Athletes have used compression sleeves as a performance, support, and recovery booster for years. But how exactly do compression sleeves work?

When it comes to how compression sleeves work, they help joints and muscles stay warm and loose by increasing blood pressure in a certain area to improve blood flow toward the heart (venous return). That pressure improves oxygenated blood flow and aids in the faster removal of waste products and lactic acid.

Wearing compression sleeves reduces inflammation, supports joints, helps prevent muscle fatigue and reduces injury risk. Athletes will often wear them during a workout to increase blood flow and oxygenation, which improves oxygen delivery to working muscles and reduces muscle shake, which helps save energy. Research shows that compressing muscles reduces the symptoms of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Athletes will also wear compression sleeves on their legs during long flights to combat blood pooling.

Compression sleeves are often made from neoprene, polyester, nylon, and spandex. It’s important to look for materials that let the skin breathe and properly sweat, which prevents overheating. 

GO Sleeves were designed to combine the best benefits of compression and kinesiology tape in a way that’s reusable and quick to apply.  Compression and kinesiology taping technology have distinctly different mechanisms of action than can now be combined in one easy-to-use product.  GO Sleeves are more effective than traditional compression sleeves while being cheaper, faster, and simpler than kinesiology tape products. They can be worn during your activity AND after for pain relief and faster recovery.

GO Sleeves offer the first and only compression sleeve products with built-in kinesiology taping technology that supports key joints, ligaments, and tendons. Every sleeve contains silicone strips that trigger natural pain reduction, increase recuperating blood flow, and aid in lymphatic drainage. They are super-lightweight, breathable, washable, and reusable. GO Sleeves currently offer knee sleeves, calf sleeves, and elbow sleeves. 

Prevent Injury and Pain - Before Activity

Reduce any susceptibility for injury and prep for your best possible workout. Wearing GO Sleeves before activity keeps your muscles, joints, and tendons warm and ready to perform, whether you’re hitting the gym, the gridiron, or even the garden.

Stay Active Longer & Compete Harder - During Activity

GO Sleeves give you optimal and targeted support where you need it most while facilitating full range of motion. Because GO Sleeves help improve blood flow and reduce lactic acid build-up, you can experience more peak performance and less pain so you can stay focused on the game.

Recover Faster & Stronger - After Activity

Keep GO Sleeves on post-workout or wear them for an hour or two throughout the day. GO Sleeves activate your body’s natural ability to reduce inflammation, tightness, and fatigue, which translates to less pain and soreness post-workout.

Josiah Middaugh is the Head of Performance Science at GO Sleeves. Middaugh has a Master’s Degree in Kinesiology, 20 years of experience working with athletes of all kinds, and a long list of multi-sport racing accomplishments. 

Middaugh’s professional racing accomplishments:

2015 XTERRA World Champion

15-Time XTERRA USA National Champion

6-Time USSSA National Snowshoe Champion 

4-Time Fat Bike World Champion

10-Time GoPro Mountain Games, Ultimate Mountain Challenge Champion

2-Time USAT Winter Triathlon National Champion

Middaugh’s favorite ways to use GO Sleeves are to accelerate recovery and to mitigate calf muscle and Achilles tendon tightness. Learn more about Josiah’s coaching practice for endurance athletes at middaughcoaching.com.