Athletic Compression and Gradient Athletic Compression

Have you wondered about the difference between athletic compression gear and gradient athletic compression? Which one is best for athletes? Do they work and what benefit do they provide athletes? Here’s the scoop on both.

Athletic Compression

Many athletes of today rely on athletic compression gear to help them perform at their best. Athletic compression gear commonly includes items like compression shirts, shorts, or leggings. They are usually made of synthetic materials such as spandex, polyester, and nylon. These materials are designed to fit tight against the skin. This type of athletic compression provides a uniform amount of pressure throughout the garment on the parts of the body that it covers.

Benefits of Athletic Compression

The snug nature of athletic compression garments provides several benefits. Firstly, the garments help support muscles, which reduces injury and fatigue. They also insulate the body helping to keep the muscles warm. Some athletic gear is engineered with technology to allow the garments to dry quickly, as well.

Gradient Athletic Compression

Gradient athletic compression works a little differently than traditional athletic compression. It is usually limited to socks, sleeves, or tights. Further, the compression is not even over the expanse of the garment. The lowest part of the garment, the ankle for instance, contains the greatest amount of pressure. This pressure gradually decreases further up the garment.

Benefits of Gradient Compression

Gradient athletic compression increases circulation by giving the calf muscles a boost and helping to return blood from the legs more efficiently back toward the heart. This increase in circulation boosts the amount of oxygen in the blood, allowing athletes to push further and faster in their workouts.

Athletes may also experience swelling in their legs due to a build-up of fluids after overexertion or tearing damage to the muscle fibers. The increase in oxygen acts as an anti-inflammatory reducing swelling. In addition, the increase in oxygen boosts wound healing, allowing athletes to recover faster and more quickly and strongly return to their sports.

Like traditional athletic compression, gradient compression can also help prevent injury. The snug nature of compression socks and sleeves supports muscles, but can also improve balance, reduce vibration and stress to the muscles, and prevent soft tissue damage.

Other Benefits of TheraSport and Core-Sport Compression

TheraSport and Core-Sport Compression Socks and Sleeves are made of high-tech fibers that keep feet and legs dry. The sock’s inner fiber layer pulls the moisture away from the surface of the skin. This moisture is then transported to the outer fiber layer, expanding across the garment surface. The expansion of the moisture allows it maximum air flow, promoting faster drying. Engineered mesh ventilation in the socks also helps with drying, as well as keeping feet cool and comfortable.

The fibers of TheraSport and Core-Sport products are super stretchy, allowing them to conform comfortably to the legs without losing shape. A comfort designed one-inch top band keeps the socks from sliding down without binding. An arch band holds the socks in place providing metatarsal support, while a “Y” stitch heel improves the fit and prevents chafing from the Achilles rubbing against a shoe.