How do normal boots work. With more and more people putting on their swollen leg boot ensemble, many of you want to know what all the craze is about and how it works.
So here we are ready to answer all your frequently asked questions about how NormaTec compression boots work and what they can do for you, your kids, your injured friend, colleague, or pregnant partner.
What do NormaTec compression boots feel like?
We are asked this at least once a day. So this is how I think it feels...
The first sensation is as if a blood pressure cuff is being inflated around the ankle. This feeling then subsides and inflation slowly moves up the legs. Over the course of the session, the boots feel like a deep pressure massage on the leg.
Graduated pressure is soothing, relaxing, and calming. Only when you take off your boots do you experience the feeling of lightness in your legs.
What Is NormaTec Compression?
NormaTec compression boots were originally established as a medical device. The technology was developed by a medical bioengineer with the aim of improving blood flow and speeding up the recovery process.
With more research, it is now a clinically proven treatment to improve circulation, reduce pain and help athletes perform at their best.
How Does NormaTec Compression Work?
NormaTec uses a patent Pulse Massage Pattern which uses 3 techniques.
- Pulsating
- Distal release
- Slopes
Pulsating
Instead of squeezing the legs to transport the fluid, NormaTec uses a pulsating mechanism that mimics the natural muscle pump in our body.
Gradients
The lymphatic vessels have one-way valves that prevent the backflow of fluid. Pulse technology uses holding pressure to keep everything flowing in the right direction and prevent backflow.
This feature also ensures maximum pressure in each zone on the legs.
Distal Release
Static pressure can have a negative effect on circulation if maintained for too long. NormaTec uses 'sequential pulse technology' that releases the holding pressure once it is no longer needed for reflux.
This ensures that each part of the limb gets maximum rest time between compression cycles.
Who wears NormaTec compression boots?
NormaTec boots are used by a wide variety of people. There are very few contraindications, which makes them suitable for many people for many reasons. So what are the most common reasons people use NormaTec compression boots with us?
- Pregnant and want to reduce the build-up of fluid in the legs. This is especially problematic for women in their third trimester.
- Weekend warriors and athletes who have trained hard and have sore legs
- People who stand on their feet all day and have tied/sore legs
- Those who sit at a desk all day and have fluid buildup or poor circulation in their legs.
- Runners, cyclists, swimmers, or cross-fitters trying to cool their legs before an event or race
Does It Really Work?
NormaTec compression therapy has been clinically proven by several studies. Research has shown that NormaTec helps to:
- Lessen pain sensitivity. Therefore, it speeds up recovery by reducing muscle soreness from
pressure stimuli. - Treat DOMS. A 30-minute session in NormaTec compression boots increases the chances of blood flow, making DOMS management feasible
- Clear metabolites Passively. NormaTec compression significantly lowers blood lactate levels
- Gene Expression in Muscle Tissue. NormaTec regulates rps^ up and Stat1 down. This can aid in a positive adaptive response to exercise.
- Upregulates PGC-1a and eNOS. A 60-minute session has been shown to achieve this with biopsy samples.
- Improve Endothelial Function. A single session systematically improves ductal artery endothelial function and improves RH blood flow
- Decreases Muscle Fatigue After Exercise. Increases skeletal muscle flexibility and oxidative stress during recovery from intense resistance training
- Increased Range of Motion. NormaTec quickly improves acute range of motion with less discomfort and time
