Wondering why do players wear arm sleeves? So did I, when back in 2003 I went to witness an NBA game of, the Detroit Pistons against Los Angeles. Where the majority of players on the court were wearing arm sleeves without being part of their uniform (that left me in thought though). My research contrast the idea of wearing the arm sleeve not only as a fashion statement but for other several reasons, including utmost benefits and as full protection means.
The arm sleeves, extending from the bicep to the wrist, serve a considerable beneficial purpose to players, however, bring some risks along too. The guidance and precautionary you must know, are listed in the guide below, comprehending the primary usage of arm sleeves.
Why do Basketball Players Wear Sleeves on Their Arms?
Basketball sleeves also termed shooter sleeves or compression sleeves are far mostly used for several advantageous purposes. They are used to protect the injuries that may be sustained to players’ arms during basketball. Made of breathable materials commonly such as spandex, silk, polyester, and microfibers, they mainly are used to comfort the muscles. The arm sleeves, enhance muscle oxygenation. As the arm muscles get warm, it leads to active blood flow which results in boosted oxygenation and hence, reduced muscle fatigue and muscle soreness. Ultimately it results in providing more strength to the arm.
Active-ball handlers, On-ball defenders, and High volume shooters tend to use their muscles essentially more than other players. Extensive muscle use can end up in muscle tiredness and muscle stretching resulting in low productivity. Hence, the arm sleeves are considered a great solution for treating muscle-related pains and problems effectively. Another side reason for wearing the arm sleeves is to handle the sweat during the play. The extravagant sweating of some players makes them unduly uncomfortable in ways for either gripping the ball, interacting with fellows, or constant effort to wipe off the sweat.
Therefore, the players prefer to wear the arm sleeves, whose breathable material wicks the sweat away and maintains the optimal comfort level of dryness to perform well. Basketball sleeves also prevent injuries, bruises, and scratches. The competitive shots, such as boxing out of defense, hustling for loose balls, and other play on courts may lead to wounds therefore the arm sleeves act as a barrier to reduce the chances of getting scraped.
Another major benefit, yet also the most asked question is, What role can the basketball arm sleeve play in a player’s recovery? Well, the Graduated compression sleeves increase maximum blood circulation to the muscles, as they put the pressure near the wrist and lower towards the bicep slowly. This technique of compression benefits the players even after the play is ended. In final words, with the arm sleeves on, the players feel an extra layer of protection which encourages them to confident play and audit bravery.
7 Benefits of Wearing Basketball Arm Sleeves – What do Arm Sleeves Do?
The reason for wearing the arm sleeves is considerably several. Here are the key benefits mentioned to add to your list.
1. Quick Injury Healing:
The compression process is a modern therapy in which pressure is applied to the surface veins and blood is forced back deep into the vein systems. The procedure aids in the prevention of muscle swelling, clotting in the blood, and muscle fatigue to occur.
It fastens the healing process by supplying blood to the affected areas and helps in the speedy recovery of the injury.
2. Warmth of the Shooting Arm:
Warm muscles tend to react fast in comparison to cold ones. For proficiency in shooting, the players choose to keep their arms warm by wearing sleeves. In contrast to stiff arms, the flexible arm movement outcomes in accurate and precise shots. Besides, in case of an arm injury, the warm muscles keep the wounds painless and protected.
3. Relief in Muscles Pain:
In accordance with the compression technique, the sleeves somehow soften the arm tissues and effects in relieving the pain of elbow joints. It tends to keep the elbow in place and prevent ailments like hyperextension and pulled muscles.
4. Hiding Up Tatto:
The NBA prohibits the display of commercial, promotional marks, or logos on the body. Plus, the show of inappropriate tattoos is also discouraged in professional sports. The arm sleeves are possibly the best solution for the players to cover up the unnecessary tattoos.
5. Protection – against Injuries:
In the intense sport of basketball, the player can encounter extreme physical roughness, such as grabbing, pushing, and slapping. This may result in several times hitting the ground or being thrown across the hardwood surface leaving the arm burned, bruised, tendonitis, scratched, or sprained. These nylon or spandex sleeves sometimes with an extra layer of elbow padding protect the player from any type of harmful consequences.
6. Comfort & Confidence:
The sole of any sports is not just physical strength but mental stability and confidence too. With the arm sleeves on, the players usually find themselves much more secure and protected against injuries, grazes, and free of sweat which leads to mental comfort for the player. This helps in delivering the outshine performance with full confidence effectively.
