Can Compression Garments Help Prevent Injuries?
Explore how compression sleeves and tights work, what benefits to expect, and how they may help reduce pain, prevent injury recurrence, and support recovery after exercise.
Compression Garments and Injury Prevention – A Guide for Sports Participants
What Are Compression Garments?
Compression garments (CGs) are snug-fitting sleeves or tights worn on limbs or joints. They apply gentle, consistent pressure to muscles and soft tissues. Used in sport and recovery, they are often worn on the calves, thighs, forearms or elbows.
How Do They Work?
Compression garments provide several benefits by:
• Reducing unwanted muscle vibrations during activity, which stabilises soft tissues.
• Supporting blood flow and aiding removal of waste products from exercise.
• Enhancing body awareness (proprioception), which improves movement control.
• Reducing swelling and pain after exercise or injury.
• Helping support areas affected by overuse, strain, or previous injury.
Effects on Running and Movement
Wearing compression sleeves during running can alter biomechanics in a beneficial way:
• Increases leg stiffness and “aerial time” – time spent in the air during a stride.
• Reduces ground contact time – how long the foot stays on the ground.
• Dampens muscle vibrations in thighs and calves.
• Reduces the need for muscles to work harder just to stay stable.
However, while they can change how the body moves, research does not consistently show improved race times or running efficiency in healthy athletes.
Do They Help Reduce Pain or Fatigue?
Compression garments have shown benefits in:
• Reducing Achilles tendon pain after long-distance running.
• Lowering muscle fatigue in weaker limbs (e.g. non-dominant arm in long tasks).
• Reducing pain in conditions like tennis elbow when sleeves or bands are applied correctly.
• Minimising delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) and swelling after hard exercise.
These effects are often more noticeable in people recovering from injury or with pre-existing discomfort.
Can They Prevent Injuries?
The evidence for preventing new injuries is limited and mixed. However:
• Many athletes wear compression garments to prevent re-injury (secondary prevention).
• Frequent use during sport has been linked to fewer reports of leg injuries in runners.
• By reducing soft tissue vibrations and improving awareness of movement, CGs may help protect muscles and tendons under load.
They are best seen as one part of a broader prevention plan, alongside proper technique, strength training, and recovery.
What Conditions Are They Used For?
Compression garments are commonly used for:
• Tendon pain (e.g. tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis).
• Muscle strains and sprains – to support and reduce swelling.
• DOMS – to speed up muscle recovery after new or hard training.
• Lower leg injuries – like shin pain or calf fatigue.
• Post-injury or post-surgical support – when guided by a clinician.
• Travel or long sitting – to reduce leg swelling and risk of clots.
Fit, Fabric and Pressure – What Matters?
• Fit: Garments must be snug but not tight. They should feel supportive but not restrict movement or blood flow.
• Material: Most use stretchy, breathable fabrics like spandex or nylon blends. Good ones wick sweat and retain shape.
• Compression level: Some provide graduated pressure (tighter at the ankle, looser above), thought to help venous return. The right level varies by person and purpose.
Perceived vs Actual Benefits
Athletes often feel that compression garments:
• Help prevent re-injury.
• Aid recovery and reduce soreness.
• Improve performance or endurance.
While these effects are strongly reported, studies show varied results in performance gains. The benefits may come more from pain relief, reduced fatigue, or confidence during sport rather than faster times or stronger output.
When and How to Use Them
• During sport: To reduce vibrations and support muscles.
• After sport: To ease recovery, soreness, and swelling.
• At work or during long activity: To support muscles under strain.
• With injury: As part of a recovery plan (guided by a clinician).
Clinical Pearls / Key Points
• Compression garments can reduce muscle vibration, pain and swelling.
• Many athletes use them to prevent recurring injuries.
• Biomechanical changes are evident, but performance benefits are less clear.
• They are best used as one part of a broader injury prevention or recovery plan.
Patient FAQs
Are compression sleeves good for all sports?
They are most commonly used in running, climbing, and racket sports. Their benefits may vary by sport and individual needs.
Should I wear compression during or after exercise?
Both can help, depending on your goal. Use during sport for support, or after sport for recovery and swelling control.
Can compression prevent serious injuries?
They may help reduce the risk of soft tissue strain but are not a substitute for proper training, warm-up, or technique.
Call to Action
If you have pain, book an appointment to be reviewed by Prof Imam or another member of our specialist team at The Arm Clinic. Early specialist care helps prevent long-term issues. Visit www.TheArmDoc.co.uk or book your consultation today. Phone: 020 3384 5588 | Email: Info@TheArmDoc.co.uk
Disclaimer
This information is for general educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional for individual guidance on your condition and treatment options.
This page was last clinically updated in May 2025