Using compression sleeves for support...Body Helix review

"Disclaimer: I received a full knee compression sleeve from Body Helix to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

Those of you who have been following me for awhile probably already know that I have bad knees – osteoarthritis damage – which I discovered before having surgery for a torn meniscus a few years back.   I manage it by running significantly less than I used to, taking supplements, etc. – but my new love of body pump weight workouts puts significant stress on my knees too.  So, long story short – I was curious to try this compression sleeve out to see if it could help.

I remember when I first went to the surgeon and he explained that the meniscus area really couldn’t heal itself because it gets very little circulation in that area to help.  Wearing this brace, theoretically, could help increase circulation in this troubled area of my knee.

I was very careful about measuring to get the size just right – and I did! It really fits beautifully!  There’s a trick to putting it on – there are videos on their website, but basically for the knee sleeve, you fold in half to put it on, then pull it up.  It’s not uncomfortable – it’s snug but in a secure way.  The first time I wore it, I used it in my body pump workout – which in part consists of sets of squats and lunges.   It’s my least favorite part of the class because I baby my knees so much.  Anyway, I wore it over my tights which I guess wasn’t the most ideal way to wear it. I still thought it was great!  Ideally it should be directly on your skin for best results.  I could feel warmth in my knee, and it just felt more stable, like I had the confidence to squat just a little lower.

According to their website, Body Helix is made for “stretching, staying put and rebounding” and consists of “Medical-grade compression: scientifically proven to aid in pain-relief.”  I’m in!

Ok, time for the real test – a run! I took it out on a 9 mile run.  Within a few miles, sweat was literally dripping down the back of my leg, from under the brace.  It stayed perfectly in place, it never slipped at all.  It was drenched when I took it off.

I was kind of surprised that it could be machine washed and go into the dryer too!  It came out as good as new!

The full knee sleeve retails for $49.99. There are more than a dozen different types of sleeves /wraps for virtually  any body part that is giving you trouble! 
 
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