7. Appearance:
Handsome hunks make the play more attractive. Certainly, arm sleeves define the fashion statement and enhance the look of the players.
Can Basketball Arm Sleeves Be Dangerous? Disadvantages of Basketball Arm Sleeves
Besides some great benefits, the arm sleeves bring some cons too. They can be riskier if you’re a patient with specific medical problems.
1. Allergies:
The nylon or spandex fabric of arm sleeves can lead to an allergic reaction in players with sensitive skin.
2. Cellulitis Infection:
Long-term and constant use of arm sleeves may result in infection caused by bacteria of staph. It may move to the skin tissues, causing fluid to build up if left untreated.
3. Peripheral Neuropathy:
The damage to arm nerves may be done, as a consequence of wearing tight sleeves for too long, which results in blood flow being restricted to the arms.
When Should You Avoid Wearing Basketball Arm Sleeves?
They can be dangerous if the player is suffering from some serious medical issues. Below prior guide should keep in mind, before deciding to wear the sleeves or not.
1. Diabetes:
Peripheral arterial disease, caused by diabetes negatively affects the way, that the compression garments are meant to increase blood circulation, however, the tight garments can result in restricting the blood circulation and hence leave blood clots in the body.
2. Acute Arm Ischemia:
Wearing tight sleeves may disrupt the flow of blood to the upper arms, causing pain in the forearms, neck, and elbows. This Restricted flow, can result in acute arm ischemia. Moreover, the pain in the arms and shoulder are signs of myocardial ischemia.
What’s the history of Hoops Players Wearing Sleeves? – Quick History
Allen Iverson, a renowned player of NBA history set the trend of arm sleeves while wearing them in one of the biggest matches of its time. Lenny Currier was the trainer for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2001 and Allen was playing under his mentorship. Allen was diagnosed with bursitis that affected his elbow at that time. The resultant inflammation and irritation of joints made it difficult for him to perform.
The medical solution suggested to him was of wearing the arm sleeves for coverage and quick healing. While wearing the arm sleeve, Allen performed fairly well and scored 51 points in that game. That left a sensation among basketball players and became a fashion statement throughout the basketball world. For that season, Allen also made his team to the finals too.
Why do Basketball players wear sleeves on their non-shooting arm?
The non-shooting arm is actively used by players, usually while defending themselves, and resting the arm on players. The effort while striving for the dunks and layups for coming off screens or holding off players, may continually result in contact of the players’ non-shooting arm with the opposing defender’s arms. This can cause, irritation in previous injuries, therefore, the players always prefer sleeves to wear in order to protect them.
They are also worn to prevent from rug burns which are usually the reason for colliding and sliding on the court floors.
Popular NBA Players who have won sleeves:
Since Allen Iverson made the sleeves famous, in the game from 2000 to 2001 NBA season, many other players adapted them as fashion and protection too.
The short names list, of the players includes the living legend Kobe Byrant, Ray Allen, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, PG-13 Paul George, Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook, Vince Carter, John Wall, CP3 Chris Paul, Paul Pierce, Carmelo Anthony, and Kyrie Irving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What material are basketball sleeves made of?
The arm sleeves are made of various materials, such as spandex, polyester, silk, nylon, and microfibers. The fabric is respirable and absorbent to great extent. The air flowed material, makes them comfortable to wear. The players can choose, both, padded and unpadded according to their skin sensitivity and ease.
What are the other types of sleeves?
1. Leg sleeves, are used to protect leg wounds and block off the new ones to get. Additionally, it strengthens the muscle working by keeping them warm.
2. Knee sleeves, prevent ACL, MCL, and PCL ligament tears by providing an extra layer of protection and stability to the knee.
Why do NBA players wear arm sleeves?
Besides looking cool, the NBA players tend to wear arm sleeves to prevent themselves from any kind of injury and bruises. It also helps in the quick healing of wounds and protects them from getting hurt. Arm sleeves are also used to warm up the muscles for better performance.
Conclusion:
Basketball arm sleeves have fundamental functional benefits, which makes them significant to wear in the basketball play. Not only they can be used professionally but in recreational plays too. Besides, from providing therapeutic advantages, they act as guards for the player against injuries.
However, the arm sleeves may bring some risks along too, which can be hazardous in case of negligence, But needless to say, the pros definitely outweighs the cons!