stabilize your shoulder as you recover from an injury, turn to DonJoy®. The Bracing Advisor tool on the brand’s website can help you find the right brace, while the Injury Info Center can help you learn about common injuries or rehabilitation strategies.

Find braces, sleeves, and other orthopedic devices at https://www.donjoystore.com/

Location: 5919 Sea Otter Pl Ste 200, Carlsbad, CA 92010, USA

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