Copper Compression Sleeve: Understanding the Real Benefits of Copper in Compression Therapy

Copper's Age-Old Benefits and Modern Copper Compression Sleeves

Belief in copper’s antibacterial properties date back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians would use it to sterilize wounds; Greeks would use it to create clean drinking water. Romans and Aztecs even relied on it for its medicinal properties. In the modern world, not only are copper components becoming prevalent in various settings for their antibacterial qualities, but products like copper compression sleeves are also gaining traction for their therapeutic benefits.

In fact today, copper has made a comeback. In the US alone, 15 hospitals are looking to install — if they haven’t already — copper components across busy surfaces that are prone to exposure from microbes.

The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has installed drinking fountains with copper surfaces. Apparently the Colorado Springs US Olympic Committee’s flagship training center uses dumbbells with antimicrobial copper grips, similar to professional hockey teams the LA Kings and St. Louis Blues.

Fast food chains like Chick-fil-A have begun using copper for their restroom door handles. Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cites copper as the only metal in the world that can help prevent pathogens.

“Tests performed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) show that 99.9 percent of disease-causing bacteria and viruses are eliminated within two hours on surfaces made of copper or its alloys,” reports the Del Mar Times.

How does it work?

Copper kills various pathogens once it interacts with oxygen and modifying oxygen molecules. And while there has only been one published clinical trial that demonstrates the effectiveness of copper, the results — which showed a 58 percent drop in infection rates — was enough to prompt further study.

The world however, was all too eager to leverage on copper’s antimicrobial properties. Along with reports of its disinfecting possibilities, anecdotal reports of copper being used for its pain management and wound healing properties are also making the rounds. To that end, it almost comes as no surprise that copper’s inherent advantages are now being applied to fabric — particularly for compression garments.

Copper Compression Sleeves and Garments

Compression garments are used to deliver graduated pressure, improve circulation and provide better support for high impact activities for athletes, or improve blood flow for patients suffering from arthritis.

Made with highly engineered, elastic fabric, a sleeve, for instance, is designed to mold around a particular area to help increase blood and lymphatic flow. Adding the intrinsic advantages of copper into compression garments that are constantly worn, essentially improves on a therapeutic product that has long been used by doctors and patients to improve performance and speed up recovery.

Understanding Your Options

With the plethora of compression garments available in the market, making an informed choice can be a daunting task. Among the myriad of options, brands like Dr. Arthritis stand out due to their emphasis on quality combined with medical insight.

Copper-Infused Compression Sleeves: Crafted with a blend of 88% copper nylon and 12 percent spandex, these sleeves are tailored for those seeking effective relief and support. Perfect for athletes wanting to improve performance or individuals needing enhanced circulation, these sleeves also cater to those recovering from muscle strains or sprains.

Copper Compression Gloves: Ideal for individuals with arthritis or those who engage in tasks that strain the hands and fingers, these gloves provide warmth, reduce inflammation, and improve blood circulation. Whether you're typing away at a desk, playing a musical instrument, or simply seeking relief from joint pain, these gloves are a snug fit for multiple scenarios.

Copper-Infused Knee Braces: Tailored for individuals who experience knee pain, are recovering from surgery, or engage in high-impact sports, these braces offer optimum support. They provide gentle compression, reducing inflammation and aiding in quicker recovery.

Copper Ankle Supports: For those who've experienced ankle sprains or simply require added support during activities like running or hiking, these ankle supports are ideal. They ensure stability, reduce pain, and assist in a swifter healing process.

Copper Compression Socks: These are great for individuals on their feet for extended periods, travelers, or those with conditions leading to swollen feet or varicose veins. They aim to boost circulation, reduce fatigue, and provide day-long comfort.

Everyone's journey with arthritis and joint pain is different, and finding the right solution can be transformative. If you or a loved one is navigating through joint or muscle challenges, or if you're an athlete seeking optimal performance support, Dr. Arthritis may have just what you need.

Browse through Dr. Arthritis and discover the perfect fit for your needs or read through other informative articles about copper compression sleeves below: 

Copper Compression Gloves: Merging Fashion, Function, and Wellbeing

The Multifaceted Benefits of Wearing Copper: A Closer Look at Antimicrobial Properties