Studies and Testimonials Prove Compression Relieves Arthritis Pain
According to the Arthritis Foundation, about 54 million adults have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, with the most common type of arthritis being osteoarthritis, which affects an estimated 31 million Americans. The numbers will continue to grow, according the Foundation, as the number of people expected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis by the year 2040 is more than 78 million. With this prevalence, what can be done for those millions that are affected? Many self-manage their condition with medications, healthy diets, proper rest, and staying active. Often though, as many of you know, exercise and activity proves difficult when one is in pain.
ENCOURAGING RESEARCH FOR ARTHRITIS SUFFERERS
There has been a recent study that provides promising results for those that are suffering from arthritis. The study represents an honest attempt to determine the benefit of compression in patients with degenerative arthritis of the knees. Patients were asked to either wear compression or not and participate in a twelve-week exercise program. During the first week, pain control was better with the use of compression. After the first week, pain control was the same in both groups, demonstrating the importance of exercise as a tool to also help with pain control.
This is very encouraging news for arthritis patients who want better pain control if they do not exercise regularly. Additionally, it’s promising for those have tried to start a regular exercise program, but have found that their pain is initially too bothersome to continue. We have received many testimonials from arthritis sufferers who have benefitted from pain management with the continuous use of our Body Helix compression sleeves.
Body Helix was initially created to help athletes. Founder Fred Robinson is an internationally ranked tennis player who knows, as well as anyone, what it’s like to be out of the game due to pain and discomfort.
COMPRESSION ISN'T JUST FOR ATHLETES
Over the years, though, it’s become very apparent that our compression sleeves and wraps are for more than just athletes. Not only does the previously mentioned review of our Full Wrist Helix add testament to that, but as an untalented piano player myself who has undergone two thumb surgeries, I can tell you that there are many musicians who have had to sadly abandon their recreation because of arthritis.
The most common joint arthritis that affects pianists, drummers, and guitar players involves the wrist. Performers who stand for hours may have pain in weight bearing joints. The causes of arthritis include inflammatory arthropathies, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and degenerative or osteoarthritis. Fortunately, though, in the past two decades, there has been a dramatic improvement in the medications for the inflammatory arthropathies, both for controlling pain and preventing joint destruction.
The experience of the piano-playing user above likely represented comfortable compression of arthritis involving the wrist. She notes the compression is “tight and thin,” which are both features that we emphasize when highlighting our products. Another important feature is the lack of restriction of motion, which is obviously a desirable feature of compression when applied on any joint.
BODY HELIX COMPRESSION FEATURES
When evaluating various compression products for use with arthritis, one may find that there are several desirable and unfortunately, undesirable, features as well. Body Helix designed our wrist compression products to counteract the common undesirable features. The following are the ways we have achieved it:
- Comfort - Our silky-smooth fabric feels good on your skin and won’t pinch or bind.
- Our wraps/sleeves will stay in place. Our unique fabric acts like an adherent between your skin and the product and it won’t slip.
- Our super stretch wraps/sleeves will give you a perfect ergonomic fit and will allow you full range of motion when you move.
- Our Grade 1 medical compression (20-30mmHg) delivers effective relief for mild to moderate joint pain.
- Our fabrics are closed-cell in design, which prevents the absorption of sweat, odor, and bacteria growth.
- Our fabrics are latex-free, eliminating concerns for individuals dealing with latex allergies.
- Our fabrics are machine wash and machine dry. Laundering won’t affect the longevity of the material.
