How Compression Can Help With Performance at the Gym or on the Field
Posted by Shannon on May 10th 2022
JUN 8, 2022
How Compression Can Help With Performance at the Gym or on the Field
Here is a quick break down of what compression clothing is and how it is believed to benefit those who who wear it.
Compression clothing was once considered an expensive performance enhancer for elite athletes. Now, this specialized attire is worn by casual sports participants, as well as those with certain medical conditions. Here is a quick break down of what compression clothing is and how it is believed to benefit those who who wear it.
What Types Of Compression Clothing Exist?
There are several different kinds of compression attire designed to fit specific areas of an individual’s body. It is woven from materials (typically spandex) designed to fit tightly over the user’s skin. The most common form of compression clothing is gradient compression wear. These garments increase blood flow from top to bottom and can be found in socks and sleeves. All-over compression wear, on the other hand, provides localized compression that more evenly distributes compression throughout.
What Are Compression Clothes Used For?
Compression clothing holds muscles in place during a workout. This can strengthen muscles by increasing blood flow. In addition, compression items are thought to help pool sweat. Controlling perspiration during strenuous physical activity helps keep muscles warm and limber instead of cold and stiff. The tightness and increased blood flow provided by gradient compression wear may help stimulate the healing of sore or injured muscles, ligaments and/or joints.
What Types Of Injuries Could Compression Wear Help Prevent?
Compression attire may help prevent a number of bothersome recurring and/or potentially more harmful physical ailments that hinder an athlete’s performance level and cause pain and debilitation. Common afflictions that may be prevented by wearing all-over compression clothing include everything from muscle strains to chafing, rashes and skin infections caused by perspiration, joint dislocation, ligament tears, and soreness brought on by repeated physical exertion.
Who Benefits From Wearing Compression Attire?
Competitive athletes who are committed to improving their performance levels and whom cannot afford to be slowed by lingering or nagging injuries can often benefit from compression clothing. It can also be used to benefit “part-time” athletes who are more susceptible to injuries than their more serious competitors. Even non-athletes with circulation problems and/or medical conditions can benefit from the increased blood flow of compression apparel.
How Effective Are Compression Clothes?
Studies regarding the effectiveness of compression attire are ongoing. Researchers are studying its effects within specific sports and workout regiments as well as the overall health and shape of athletic participants who wear compression apparel. Recent tests have centered around determining whether or not the duration of a particular activity impacts the effectiveness of compression wear and the amount of pressure being applied to a specific body region during physical exertion. Results have shown that those wearing compression attire reported less post-workout muscle damage and quicker recovery times from minor afflictions like soreness.
While more and more people are hoping to maximize their exercise regimens and pursue healthy lifestyles, the use of compression clothing is on the rise. Even though studies concerning its effectiveness are ongoing, many have reported enjoying the clothing's beneficial impacts.
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CONTRAINDICATIONS: Compression products should not be worn and are contraindicated if you have any of the following conditions: Severe arterial insufficiency, cutaneous infections, acute dermatitis, wet dermatosis, uncontrolled congestive heart failure, skin irritations, allergies to dyes.
This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments.