Compression Sleeve

Compression Sleeve - open-source assistive technology prototype by the Columbia University community

About this project

We aimed to find a solution to muscle pain that our need knower, Tom, suffers as a

result of excessive running and exercising. A recent meta-analysis on compression

garments showed faster recovery of muscle function after intense exercise (Hetchenn et

al., 2019). Therefore, we came up with a solution that will help recover the soleus and

gastrocnemius muscles by both compression and pain relief treatment on a daily basis.

The challenge

As part of Tom's stress management regimen, marathon races and frequent exercise are a necessity. Unfortunately the constant training cycles often lead to strains and a heavy emphasis on recovery, especially in his lower leg where he experiences strain and soreness of the soleus and outer gastrocnemius muscles, along with peroneal tendonitis.

Who it helps

Tom is a US Army veteran with PTSD. He is the founder of Lift and Shift, an organization with a mission to elevate confidence in wounded service members and redirect them to a new purpose by developing their problem-solving skills.

How it works

Tom Smoot, a US Army veteran with PTSD who regularly runs and exercises to manage stress. This product is designed for athletes or individuals who experience calf muscle soreness, peroneal tendonitis, or similar overuse injuries and need customizable compression support.

Tom suffers from muscle pain in the soleus and gastrocnemius due to frequent running and exercise. Off-the-shelf calf sleeves were ineffective because they came in one standard size and did not provide adequate compression or targeted support. A personalized, adjustable solution was needed to relieve pain and improve recovery.

The sleeve combines compression and pain relief treatment to target the soleus, gastrocnemius, and anterior tibialis muscles. Adjustable Velcro straps allow customized compression, laces add extra pressure on the anterior tibialis, and a hurt point compressor targets the medial gastrocnemius strain. The design allows unrestricted movement while providing support during rest and recovery.

A double-layer calf sleeve:

Inner layer: flexible, breathable, washable polyester that can hold pain relief creams.

Outer layer: spandex that expands and returns to shape for consistent compression.

Velcro straps for adjustable compression.

Laces for targeted pressure on the anterior tibialis.

Integrated hurt point compressor for medial gastrocnemius support.

The sleeve is customized to the user’s specific measurements for optimal fit and effectiveness.

[Project formerly titled Team Tom]

Project details

The build files for Compression Sleeve are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.

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