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The popularity of compression products has increased greatly in the last years. This article examines the actual concept of compression, and the benefits the right kind of compression products can bring when doing sports.
In the past few years, the market of compression products has increased rapidly. Before, compression products were mainly used by hardcore runners, but now they can be seen in every possible sport. However, before purchasing compression products, it is helpful to have a basic knowledge of what the word “compression” really means.
For decades, compression has been used to in the recovery of surgeries and injuries. For example, compression is used to help recover faster from major surgeries or breast cancer because it reduces swelling and metabolic waste from a patient’s body. Athletes and fitness enthusiasts have now also realized the benefits of compression wear, and therefore the range of compression products has increased radically.
There are many quality differences among compression products and some companies also use the word “compression” only for marketing purposes. Thus, it is important to know the difference between authentic compression products, and regular sports products which are often marketed as compression products.
The word “compression” is often used when marketing regular sports socks or training wear, which are as useful as any normal training clothes without compression. Thus, when buying compression products, make sure to find out if the products are based on medical and/or targeted compression or if the word “compression” is used only to market the products. It is always worthwhile to buy actual compression products that are scientifically tested and proven to benefit your athletic performance!
Medical, or graduated compression, refers to compression pressure that decreases gradually. The most effective compression product is made by using specially knitted fabric, where the compression pressure is the tightest around the ankle and then decreases gradually when coming up towards the knee.
Medical (graduated) compression products are scientifically tested and proven as beneficial. Major compression brands also continue to research and test the benefits of compression products all the time. For example, the Finnish compression brand ZeroPoint develops its products constantly in cooperation with international universities. ZeroPoint products have been researched by the Sports Institute of Finland, Sheffield University and Jyväskylä University, just to name a few. This research has proven that compression products improve for example muscle activation, coordination and recovery.
Because of the special knitting, graduated compression speeds up blood circulation and lymphatic systems activity, which then creates a mechanical pressure to the veins. The pressure keeps the venous valves closed so that blood can circulate faster in the veins and also deliver oxygen to the muscles more intensively.
We all know the feeling of heavy and swollen legs during and after exercise. This happens when venous valves, which carry blood to the heart, are overstressed. When wearing compression products, however, the valves remain closed and therefore allow better blood flow to the heart. In addition, wearing compression socks increases pressure in the leg tissue enhancing blood and lymph circulation.
Compression also flushes metabolic waste from muscles faster as well as carries more oxygen to them. Thus, muscles function better, which leads to improved performance. This is the main reason why compression products should never be chosen by using your normal shoe or clothing size. Instead, measure the circumference of your muscles to get the right fit.
Another scientifically proven compression type is targeted compression, or Power Compression, which is mainly used in compression clothing. In short, Power Compression is tailored compression combined with a specific fabric. Power Compression has been engineered to provide pressure to the specific parts of the body in order to enhance circulation and to boost power, speed and stamina.
By creating tailored compression to muscles, blood circulation increases and the removal of lactic acids from your body improves. Compression clothes should never feel uncomfortable, however. They should feel tight and comfortable, providing maximal freedom of movement.
A Real Compression product:
The article has been produced in cooperation with ZeroPoint. Check out the compression products section in our webshop.
