Elbow Sleeves: Yay or Gay?

[Júlíus G. Magnússon]

I've been having having problems with my elbow for a few months now. I've been pretty careful about it and it's starting to feel 100% again. This has been an on-and-off thing and I'm getting really sick of it, so I'm taking it really easy, focusing on shoulder mobility and forearm strength before I reintroduce the movements that seem to have aggravated it in the past.

Anyway, I've been wondering, as I slowly bring back things like muscle-ups, levers and kipping pull-ups, do you think there would be any benefit to elbow sleeves? I was thinking, at the very least, they would keep the joint warmer than without them. But honestly, they look too gay for that to be their sole benefit. So, if anyone here has used elbow sleeves to rehab/prehab an elbow injury, did they do anything or are they not worth bothering with?

[Alex Bond]

I don't know how much they would help pull-up stuff - I only ever see them on powerlifters who are benching or hurt themselves benching, and occasionally strongmen who are spending plenty of time on the bench themselves. If it helps, I wouldn't worry about looking like a fool. Maybe find someone with some or some knee sleeves and try it out.

[Júlíus G. Magnússon]

Just to note, it's generally pressure at an awkward angle that bothers my elbow. Like pushing away from the bar in a kipping pull-up, the transition in a muscle-up (and sometimes a thruster), holding a a front/back lever variation et cetera.

Pressure that goes directly against the forearm, like in the bench press, does not bother it.

[Steven Low]

It probably won't hurt as long as you continue to do rehab/prehab.

Think of it like you're using a belt for weightlifting.

[Garrett Smith]

I love my knee sleeves...never would have thought it in a million years a while back.

[Brian Stone]

Originally Posted by Garrett Smith

I love my knee sleeves...never would have thought it in a million years a while back.

+1. Never used elbow sleeves, but I have recurring knee problems and knee sleeves go a long way toward alleviating aggravation.

[Júlíus G. Magnússon]

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll be grabbing some next time I get the chance. Any specific brand you guys recommend?

[Gary Ohm]

I bought a pair of extra small knee sleeves. The knee sleeves are longer than the elbow sleeves. They hold on fine and I think they help by keeping the joint and connective tissues warm. If I'm doing alot of pulling or pressing I wear them.

[Donald Lee]

Originally Posted by Júlíus G. Magnússon

Thanks for the input, guys. I'll be grabbing some next time I get the chance. Any specific brand you guys recommend?

Can't go wrong with Rehband, if you're willing to dish out the cash.

[Joe Hart]

I dont have elbow issues, but I use Rheband knee sleeves and it helps alot. They stay nice and warm especially good for MN. Rheband does make elbow sleeves. Pricey, but if it keeps you from injury then its money well spent. I bought my knee sleeves from Jackal's gym (online).