Compression therapy has been a modality used by clinicians for many years as an effective means for increasing blood flow activity and circulation in the extremities. Compression sleeves, stockings, bandages, and even certain massages are considered types of compression therapy. At Equipoise, we use a compression modality called NormaTec to get the most effective treatment possible on the extremities of the body for a variety of patient needs.
Originally developed by Dr. Laura Jacobs in 1998, NormaTec was created as a result of a need for a non-invasive treatment for circulation disorders in her patients. Today, NormaTec is used as a recovery modality that uses air to squeeze fluid out of a targeted area of the body in order to aid in the body’s natural recovery process. Instead of using static compression (squeezing) to transport fluid out of the limbs, NormaTec uses dynamic pulse compression to mimic the muscle pump of the legs and arms, greatly improving the movement of fluid out of the limbs after an intense workout. Patients are suited up in one of three sections of the unit – legs, hips or arms. NormaTec can be used for a variety of health benefits. Professional and recreational athletes alike can use NormaTec to help increase range of motion before a practice, game, or match. If you’re recovering from a recent injury or dealing with chronic soreness, NormaTec can help lessen pain sensitivity and reduce the intensity of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). Heavy weight lifters, long distance runners and marathoners alike may find benefit using NormaTec as a way to decrease muscle fatigue after acute exercise and enhance arterial blood flow.
What is NormaTec?
NormaTec is recovery modality that uses air to squeeze fluid out of a targeted area of the body in order to aid in the body’s natural recovery process. Patients are suited up in one of three sections of the unit – legs, hips or arms. Each section fully encapsulates that body area and uses individualized chambers to inflate air and squeeze from the area furthest way from the heart and move inward.
How does it work?
Instead of using static compression (squeezing) to transport fluid out of the limbs, NormaTec uses dynamic pulse compression to mimic the muscle pump of the legs and arms, greatly enhancing the movement of fluid out of the limbs after an intense workout. NormaTec uses hold pressures to keep fluids from being forced in the wrong direction.
Why should I do NormaTec?
NormaTec can be used for a variety of health benefits. Professional and recreational athletes alike can use NormaTec to help increase range of motion before a practice, game, or match. If you’re recovering from a recent injury or dealing with chronic soreness, NormaTec can help lessen pain sensitivity and reduce the intensity of delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). Heavy weight lifters, long distance runners or marathoners may find benefit using NormaTec as a way to decrease muscle fatigue after acute exercise and enhance arterial blood flow. Very beneficial if anyone have a game coming up soon or next day to speed up recovery process in turn improve one’s performance
Can anyone use NormaTec?
We encourage anyone to try out NormaTec but there are a few contraindications for its use: Acute pulmonary edema, Acute thrombophlebitis, Acute congestive cardiac failure, Acute infections, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Episodes of pulmonary embolism, Wounds, lesions, or tumors at or near the site of application, Where increased venous and lymphatic return is undesirable, or Bone fractures or dislocations at or near the site of application.
