Compression Polos Offer Benefits for Active Occupational Therapists

The Benefits of Compression Clothing for Occupational Therapists

Occupational therapists often wear polo shirts as part of their work attire. The comfy, casual style allows for free range of motion which is essential when working with patients. However, plain polos lack the compression that can provide additional benefits for occupational therapists throughout their busy workdays.

What is Compression Clothing?

Compression clothing fits snugly against the skin to provide gentle pressure across the body. This pressure stimulates blood flow and lymph drainage while also providing proprioceptive input to the nervous system. Studies show that compression clothing can enhance physical performance, accelerate recovery, and improve overall wellness.

Benefits of Compression Polos for Occupational Therapists

The dynamic nature of an occupational therapist's job requires endurance, focus, and recovery. Compression polos offer advantages in all these areas:

• Increased circulation - The snug fit of a compression polo promotes blood flow to enhance oxygen delivery and remove metabolic waste from the muscles. This allows occupational therapists to work longer with less fatigue.
• Accelerated recovery - Compression speeds up the body's recovery process after physical activity. OTs benefit from quicker relief of muscle soreness and reduced next-day tiredness.
• Injury prevention - The additional support from compression clothing helps stabilize muscles, tendons, and joints. This decreases injury risk from repetitive occupational therapy activities.
• Posture cueing - The gentle hugging sensation reminds wearers to stand up straight and maintain proper body mechanics. Good posture is essential for injury prevention as an OT.
• Sensory input - Compression clothing provides soothing proprioceptive input. The pressure can help occupational therapists remain focused and grounded during busy work days.
• Temperature regulation - Tighter fitting compression polos promote evaporation of sweat. This results in improved cooling to prevent overheating in warm therapy environments.

Picking the Right Compression Polo

When selecting a compression polo, occupational therapists should consider:

OT-specific design features

Look for polos made specifically for occupational therapists with design aspects like:

• Stretch fabrics with adequate compression
• Moisture-wicking technology
• Anti-odor properties
• UPF sun protection
• Pockets for supplies
• Extended back length for extra coverage

Proper fit

The right level of snugness is necessary for compression benefits. The polo should fit snugly but not restrict movement in the shoulders, arms, and torso.

Breathable fabrics

The compression polos must have breathable, lightweight fabrics to prevent overheating. Look for moisture-wicking materials like polyester or spandex blends.

OT Compression Polo Styles

Popular compression polo options for occupational therapists include:

• Short sleeve compression polos - The short sleeve length is ideal for keeping cool in warm therapy environments.
• Long sleeve compression polos - For colder clinics, the long sleeve length provides extra warmth and coverage.
• Colorblock compression polos - Colorblock panels add visual interest while also hiding stains.
• Pocketed compression polos - Convenient pockets provide on-the-go storage for small therapy supplies.

The Takeaway

Compression polos provide occupational therapists with tangible wellness benefits like increased circulation, accelerated recovery, better posture, and focused sensory input. Seeking out polos designed specifically for OTs will maximize comfort and performance. Prioritizing proper fit and breathable moisture-wicking fabrics is also key.

By selecting the right compression polo, occupational therapists can stay energized and resilient no matter the demands of their active workdays. The added support helps them show up as their best selves to provide top-quality care for every patient.

FAQs

Why should OTs wear compression polos?

Compression polos provide benefits like increased circulation, accelerated recovery, better posture and focused sensory input. This allows OTs to perform at their best during busy, demanding work days.

What features should I look for in a compression polo?

Look for stretch fabrics with adequate compression, moisture-wicking technology, anti-odor properties, UPF sun protection, pockets for supplies, and an extended back length for coverage.

How tight should a compression polo fit?

The polo should fit snugly but not restrict your range of motion. It needs to gently hug the body to provide sensory input without limiting mobility.

What fabric is best for OT compression polos?

Breathable, lightweight fabrics like polyester or spandex blends work well. The material should wick moisture to keep you cool and comfortable all day.