Product Review: Copper Joint Compression Apparel
Enhanced performance, pain relief, and increased circulation? Sign me up!
It’s no secret that I have a lot of structural deficiencies in my lower limbs (well, at least the left one). Between two blown ACLs, dual meniscus repairs, a meniscus resection following a bucket tear and what is probably now some bone-on-bone action, I definitely would not pass a PPE. At best, I’m broodmare sound (but age may be getting in the way of that as well).
Due to a lot of hard work and excellent advice from my physical therapist and not a little bit of stubbornness on my side, I am functionally sound (most of the time). However, I’m also pretty regularly looking for ways to manage pain at the end of a long day at the barn, at an event or even just going up and down the steps in my three-story Colonial Revival home (and after being caught in the midst of a couple of moves over the past year and schlepping boxes up and down those steps multiple times, that’s no joke).
For me, pain management looks less like relieving pain after it develops and more like preventing it before it’s an issue. This means I’ve tried a variety of approaches and braces in order to maintain comfort and keep me moving during long days.
Enter CopperJoint. CopperJoint offers a variety of copper-infused products that have been developed with the aim to “enhance to performance, speed recovery, and provide relief from injury, inflammation, and arthritis.” I was able to try out both the CopperJoint Copper Knee Compression Sleeve Pro and the Long Copper Compression Socks.
Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan
Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan
I’ve used compression gear in the past, so I am familiar the feeling. If you haven’t worn compression gear, it can take some getting used to. It does exactly what it says: it compresses the area to which it is applied. For people used to slippers and loose socks, this may take a bit of adjustment. For me, the compression is comforting and whether it’s the proprioceptive qualities or the increase in circulation or just the mentality that I am doing something, I can feel the relief in my joints — especially my knee.
I’ll focus more specifically on the Copper Knee Compression Sleeve Pro first. Now, let’s get real. I am missing massive structural elements in my knee. Without yet another surgery, that sh*# ain’t gettin’ any better. So, no externally applied device will repair what is broken. However, I have found that there’s a lot I can do to help relieve the pain and wear and tear throughout my daily activities. Part of that is wearing the CopperJoint knee compression sleeve.
Peep those Retired Racehorse Project socks. 😍 Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.
I’ve worn it walking up and down the steps through moving, I’ve worn it throwing and stacking hay, I’ve worn it doing barn chores and I’ve worn it riding. I’ve noticed that if I am diligent about remembering to wear it before a particularly long day, my knee is significantly less sore and the muscles supporting my knee are less fatigued at the end of the day. The combination of the compression and the copper infusion (which is supposed to enhance performance, speed recovery and offer relief) really did do what is advertised. Now, I won’t say it’s the proverbial magic bullet, but it certainly makes my knee feel better after a long day of beating the crap out of it. Oh, a bonus to this knee sleeve: it doesn’t slip. I’ve found that’s a rarity when it comes to knee gear.
Probably the only advice I would offer to potential consumers is to order a size up if you’re between sizes. The knee sleeve is a snug fit, even for compression gear. Therefore, you’re better off going up a size than down.
The Long Copper Compression Socks are work horses in the same way the knee sleeve is. Because I have so many knee issues and relief is relative, wearing the socks actually is when I notice a big difference in performance. Like most equestrians, I have a lot of long days at the barn. Between that and working with my vet two days a week, I spend a lot of time standing on concrete aisle ways. That can take a toll on my joints. By the end of the day, sometimes I’m positively limping. If I am wearing the copper compression socks at the barn or at work, once again, I am less sore and my muscles aren’t as fatigued. The true testament to their effectiveness is that when I’m getting ready for work with the vet early in the morning, I seek them out if they’re clean. That’s right — I don’t just wear them to write a review. I actually look for them because of the comfort and relief they offer.
Pro tip: If you really want to double up on relief, wear the knee sleeve WITH the socks. Photo by DeAnn Long Sloan.
All in all, I’ve had a great experience with the CopperJoint products. They definitely have helped speed recovery of fatigued muscles and have offered pain relief. They’re worth the investment if you’re like me and constantly looking for ways to get relief from the abuse I inflict on my body.
For more information or to purchase, go to Copperjoint.com.
