This Heated Compression Sleeve Is the Best Investment I've Made as a Runner

As a runner who gets hurt fairly often, massaging my body is a huge part of my recovery routine. I've experienced peripheral neuropathy (numbness in my fingers and toes) in the past, and stimulating blood circulation has always been a key preventative measure for me, as recommended by my doctors. But living in the New York area, massage appointments can get expensive, so I'm constantly looking for at-home remedies that feel like wise investments. Enter: Lifepro's Radiate Pro Compression Sleeve ($140), which is designed to soothe sore muscles and joint pain in the legs via heated compression therapy that's been shown to optimize blood flow and lymphatic drainage, according to Cleveland Clinic.While strapping into these "boots," as I call them, simply cannot be done gracefully, the massage - which you can control at three different compression levels and varying heat - is the most luxurious form of relief. There are six different massage circuits to choose from, each lasting about 20 minutes, and I often cycle through all of them while I multitask with my computer on my lap (this being another benefit of a hands-free portable massager). Ahead, I've broken down everything you need to know about the Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression Sleeve so you can decide if it's worth the price. But if you want my opinion, I'd urge you to look up the cost of a single full body massage at your local spa, and then consider the fact that you can slip on these boots multiple times throughout the course of one day. Enough said. Related: This Multiuse Massage Gun Relieves Pain and Stress - and It's on Sale About the Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression SleeveIt's designed to massage your feet, calves, and thighs and operates on six different massage modes (which take about 20 minutes each), three compression levels, and two heat options.The package comes with the compression sleeve itself, which can be folded and packed up into an accompanying carrying bag, as well as the remote control and power cable.It's designed extra wide to fit most leg sizes, but it forms and compresses to your unique shape as you use it, so don't worry if it feels loose at first.The heating points are at the feet and knees, though you don't have to utilize the heating function during the massage.It weighs 4.8 pounds once stowed away into the compact bag with the remote control and power cord, and the sleeve itself is 14" x 10" x 7".The material of the sleeve is a soft nylon.It comes with a lifetime warranty and will be replaced free of charge if it malfunctions.You can finance the total cost interest-free through Shop Pay on the brand's website.The auto-shutoff feature allows you to take breaks in between massage sessions, so you don't have to worry if you fall asleep.What I Like About the Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression SleeveWhereas with a standard massage gun, you have to do the handiwork to target your problem areas, the leg compression sleeve allows you to sit back and relax. Being that it's a hands-free device, I often open my lap top while I'm sitting on the couch with it, so it's easy to multitask. Being a runner who's suffered from multiple injuries, there's a lot to be said for stimulating blood circulation in between workouts as a method of recovery - and this gets the job done. When I first started using it, I was experiencing knee pain and soreness along my IT band, and I can confidently say that the Radiate Pro helped to alleviate tension when I used it immediately after my runs. I especially love that there are different massage modes to choose from, all of which rotate through a slightly different cycle. Over time, I've developed favorite cycles that target my problem areas a bit more intensely, which is helpful when I know exactly what I need or don't have time to sit through all six cycles.How to Use the Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression SleeveThe Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression Sleeve comes with a user manual, which will guide you through every step of the setup process. However, after a few rounds with the device, you'll probably get the hang of it. First, you'll want to take the sleeve out of the bag and unfold each leg, splaying it out on a surface where there's room to sit or lay down. The sleeve comes attached to the remote control, but you have to plug the power cord into the bottom and then run it to the nearest outlet. Once you've Velcro-ed yourself into each leg, affixing the straps at the thighs, knees, calves, and feet, press the on/off button and navigate through the different massage modes (M1-M6) by pressing the program button. At this point, you can also select heat, if you want it, and choose high or low. Each massage cycle takes about 20 minutes, and the device turns off automatically once it's finished a circuit.What to Consider Before Buying the Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression SleeveWhile this is a great product for relieving joint and muscle pain, and most of the online reviews are positive (it's a five-star product with nearly 100 reviews on the Lifepro website), some folks don't find it so seamless to put on. The sleeve is big and bulky, so don't expect it to fit like a thin compression legging - quite the opposite in fact. Those who are petite have suggested that the velcro should extend around the circumference of the entire leg, so that it can be pulled more taut (however, I'm 5'1", weighing about 120 pounds, and find that once the compression kicks in, the sleeve forms itself to my body with little wiggle room or space). If you're nervous about the product being too large, the brand makes other models, including the Radiate Plus ($80) which is described as wide instead of extra-wide. The Allevawrap ($130) is another slightly different model that comes with extension wraps, so it's more customizable to fit your frame. Finally, if you're expecting sauna-like heat, you'll probably be disappointed. On high, the sleeve warms up to what I'd compare to the medium level of your standard heating pad.Where Is the Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression Sleeve Available?The Lifepro Radiate Pro Compression Sleeve is available at Amazon, Lifepro, where it's currently 20 percent off with a free massager, and Dick's.Rating:Sarah Wasilak is the associate director of commerce at POPSUGAR. With plenty of experience in the shopping market, a keen interest in SEO, and 10 years as an editor at the brand, she enjoys writing across the lifestyle and health-and-fitness categories. She has bylines at POPSUGAR, InStyle, Elle, Refinery29, Who What Wear, Elite Daily, Byrdie, and The Quality Edit and aims to amplify minority voices in all her work.