Let it be known that compression garments aren’t just for post-operative recovery or managing conditions like lymphedema. They are also commonly used by athletes, both amateur and professional, to improve performance, prevent injury and accelerate recovery.
Are you a marathon runner or a cyclist? Do you play hockey or lift weights? If so, you can certainly benefit from wearing compression stockings. Athletes of all types are turning to compression wear as a valuable part of their training and recovery toolkit. What are some of the top benefits athletes receive from wearing compression garments?
Improved circulation and blood flow.
Compression garments are form-fitting clothing designed to apply gentle pressure to specific areas of the body. They’re made from elastic, breathable materials that provide consistent, graduated pressure. Graduated compression typically means that the pressure is stronger at the extremities such as the ankle. It gradually decreases up the limb, encouraging better blood flow back to the heart.
When you exercise, your muscles require more oxygen and nutrients. Compression garments can help by increasing venous return, which is the rate at which blood returns to the heart. They also assist with oxygen delivery to working muscles and help to remove metabolic waste products like lactic acid. This can lead to better endurance and reduced muscle fatigue. Compression garments are particularly helpful during long-duration sports like running, cycling or cross-country skiing.
“Compression wear has science woven into it,” reports Altitude Sports, “The average piece of athletic compression wear can have a range of 20-30 mmHg, enough to improve blood circulation. It does this by applying a gradual pressure, which improves venous return — the process of pushing deoxygenated blood back to the heart.”
Enhanced muscle support and alignment.
Compression wear provides stabilization for joints and muscles. They minimize micro-movements that can lead to fatigue or overuse injuries. Athletes often report that compression garments lower muscle oscillation. This is the small, repetitive bouncing movement of muscles during impact activities.
Compression stockings also improve proprioception. This is your body’s ability to sense its own position and movements. As well, compression encourages better posture and movement alignment. This supportive effect can be especially helpful during weight training, team sports or high-impact activities, where stability and control are vital.
“The light compression helps keep muscles warm, preventing cramps and strains,” informs Ontario’s St. George Wellness Centre, “It also offers support to the tibia, Achilles tendon, and ankle, thereby reducing the risk of common sports injuries. Athletes who incorporate compression socks into their gear often find that they can push themselves further and maintain higher levels of performance over more extended periods.”
Reduced muscle soreness and recovery time.
Have you ever heard of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness? Also known as DOMS, for short, it’s a common condition that occurs after intense exercise. It’s basically the feeling of having your muscles ache or stiffen for a few days after working out. It can often happen when engaging in unfamiliar movements.
Compression garments can play a role in post-workout recovery by promoting faster elimination of lactic acid. They also help to reduce inflammation and swelling while supporting faster healing of microtears in muscle fibres. Some athletes choose to wear compression clothing for several hours post-exercise or even overnight. Doing so supports recovery, especially after endurance events or high-volume training.
“Recovery is crucial for any athlete, as it determines how quickly one can return to optimal performance levels,” points out St. George Wellness Centre, “Compression socks facilitate faster recovery by minimizing the buildup of lactic acid, which is a byproduct of strenuous exercise that contributes to muscle soreness. The enhanced blood flow provided by the socks helps flush out lactic acid and other metabolic waste products, allowing athletes to recover more quickly between training sessions and games.”
Thermoregulation and moisture management.
Thermo-what now? Thermoregulation is the process by which we maintain a steady internal body temperature despite changes in external conditions. It refers to our ability to keep our body temperatures within certain boundaries, even when the surrounding temperatures are very different. In other words, staying cool and dry during a workout that heats you up is important. It is critical for both performance and comfort.
Most compression garments are designed to wick away moisture and regulate body temperature. By facilitating the evaporation of sweat, athletes are able to stay cool, especially during the summer. At the same time, compression wear helps active sports enthusiasts to stay warm in the winter via added breathable layers of insulation. Particularly in places like Calgary, this makes compression clothing an appealing choice for year-round training.
“Compression socks designed for sports are made from high-quality, breathable materials like Lycra® sports fabric,” explains St. George Wellness Centre, “This ensures optimal comfort and ventilation, keeping feet cool and dry even during intense physical activities. The moisture-wicking properties of these fabrics help prevent blisters and other skin irritations, making them a comfortable choice for extended wear.”
Injury prevention.
Compression wear doesn’t replace proper training or warm-up routines. However, it can contribute to lower injury risk by supporting joints like the knees and ankles. Compression garments also encourage muscle alignment and minimize strain during repetitive movements. Athletes that are recovering from injuries such as calf strains, shin splints or plantar fasciitis may also benefit from compression as part of a rehabilitation plan.
Altitude Sports notes that compression stockings also help to prevent injuries by reducing muscle vibration. “During high-intensity activity, muscles vibrate,” reveals their site, “Over time, these vibrations can cause fatigue and microscopic damage. In addition to providing support, compression garments reduce this kind of vibration.”
Here’s your last chance to take advantage of our Compression Sale!
Add some pep to your step! Until August 7th at 4 p.m., when you buy 2 compression garments, you can get the 3rd one free! Our stock of Juzo compression garments help with long flights, athletic performance and post surgical needs. This summer is a great time to stock up on diabetic socks and the best support stockings in the industry. Juzo has a full line of fashionable styles and colours to choose from in a variety sizes and compression levels.
We also have certified compression garment fitters with private consultation areas to help you find exactly what you need. To learn more about our latest promotion, please don’t hesitate to give Advantage Home Health Solutions a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page!
