The Case Against Compression Boots (for the purpose of recovery)
The most important piece of information to understand in this article is that the body’s muscle recovery process is reliant on muscle activation. Each stage of the process requires muscle movement in order to repair damaged tissue effectively and efficiently. To better understand why compression boots fall short when it comes to recovery, let’s take a look at how they fit into each stage of the recovery process.
The Four Stages of Recovery: How Compression Boots Fit In
There are four main stages of muscle recovery in adequately hydrated, nourished, and rested individuals.
Stage 1- Increase blood & nourishment:
Compression may create an initial surge of blood and supplies into the area once compression is released, but there is no increase in blood flow. Why? While the area is compressed, blood flow is reduced. As soon as the compression releases, blood rushes in but the net total of blood going into the area is the same (or more likely less) as it would’ve been without any applied compression. The goal of this stage should be to bring more supplies and nutrients into the area, compression boots don’t help with that.
Stage 2- Activate lymphatic system:
Through external pressure, compression can help get rid of some waste that’s closer to the skins surface, but in order to effectively remove waste from the body, the lymphatic system needs mechanical stress. Plus, compression can’t reach deeper vessels within the lymphatic system without crushing the superficial vessels. The only way to effectively reach all lymphatic vessels and produce mechanical stress is through muscle activation.
Stage 3- Facilitate the production & release of myokines:
Muscle activation is required for the body to produce and release myokines, which drive the tissue generation process. Since compression boots don’t create any activation, they won’t help with this stage.
Stage 4- Optimally remodel muscle tissue:
Once the tissue is repaired, muscle activation is required in order to optimally remodel the tissue. Failure to do so leads directly to dysfunctional movement. Again, compression boots don’t create muscle activation so they can’t do anything to assist this final stage.
At best, compression boots can help one stage of the recovery process. Even then, it’s not the most effective method. There are other practicality issues with compression. Compression boots make it hard to target areas throughout your body. A different attachment is required for each body part; but even if you have every attachment, you still can’t target everywhere you want.
Portability is also a problem. Compression boots are bulky and inconvenient to transport. There’s nothing wrong with using compression boots if they feel good to you, but to get the most effective recovery, the best choice is Marc Pro. Our devices create non-fatiguing muscle activation so you can get the most from your recovery. The versatility, portability, and ability to provide instant pain relief also sets Marc Pro apart.