The Best Heated Compression Sleeves & Braces for Athletes 2024
Boost muscle recovery and pain relief with easy to wear options.
If you’ve ever strained or pulled a muscle, felt pain in your back or neck that limited your mobility, there’s a good chance your immediate response was to apply heat to the area.
Using a heating pad on a specific part of the body to relieve muscle pain is one of the most common applications of heat therapy in both athletics and everyday matters.
In the past few years, heat therapy has evolved into a dynamic means of muscle recovery among athletes with the adoption of new methods, devices, and equipment.
One of the easiest to use and noticeably effective heat therapy methods is use of a heated compression sleeve or brace to deliver targeted relief to your muscles.
Athletes that incorporate heat therapy into their recovery routines noticeably reduce muscle pain and feel fresher from one workout or competition to the next.
Here, we’ve put together a list of the best heated compression sleeves and braces for athletes in 2024.
Note: Featured products are independently selected and reviewed by Compression Athlete. If you purchase through our links, we may earn commission.
1. CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Back Wrap
The CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Back Wrap combines 3 effective therapies (compression, heat, and vibration) in a lightweight, on-the-go design. This heated back wrap features multiple vibration settings and adjustable heat settings.
Shop at Copper Compression: CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Back Wrap
Available on Amazon: CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Back Wrap
The CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Back Wrap utilizes an odor resistant copper-infused fabric with comfortable 4-way stretch. This heated back wrap has an ultra-quiet motor, cordless charging, and up to 120 minutes of battery life.
You can check out the CopperVibe Back Wrap in action on our YouTube Channel here.
2. CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Knee/Elbow Wrap
The CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Knee/Elbow Wrap combines 3 effective therapies (compression, heat, and vibration) in a lightweight, on-the-go design. This heated knee/elbow wrap features multiple vibration settings and adjustable heat settings.
Shop at Copper Compression: CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Knee/Elbow Wrap
Available on Amazon: CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Knee/Elbow Wrap
The CopperVibe Vibration+Heat Therapy Knee/Elbow Wrap utilizes an odor resistant copper-infused fabric with comfortable 4-way stretch. This heated knee/elbow wrap has an ultra-quiet motor, cordless charging, and up to 90 minutes of battery life.
You can check out the CopperVibe Knee/Elbow Wrap in action on our YouTube Channel here.
3. Hyperice Venom 2 Back
The Hyperice Venom 2 Back features HyperHeat technology for a consistent even heat delivered 6x faster than a standard heating pad for extra quick relief. This heated back wrap has a lightweight neoprene body and silicone surface for easy cleaning.
Shop at Hyperice: Hyperice Venom 2 Back
Available on Amazon: Hyperice Venom 2 Back
Hyperice’s Venom 2 Back sports an adjustable compression strap for a customized fit, 3 levels of heat, and up to 3 hours of battery life. This heated back wrap has Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice App for remote control and a 1-year warranty.
4. Hyperice Venom 2 Shoulder
The Hyperice Venom 2 Shoulder features HyperHeat technology for a consistent even heat delivered 6x faster than a standard heating pad for extra quick relief. This heated shoulder wrap has a lightweight neoprene body and silicone surface for easy cleaning.
Shop at Hyperice: Hyperice Venom 2 Shoulder
Available on Amazon: Hyperice Venom 2 Shoulder
Hyperice’s Venom 2 Shoulder sports an adjustable 2-strap design for a customized fit, 3 levels of heat, and up to 3 hours of battery life. This heated shoulder wrap has Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice App for remote control and a 1-year warranty.
5. Hyperice Venom 2 Leg
The Hyperice Venom 2 Leg features HyperHeat technology for a consistent even heat delivered 6x faster than a standard heating pad for extra quick relief. This heated leg wrap has a lightweight neoprene body and silicone surface for easy cleaning.
Shop at Hyperice: Hyperice Venom 2 Leg
Available on Amazon: Hyperice Venom 2 Leg
Hyperice’s Venom 2 Leg sports an adjustable 2-strap design for a customized fit, 3 levels of heat, and up to 3 hours of battery life. This heated leg wrap has Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice App for remote control and a 1-year warranty.
6. Hyperice Venom Go
The Hyperice Venom Go delivers heat and vibration spot treatment in a versatile and customizable wearable that can be placed anywhere on your body. This heat therapy device offers 9 combinations of heat and vibration and up to an hour of battery life.
Shop at Hyperice: Hyperice Venom Go
Available on Amazon: Hyperice Venom Go
Hyperice’s Venom Go pod connects magnetically to the provided pads, which are reusable up to 20 times each. This heat therapy device has easy to use button controls and Bluetooth connectivity to the Hyperice App.
7. Hyperice X Knee
The Hyperice X Knee features advanced contrast therapy treatment that can automatically switch between hot and cold temperatures nearly instantly and without wires. This heat therapy device provides consistent temperature (hot or cold) for as long as you require.
Shop at Hyperice: Hyperice X Knee
Available on Amazon: Hyperice X Knee
Hyperice’s X Knee provides an adaptive fit that allows you to move freely while receiving treatment and doesn’t require any ice, preparation, or plug-in cords.
8. Hyperice X Shoulder
The Hyperice X Shoulder features advanced contrast therapy treatment that can automatically switch between hot and cold temperatures nearly instantly and without wires. This heat therapy device provides consistent temperature (hot or cold) for as long as you require.
Shop at Hyperice: Hyperice X Shoulder
Hyperice’s X Shoulder provides an adjustable 2-strap system for a comfortable stay-put hold that works on either shoulder. This heat therapy device doesn’t require any ice, preparation, or plug-in cords and sports 1.5 hours of battery life.
9. Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube
The Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube features instant heat, cold, and contrast therapy in a single compact, portable, and wearable device. This heat therapy device features proprietary Cryothermal Technology for scientifically optimized relief and recovery.
Shop at Therabody: Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube
Available on Amazon: Therabody RecoveryTherm Cube
Therabody's RecoveryTherm Cube offers 3 preset modes with multiple precise temperature settings. This heat therapy device comes with adjustable straps for convenient on-the-go relief and recovery anywhere on your body.
10. Therabody RecoveryTherm Knee
The Therabody RecoveryTherm Knee features proprietary Cryothermal Technology that seamlessly delivers cold, heat, and vibration therapy in a single wearable device for your knee.
Shop at Therabody: Therabody RecoveryTherm Knee
Available on Amazon: Therabody RecoveryTherm Knee
Therabody’s RecoveryTherm Knee offers a convenient one size fits all design with thermal alloy for quick on-the-go cooling, heating, and contrast therapy and comes with a 1-year warranty.
11. MiHIGH Infrared Back Wrap
The MiHIGH Infrared Back Wrap features a portable back wrap design with infrared heat, lumbar supporting fabrics, and a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 3 hours.
Available on Amazon: MiHIGH Infrared Back Wrap
MiHIGH’s Infrared Back Wrap utilizes beneficial far infrared wavelengths and a non-toxic Polyurethane leather exterior with a waterproof inside. This heated wrap comes with a carrying bag, a universal charger, and a 30-day risk-free trial.
12. MiHIGH Heating Pad
The MiHIGH Heating Pad features a premium weighted design with far infrared heat that’s evenly distributed for full-body multipurpose use and targeting.
Available on Amazon: MiHIGH Heating Pad
MiHIGH’s Heating Pad has a soft crystal velvet fabric with tourmaline weighted beads and a handheld controller. This heating pad measures 12x24” and comes with a 1-year warranty.
13. McDavid Flex Therapy Compression Sleeves
The McDavid Flex Therapy Compression Sleeves features a flexible gel sleeve design that delivers 360-degrees of compression and either hot or cold treatment. These heated compression sleeves are 100% leak proof and available in knee, elbow, and ankle designs.
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Flex Therapy Sleeve (Knee)
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Flex Therapy Sleeve (Elbow)
Shop at McDavid: McDavid Flex Therapy Sleeve (Ankle)
McDavid’s Flex Therapy Compression Sleeves utilize an easy pull-on design that stays-in-place while on-the-go. These heated compression sleeves heat in the microwave in 30 seconds and freeze in 2 hours for cold therapy.
14. Shock Doctor Therapy Compression Wraps
The Shock Doctor Therapy Compression Wraps feature an anatomical design with adjustable straps and multiple gel packs for deep 360-degree coverage. These heated compression wraps have gentle compression and can be used for both hot and cold treatment.
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Ice Therapy Wrap (Shoulder)
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Ice Therapy Wrap (Elbow)
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Ice Therapy Wrap (Knee)
Shop at Shock Doctor: Shock Doctor Ice Therapy Wrap (Ankle)
Shock Doctor Ice Therapy Compression Wraps sport a premium N-Tex neoprene material with comfortable and durable four-way stretch. These heated compression wraps are available in shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle designs.
How Does Heat Therapy Work for Athletes?
After physical activity, whether training or competition, expose the designated area of your body to warm temperatures by means of heating pad or heat sleeve that’s localized to a specific spot or by immersing your full body in warm water or a sauna.
Once the warmth is applied to your body, you’ll notice immediate relief to any tightness, cramping, or pain in your muscles.
Many athletes like utilizing a hot tub or sauna as it allows you to hit every muscle group at the same time, providing a quick and effective recovery treatment.
Once finished, the vasodilation (expanding) of your blood vessels will be noticeable.
Your limbs and muscles will feel looser and more flexible (i.e. not constricted like if cold had been applied).
This vasodilation of your blood vessels allows nutrient-rich blood to flow into your tissue, flush out muscle soreness by removing lactic acid buildup, and improve muscle recovery conditions.
In other words, that dreaded muscle pain and stiffness that sets in a day or two after pushing your body won’t be as bad and won’t stick around for as long.
Not only does heat therapy help alleviate the muscle soreness from your workout but it can also warm-up your muscles better prior to workouts, allowing you to perform at a higher level.
What Are the Benefits of Heat Therapy for Athletes?
Simple to use and easy to customize, heat therapy is a great muscle recovery tool that any athlete can incorporate into their routine.
One aspect that’s so great about heat therapy is that users can feel immediate relief while enjoying longer-term benefits, as well.
By increasing blood flow and oxygen-rich blood to the applied area, heat therapy relaxes and soothes muscles that are tight, stiff, cramping, or sore.
The key aspect from which all heat therapy benefits derive is the way in which your blood vessels expand (vasodilate) when exposed to warm temperatures.
This improves circulation and allows for more nutrient-rich blood to be delivered to your muscles, which in turn improves the conditions under which your muscles are healed and restored.
The boost in nutrient-rich blood flowing back into your muscle tissue also helps to flush out lactic acid and metabolic waste.
And if you’re currently experiencing tight or sore muscles, heat therapy is also a great way to prepare for activity, as warm muscles are more flexible and allow a greater range of motion.
Additionally, total body immersion sessions, such as with a bath or sauna, has been shown to reduce stress levels, promote relaxation, and enhance your quality of sleep.
Learn everything you need to know about heat therapy in our complete guide.
And if you want to kick your heat therapy up a notch, check out the best cold/hot plunges for athletes and the best home saunas for athletes.
