Types of Recovery Wear for Joint and Muscle Support

Recovery wear is clothing that uses compression to provide targeted support and extra protection to joints and muscles. It can be a part of the recovery and rehabilitation process for professional athletes, gym-goers, and everyone who experiences chronic pain.

We recommend adding recovery wear to everyone looking to prevent injuries, ease pain, or perform better during workouts or athletic competitions. There are different types of this apparel, and we’ll dive into how it works, what benefits it provides, and how to choose the right recovery wear for your needs.

Types of Recovery Wear

Compression wear includes different garments for the upper, middle, and lower body. It’s mostly made of synthetic fabrics, like polyester and Spandex, that ensure tight fit, elasticity, and breathability. 

Blends like yarn provide sustainable pressure and garment durability, while natural materials like cotton and bamboo add extra softness and stretchiness. Bamboo is also a natural semiconductor, creating a warming effect used in temperature-regulating recovery wear, like in Thermo Recovery Wear.

Compression Wear for Upper Body

Compression wear for the upper body is versatile and provides benefits for various activities and recovery needs. These garments can support and enhance circulation in the entire upper body or its parts like shoulders, arms, or upper back.

Shoulder compression sleeves offer localized pressure to ease pain and improve movements in the shoulder area and upper back. Increased blood flow in this area soothes inflammation in larger muscle groups (deltoid and trapezius muscles) and prevents soreness.

Arm compression sleeves improve blood flow and act on joints like an elbow or wrist, reducing muscle fatigue and providing pain relief. They're perfect for sports like basketball, volleyball, or tennis, exercising amateurs, and people suffering from any condition causing discomfort.

Some of the top-performing products in this category are: 

• Thermo Lite Dual Shoulder Sleeve
• New Balance Unisex Outdoor Sports Compression Arm Sleeves
• Pure Compression Copper Wrist Support

Compression Clothing for Middle Body

Compression wear for the middle body targets the core area, abdomen, and lower back, providing support for abdominal and lower back muscles. Technology in these garments makes them suitable for those seeking extra support during activities that include their cores, like weightlifting. 

Wearing a compression waistband or belt means less pain and discomfort in the lower back. Thanks to thermoregulating features, these models keep the body warm, which means a lot during cold weather and when training in fresh, cool air. 

T-shirts and vests that implement compression work for the entire upper and middle body. These can result in better body stability and enhanced muscle alignment. Materials used for these garments don’t absorb moisture, keeping the body dry during workouts.

Recovery garments that provide excellent support and ensure good posture are:

• Thermo Lite Back Brace
• Mueller Lumbar Support Back Brace with Removable Pad
• Under Armour HeatGear Long Sleeve Shirt

Compression Wear for Lower Body

Compression wear for the lower body focuses on supporting key muscle groups in the upper legs, hips, knees, and lower back. It provides recovery benefits to muscle groups in these areas, and it comes in the form of leg sleeves, shorts, and pants.

Leg sleeves (or calf sleeves) apply compression to address joint pain and muscle fatigue in the lower leg. The same goes for knee sleeves, except they only cover the knee joint. Compression shorts focus on the upper leg and often include features for knee support. And compression pants combine the best of both worlds, ensuring overall support for the entire lower body.

These garments use graduated pressure to speed up blood circulation from the feet back to the heart. Improved blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients reach muscles, and when these are well-nurtured, the chances for swelling, aches, and muscle soreness in the lower body are minimal. 

We recommend using these products to give you lower body support:

• Thermo Lite Knee Sleeve
• CW-X Endurance Generator Joint & Muscle Support Compression Tight
• 2XU Men's Light Speed Compression Shorts

How to Choose Recovery Wear

With so many different brands and models of compression wear, it can be challenging to know which one to choose. Here are some tips to help you select the right compression clothing for your needs.

Know Your Needs

Consider the condition and body part that has to be treated and choose the recovery wear that provides the most impact to the targeted area.

Compression Level

Various compression levels in recovery wear range from light to extra tight. These depend on the wearer’s needs, the activity they engage in, and the specific condition they plan to treat. 

Consider the Fit

Compression wear should make wearers move and feel comfortable but still provide enough pressure. If the clothing is too loose or too tight, it would be uncomfortable and ineffective. Make sure to try on compression wear before buying to ensure a proper fit.

Garment Price

Recovery wear brands like Thermo Recovery Wear usually don’t cost a fortune, but they might be a bit costlier than regular clothing since they’re apparel that provides support, pain relief, and enhanced performance. We suggest shopping around before the purchase as many brands offer discounts and promo codes for the first order.

To Sum Up

Recovery wear promotes faster healing after strenuous physical activity or injury, minimizes pains, and optimizes the recovery experience in the targeted body parts. With optimal compression, support, and protection to muscles and joints, this garment can be an excellent way to avoid using painkillers, going to physical therapies, and undergoing surgeries.

Ready to let the pain out? Choose the right compression outfit for your needs and start feeling the benefits of recovery wear. Try our collection and experience the difference today!