Hidden Joint Risks in Raw Lifting
Heavy lifting puts tremendous stress on your joints.
Whether you're a competitive athlete or someone who enjoys challenging yourself in the gym, the way you support your joints during lifts can make the difference between long-term progress and potential injury.

Recent research has shown just how important proper support equipment is, especially during movements involving significant weight.
What Happens to Your Joints During Heavy Lifts
Picture what happens when you're setting up for a heavy bench press.
As you lower the weight, your wrists naturally want to bend backward under the load.
Research indicates that grip width and wrist support during pressing movements can significantly affect wrist mechanics, with some studies suggesting wrist extension can exceed safe ranges during heavy lifts (Green & Comfort, 2007).
That's like trying to hold up a heavy box with just your fingertips instead of your whole hand – it puts enormous stress on the small ligaments and tendons in your wrist.
This stress isn't just momentary.
Every time you train, these tissues experience micro-trauma.
While some adaptation is normal and even beneficial, excessive joint stress can lead to inflammation and eventual breakdown of these crucial supportive structures.
This is where properly designed support equipment becomes essential.
The Science Behind Joint Support
First, the equipment helped maintain optimal joint alignment during heavy lifts.
Think of it like having a spotter for your joints – the support keeps them in the strongest, most mechanically advantageous position throughout the movement.
Temperature also plays a crucial role in joint health.
Compression gear helps maintain joint warmth, which may improve circulation and support joint health by facilitating better lubrication and nutrient delivery to tissues. Research highlights the importance of warmth and mobility for optimal joint function during physical activity.
It's similar to how a car engine performs better when it's properly warmed up and lubricated.
While specific long-term studies on the use of joint support equipment in powerlifting are limited, systematic reviews indicate that the sport has an injury incidence ranging from 1.0 to 4.4 injuries per 1,000 hours of training.
Common injury sites include the lower back, shoulder, and knee. Proper technique and training practices are essential in minimizing injury risk.
This wasn't just about immediate protection – it demonstrated the long-term benefits of proper joint support.
Iron Bull Strength's Support Gear
We've spent considerable time studying how joints respond to heavy lifting, and we've designed our support equipment based on both scientific research and real athlete feedback.
Let's take a closer look at how our different compression levels and designs work together to help protect your joints during training.
Our classic wrist wraps showcase our fundamental approach to joint support.
We chose Level 1 compression with an 18-inch length because this combination gives you enough support to maintain proper wrist position during heavy pressing movements while still allowing the natural mobility you need.
The cotton/elastic blend material wasn't a random choice - we found it provides the right balance of flexibility and support that most lifters need during their regular training.
Our 7mm knee sleeves are designed to provide support and stability during heavy lifts, aiming to reduce stress on the knee joint and surrounding tissues.
While specific biomechanical studies on our product are ongoing, the design principles align with general findings on knee support in strength training.
We opted for high-grade SCR neoprene with Level 2 compression because this combination helps maintain joint stability during squats and other leg work without feeling restrictive.
The 30cm length isn't arbitrary - we specifically designed these sleeves to meet competition standards across major federations like IPF, USAPL, USPA, and IPL while ensuring full coverage of your knee joint and surrounding tissues.
Our double-stitched welded seams might seem like a small detail, but they're crucial for maintaining consistent compression throughout your training session.
For elbow protection, we created our 5mm elbow sleeves with Level 1 compression.
Through testing, we found that elbows typically need less compression than knees during most lifts, but still benefit significantly from the stability and warmth that our neoprene provides.
The 20cm sleeve length ensures proper coverage of both the joint and surrounding supportive tissues.
We also understand that some lifters, especially during heavy pressing movements, need more substantial support.
That's why we developed our premium elbow wraps with Level 3 compression.
We offer both 40-inch and 60-inch lengths because we've found different athletes need different levels of adjustability based on their training style and anatomy.
Getting the Right Fit
We put a lot of thought into our sizing options because we know that compression gear only works when it fits properly.
That's why our knee sleeves come in sizes from S to 2XL, and our elbow sleeves range from XS to 3XL.
We've found this range accommodates nearly every athlete while ensuring they get the proper compression benefits.
For our competitive lifters, we made sure all our equipment meets federation standards (USPA, IPL, IWF, USAW).
We believe you should be able to train with the same support you'll use in competition - it's just common sense for developing consistent technique and confidence in your equipment.
Long-Term Joint Health
Choosing the right support equipment isn't just about immediate comfort – it's an investment in your lifting longevity.
Treating joint injuries, such as acromioclavicular (AC) joint injuries, can be costly.
For instance, arthroscopic surgery for severe AC joint injuries may be necessary, with associated costs varying based on the severity and required treatment.
When you're selecting support equipment, proper sizing is crucial.
Our wrist wraps come in different lengths and stiffness levels to accommodate various lifting styles and needs.
Our elbow sleeves and knee sleeves are available in precisely measured sizes to ensure optimal compression without restricting blood flow.
Maximum Benefit
To get the most out of your support equipment, proper implementation is key.
Start by using the equipment during your heavier sets, where joint support is most crucial.
Make sure you maintain proper form – support equipment should enhance your technique, not compensate for poor movement patterns.
For wrist wraps, the tightness should be snug but not cutting off circulation.
You should be able to maintain a neutral wrist position throughout your lifts.
Elbow and knee sleeves should feel supportive but not restrictive, and they should stay in place during your entire range of motion.
Wrapping it up
As training methods continue to evolve and lifters push new boundaries, the importance of joint protection becomes increasingly clear.
We're ahead of these developments by continuously refining designs based on the latest research and athlete feedback.
Our commitment to quality control ensures that each piece of equipment maintains its supportive properties even after extensive use.
The decision to use joint support equipment isn't about choosing an easier path – it's about training smarter for long-term success.
The research is clear: proper joint support allows you to train harder while reducing your risk of injury.
Citations
- Green, C. M., & Comfort, P. (2007). "The Effect of Grip Width on Bench Press Performance and Injury Risk." Link
- Injuries among weightlifters and powerlifters: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/51/4/211
- What is the cost of treating acromioclavicular (AC) shoulder joint injury? Buoy Health. https://www.buoyhealth.com/cost/cost-to-treat-acromioclavicular-ac-shoulder-joint-injury
- Injuries in weightlifting and powerlifting: an updated systematic review. BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine. https://bmjopensem.bmj.com/content/10/4/e001884