COMPRESSION BOOTS, A NEW APPROACH TO COMPRESSION THERAPY
Compression boots have become extremely popular in recent years, although the concept of compression for therapeutic purposes is not new. It is well established that applying compression to an injury helps reduce swelling by restricting the flow of blood and other fluids in that area. Compression may be applied with static bandages, elastic bandages, or cold compression devices.
When using static or elastic bandages, however, the amount of pressure provided needs to be adjusted accordingly to make sure they provide enough compression without being too constrictive and possibly causing more swelling.
When your body is static, it can be detrimental to the recovery process as fluids build-up or is back-flowed in the wrong direction (distally) when your body is static for too long. Compression devices are designed to prevent this by aiding the body in transporting fluid out of the limbs, whether it be the arms or legs. Each section of your limb receives sequential and symmetrical pressure, from distal to proximal, to keep fluid moving towards your trunk and heart.
Compression devices have also been used to help athletes and fitness enthusiasts recover from workouts more quickly. Through the same sequential and symmetrical, proximal to distal pressure, using compression boots is like stretching and warming up, pre-workout, and going for a long walk post-workout. Many professional teams have purchased this technology for their athletes to use after events, as the compression helps to speed up your body’s natural recovery process by eliminating the accumulation of metabolic waste products and lactate after training. The frequency of using compression therapy depends entirely on the need, but in most cases, compression therapy can be used 20-30 minutes every day.
The benefits of compression therapy:
- Reducing swelling and inflammation.
- Speeding up muscle recovery.
- Preventing delayed-onset muscle soreness.
- Relieving muscle pain.
- Improving athletic performance.
- Increasing flexibility and range of motion.
- Removing exercise-related wastes, like lactic acid.
- Decreasing muscle fatigue.
Whether used post-injury or for post-event recovery, compression therapy may be a very beneficial tool for you. If you are interested in learning more about compression therapy, we would be glad to provide you with more information.
At this time, we do offer compression therapy boots at our Dynasty location for anyone that is interested. If you suffer from poor circulation or other circulatory issues, however, it is encouraged that you consult your physician about whether this therapy is appropriate for you.