What is Compression in recovery? What does it do?

Compression offers a non-invasive means of enhancing circulation and reducing muscle soreness through intermittent pneumatic compression. Compression Boots in particular apply sequential pressure to the lower limbs, mimic the natural muscle-pumping action of walking, facilitating the removal of metabolic waste products and promoting the delivery of oxygen-rich blood to fatigued tissues. The result is expedited recovery, reduced inflammation, and enhanced recovery between training sessions, making Compression Boots a valuable tool for athletes seeking to optimise their performance and minimise the risk of overuse injuries (Blumkaitis et al., 2022).

How do they do it?

To visualise the effectiveness of sequential compression, imagine holding a plastic straw partially filled with water. Squeezing the bottom causes the water to rise; releasing it allows the water to flow back down with gravity. However, if you simultaneously squeeze the bottom and compress higher up, you can force the water against gravity, exiting from the top. Research demonstrates that this sequential compression is more effective than static compression alone, like wearing compression socks. Compression boots enhance recovery by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation post-workout or after athletic events. They're also beneficial for alleviating symptoms of chronic conditions like lymphedema and varicose veins, which lead to discomfort and swelling (Brock et al., 2020).

When should they be used?

Incorporating compression boots into your fitness routine can optimise recovery and performance. Athletes commonly use them post-workout to alleviate muscle soreness and inflammation. Pre-workout use can boost blood flow and prepare muscles for exercise, while some individuals use them during workouts to enhance circulation and prevent fatigue. Experimenting with timing can help determine what works best for your body.

Are there many benefits?

The benefits of compression boots for athletes and fitness enthusiasts are multifaceted:

• Enhanced Blood Flow: Compression therapy, such as compression boots, aids in blood circulation by gently applying pressure to the legs, particularly beneficial during prolonged sitting or standing periods.
• Varicose Vein Management: Compression boots alleviate discomfort and swelling associated with varicose veins, potentially preventing the formation of new ones.
• Swelling Reduction: By preventing fluid leakage from small blood vessels in the legs, compression socks or boots minimise swelling during extended periods of sitting or standing.
• Inflammation and Muscle Tension Reduction: Compression boots help decrease inflammation and muscle tension, aiding in post-workout recovery.
• Accelerated Recovery: Improved blood circulation and reduced muscle soreness contribute to shorter recovery times with compression boots.
• Increased Range of Motion: Compression therapy, including the use of compression boots, may enhance leg flexibility and range of motion.

CarePump

CarePump Sport introduces a range of lymphatic drainage devices (including compression boots) meticulously crafted to cater to the rigorous demands of athletes, trainers, and sports physiotherapists. These cutting-edge devices, powered by batteries, offer unparalleled flexibility, enabling treatments to be administered in any environment, whether it's the serene outdoors or the bustling arena of sports competitions. The inclusion of a backpack in the set ensures hassle-free transportation, allowing users to conveniently carry the devices wherever their athletic endeavours take them.

How is CarePump different?

Despite their compact and lightweight design, the Sport series devices boast exceptional effectiveness, rivalling their stationary counterparts in performance. Equipped with six pre-programmed treatment options meticulously tailored to meet the unique needs of athletes with the addition of making your own customised programme. These devices go beyond conventional lymphatic drainage, offering targeted solutions to expedite recovery, alleviate muscle soreness, enhance performance, and minimise the risk of injuries. By integrating regular lymphatic drainage into their regimen, athletes can unlock their full potential and achieve peak performance with greater consistency.

Is CarePump easy to use?

Operating the CarePump Sport series devices is a breeze, thanks to their user-friendly interface. With simple instructions, users can effortlessly attach the cuffs, select the desired treatment program from the array of options, fine-tune key parameters such as treatment duration, and initiate the session with a mere click of the "Play" icon.

The versatility of the CarePump Sport series extends beyond its ease of use, offering a plethora of features designed to cater to diverse needs:

• The devices support a range of cuff configurations, including 4, 6, or 8-chamber cuffs, enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple limbs for comprehensive therapy. A wide array of cuff options are available, covering upper and lower limbs, hips, and abdomen, as well as short and full pants variants, ensuring precise targeting of treatment areas.
• With the flexibility to adjust treatment parameters on the fly, users can tailor the therapy to their specific requirements, ensuring optimal outcomes with each session.
• The ability to deactivate individual chambers (unique to CarePump) in the cuffs adds an extra layer of customisation, allowing users to avoid sensitive or injured areas while still benefiting from lymphatic drainage therapy.
• The devices offer an adjustable pressure range from 20 to 220 mmHg, catering to a wide spectrum of needs and preferences.
• Despite their advanced capabilities, the devices remain compact and lightweight, complemented by a convenient backpack for easy transport, ensuring that users can seamlessly integrate lymphatic drainage therapy into their active lifestyles.

 Why CarePump?

References

• Blumkaitis, J. C., Moon, J. M., Ratliff, K. M., Stecker, R. A., Richmond, S. R., Sunderland, K. L., Kerksick, C. M., Martin, J. S. and Mumford, P. W. (2022). Effects of an external pneumatic compression device vs static compression garment on peripheral circulation and markers of sports performance and recovery. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 122 (7), pg. 1709-1722.
• Brock, K. A., Eberman, L. E., Laird, R. H., Elmer, D. J. and Games, K. E. (2020). Sequential pulse compression’s effect on blood flow in the lower-extremity. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 29 (1), pp. 7-11.

The next technology within our Cutting-Edge, Advanced Recovery Techniques series is here! For more information on CarePump products please visit this page. 

Written by Joe Jackson, June 2024