Power Your Performance with Bauerfeind Sports Compression

Sports compression is a great way to give yourself a boost in training and an extra edge on the field. While a sports sock won’t replace careful conditioning, diet, and muscle memory, it can elevate them in key ways. From reducing muscle fatigue to preventing overuse injuries, here’s how our compression can benefit you. 

 

First, what is sports compression? 

“Compression refers to the targeted application of pressure on tissue with the help of external aids such as compression garments, bandages or pneumatic systems. You can think of it in simplified terms as pressing on a water balloon.” - Dr Casper Grim, Sports Physician. 

In sports, compression helps blood move from point A (out of tissues where it has already deposited oxygen and nutrients) to point B (back to the heart through organs like the lungs and kidneys for reoxygenation and waste removal). It also helps stimulate the muscle fibres to communicate more efficiently with the brain.

While these may seem simple, they hold a LOT of weight in sports, training, and general exercise.

The benefits of sports compression 

Sports compression supports have several benefits for sports and general exercise: 

1. Increased venous return, less muscle fatigue: when performing strenuous exercises like weightlifting, the veins can struggle to keep up with the arteries in moving deoxygenated blood out of tissues. As a result, the muscles can’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need fast enough, leading to fatigue. However, compression gently squeezes congested surface vessels and stimulates the muscles to support vein function better, leading to a slower rate of muscle fatigue. 
2. Fewer oscillations: muscle oscillations are the uncomfortable vibrations that shoot up the legs when your feet hit the ground while running or jumping. While they may not seem damaging, they can cause muscle microtrauma, slowing recovery. Lower body compression garments reduce these by supporting the muscles, leading to a quicker and more comfortable recovery. 
3. Reduced injury risk: on that note, compression can also help you avoid some gnarly overuse injuries like Achilles Tendonitis and Jumper’s Knee. With a slower rate of muscle fatigue and reduced microtrauma, the fibres can better support joint components like tendons and ligaments.
4. Feeling of support: Last but not least, compression provides a little bit of a placebo effect. It makes you feel well-supported, which in turn gives you a confidence boost.

The knitty gritty: how it’s all made 

“Our team consists mainly of colleagues who are enthusiastic about sports, who also contribute their own experiences and observations. This approach is supplemented by current studies and trend analyses. Other departments also support us with scientific facts and analyses, so that we can differentiate between different requirements. For example, running versus hiking, there are already different requirements in the choice of material (natural fibres vs. synthetic fibres).” - Moritz Rahn, Product Manager at Bauerfeind Sports.

Each of our sports compression supports combines intended use, science, and testing. For example, bushwalking is an outdoor activity that would benefit from natural fibres for temperature regulation, while basketball is a high-intensity sport requiring moisture-wicking synthetic fibres to reduce sweat, slipping, and chafing; you need all your attention to be on the game rather than the brace. 

The science stems from academic research into sporting injuries and recovery requirements, and support from clinicians like sports physios.

We also conduct several rounds of testing, starting with small focus groups and our own R&D teams and later expanding into larger trials as the products get more refined. The entire process can take between 6 months and 2 years. 

Each brace is also made per the sporting population’s diverse sizing needs. Longer and shorter variants, narrower and wider, and foot sizes (depending on the garment) all come into play. If a compression sleeve doesn’t fit exactly right, it won’t work exactly right.

Case studies on sports compression

Brooke Buschkuehl (@brookestratton) • Instagram photos and videos

Calf Compression Sleeves

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Thousands of people, from Rugby pros to everyday Aussies and Kiwis, swear by their sports compression supports. 

"The Bauerfeind compression microfibre material allows for a super comfortable fit. I feel as though I'm not wearing anything on my calves, but I know I'm getting the benefits. Since using the calf sleeves, I can recover more rapidly between sessions and can get more out of my body in the gym and on the track.” - Brooke Buschkuehl, Australian long jump record holder.

"I find the sleeves really comfortable - the right type of stretch and compression to work out in. I feel like my arms aren't as sore the following days compared to working out without the compression sleeves!" - Chris Remkes, Australian gymnast and 2018 Commonwealth Games Champion.

“Purchased the compression calf sleeve as advised by my physio for an upcoming Oztag tournament. My expectation was to only wear this during games to prevent further calf injuries, but it's so comfortable to wear post work outs. It looks great as well!” - Sunny Y, verified reviewer.

See more athletes’ quotes: Supporting Athletes in the Season of Sports

Check out Bauerfeind Reviews: Reviews - Bauerfeind

Who shouldn’t wear sports compression?

Sports compression supports and sleeves are safe for almost everyone, but you should take precautions if you have any of the following conditions: 

• Material allergies
• Sensitive skin
• Flesh wounds, rashes, or dermatitis
• Advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease (blockages in your arteries) 
• Septic phlebitis (infected and swollen veins)

In such cases, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist or vein specialist to determine whether compression is a safe option.

 

Feel the Bauerfeind Difference 

• Our products undergo years of research, development, and testing to ensure they are effective for each individual's sporting needs.
• Our research is based on academic papers, clinical trials, and input from leading sports physicians. 
• We have an incredibly wide sizing range, so everyone can find their perfect fit.
• Our materials are breathable, durable, and moisture-wicking, so you can get the most comfort and longevity from your support.

To sum up

Bauerfeind sports compression undergoes months of research, development, and testing to ensure it meets your performance needs. From diverse sizing to the type of fibres we use, each sleeve, sock, and support is made with you in mind. They work to boost circulation, reduce microtrauma, reduce fatigue, and lower the risk of overuse injury, all while giving you a performance boost so you can play at your best and train at your hardest.