For years elite athletes have used NormaTec compression therapy to speed up recovery after workouts. NormaTec has a great reputation as a convenient and rapid method of recovery. These devices have become a big deal in the world of sports but, elite athletes are far from the only ones using them.
In Mount Pleasant, many everyday people turn to The ChiroSpa for compression therapy after a long day on their feet. Or maybe, you’re just getting back into a good exercise routine, but you don’t want to suffer through days of muscle aches and pains. NormaTec compression boots may be the answer.
Let’s set aside the hype for a moment, is making compression therapy worth your time?
The short answer: Yes
Compression therapy works and can improve the quality of life for people with many conditions. Doctors often prescribe it to prevent venous insufficiency from becoming more serious.
Here’s why it works:
- Compression therapy uses the right type of compression for the particular condition being treated.
- The prescribed compression is used consistently for best results.
What Are the Benefits?
Compression therapy is well researched and has proven benefits in providing relief and preventing more serious problems. Some benefits include:
- prevention of leg swelling for people who stand or sit for long periods of time.
- management of varicose veins
- management of varicose veins and other leg symptoms during pregnancy
- maintenance therapy for lymphedema
- improvement of chronic venous insufficiency and ulcer recurrence in older adults
Below are some common conditions treated with compression therapy.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
One of the common conditions treated with compression therapy is poor blood flow, known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Research from 2014 estimates CVI affects about 25 to 40 percent of women and 10 to 20 percent of men.
CVI is often associated with:
- varicose veins
- injury
- blood clots
- pregnancy
- obesity
Edema
Edema is fluid collection that causes swelling in the legs, ankles, or other areas. It can have many causes, including:
- varicose veins
- lymphedema
- sitting and standing for long periods of time
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) develops when a blood clot forms, often this occurs in a leg. It’s considered a serious condition, as a clot can travel to the lungs and become life threatening.
Risk factors for DVT include:
- surgery
- pregnancy
- prolonged inactivity
Benefits For Athletes
To improve performance, reduce soreness after exercise, and reduce the risk of blood clots, many elite and amateur athletes have incorporated therapy administered by a pressure device.
According to a 2014 article by a sports physiologist who directed the U.S. Olympic Committee Recovery Center in Colorado, compression therapy might help recovery without the need for ice or stretching.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Therapy. Most sessions take about 30 minutes. You’ll sit in a lounge chair with your legs elevated.
- Cost. You can purchase a membership, typically around $300 per month. Cost may vary by geographic location.
When to avoid compression therapy
If you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to get clearance from your physician prior to scheduling a session.
- a skin condition that makes skin fragile
- open sores
- lack of sensation in the area
- severe peripheral neuropathy
- peripheral arterial disease
Compression Therapy – The Takeaway
If you stand up all day at work or sit at a desk all day, are an athlete or dancer and want to boost your performance and recovery, compression therapy can be a big help in keeping you pain-free and comfortable.
Looking for natural therapies in Mount Pleasant?
You’re in luck! Dr. Josh Headley has been serving the Low-country area for over 10 years. The ChiroSpa, joins chiropractic care, wellness and aesthetic services in a spa like environment. Dr. Josh and our team of professionals are excited to help guide you on your wellness journey. Get started today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is compression therapy?
Compression therapy uses controlled pressure—often through devices like NormaTec compression boots—to improve circulation and speed up muscle recovery. It’s used by elite athletes and everyday people alike.
What are the benefits of compression therapy?
Compression therapy can speed recovery after workouts, reduce muscle aches, improve circulation, and help manage conditions like venous insufficiency. It’s a convenient, non-invasive way to support the body.
Who can benefit from compression therapy?
Athletes use it to recover faster, but it also helps people who spend long hours on their feet, those returning to exercise, and individuals with certain circulatory conditions.
How does compression therapy work?
It applies the right type and level of compression for the condition being treated, encouraging blood flow and helping move fluid through the body to support recovery and reduce soreness.
Is compression therapy worth it?
For many people, yes. Compression therapy is a proven, convenient recovery method that can improve quality of life and is often recommended to help prevent circulatory issues from worsening.
