Normatec Boots
Air compression massage therapy for the legs to improve blood flow and circulation, and maximize the benefits of your osteogenic loading session.
Peristaltic pulse dynamic compression (PPDC) has long been used by athletes to boost blood flow and assist in muscle recovery. But when athletes at the U.S. Olympic Training Recovery Centre used these devices for their recovery, they experienced something unexpected: a rapid increase in their flexibility1. This sparked further study on the effects of PPDC—and fostered widespread use of such devices, which use rhythmic applications of pressures on the limbs.
In the world of PPDC devices, NormaTec is an undoubted leader. Its professional grade recovery systems are portable and easy to use, giving our members the benefits of targeted pulse compression after their osteogenic loading sessions. The devices use three key techniques—pulsing, distal release, and gradients—to maximize recovery between training, after performance, from injury and to minimise and oedema of the legs.
Understanding Normatec Boots
NormaTec boots, which are a type of compression therapy device that helps improve blood flow and accelerate recovery. They’re made up of a series of chambers that inflate and deflate in a specific sequence, mimicking the natural rhythm of blood flow in the body.
These boots were first invented by Dr. Laura Jacobs in 1998, who was inspired by patients with circulatory problems. Since then, they’ve become incredibly popular among athletes, runners, and fitness enthusiasts, as they help reduce muscle soreness and aid in injury prevention.
After putting on the NormaTec boots, you will experience a pre-inflate cycle, during which the boots mould to your exact body shape. Next comes dynamic compression, which is like the kneading and stroking you experience during a massage. This pulsing pattern works its way up your limb to mobilize fluid and metabolites. By utilizing gradient technology, the boots keep fluids from being forced in the wrong direction while providing maximum pressure in every zone.
Extended static pressure can be detrimental to the body’s normal circulatory flow, Sequential Pulse Technology releases the hold pressures once they are no longer needed to prevent backflow. By releasing the hold pressure in each zone as soon as possible, each portion of the limb gains maximal rest time without a significant pause between compression cycles.
The process of using NormaTec boots is relatively straightforward. First, you’ll need to put the boots on, which can be a bit tricky at first. Once you have them on, you’ll turn the device on and select the intensity level that’s appropriate for you.
The boots will start inflating, compressing your legs from the foot up to the hip in a specific sequence. This helps move fluid, waste, and lactic acid out of your muscles, reducing inflammation and swelling.
The sensation of the boots inflating and deflating can feel a bit odd at first, but most people find it to be soothing and even enjoyable after a few minutes.
Why Are NormaTec Boots Beneficial For Recovery?
- 1. Relaxation and Stress Relief - The rhythmic pulsing action of the NormaTec boots can help to promote relaxation and reduce stress levels, which can be beneficial for athletes who are recovering from intense training sessions.
- 2. Accelerated Recovery - By improving circulation, the NormaTec boots help to deliver oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues that have been damaged during exercise. This can accelerate the recovery process and reduce muscle soreness, allowing athletes to get back to training faster.
- 3. Convenient and Portable - NormaTec boots are portable and can be used at home, in the gym, or while traveling. They are also easy to use, just put your feet inside and turn the device on.
- 4. Reduced Lactic Acid Buildup - Lactic acid is a byproduct of exercise that can build up in the muscles and cause soreness and fatigue. The NormaTec boots can help to reduce lactic acid buildup by improving circulation and speeding up the removal of waste products from the muscles.
- 5. Increased Blood Flow and Circulation - The NormaTec boots apply pressure to the legs in a specific sequence that mimics the body’s natural pumping action. This pressure increases blood flow and circulation, which helps to reduce swelling, inflammation, and soreness in the legs.
- 6. Bone density benefits: Remove metabolites passively: Maximizes recovery after your osteogenic loading session by reducing blood lactate levels
Other Health and Wellness Benefits
of NormaTec Boots
- Increases flexibility: Quickly improves acute range of motion with chronic knee pain treatment.
- Decreases sensitivity to pain: Reduces muscle sensitivity from pressure, allowing you to feel more tension before experiencing pain, which speeds up and improves recovery.
- Curbs muscle fatigue: Improves the management of exercise-induced delayed onset muscle soreness by increasing blood flow to the lower extremities.
- Enhances recovery: Lowers creatine kinase (CK), which is an indicator of muscle damage.
These improvements translate into better athletic performance, with faster sprints, longer jumps and more powerful throws.
OsteoStrong® sessions complement traditional training methods, providing a unique stimulus that promotes growth and adaptation in ways that conventional training cannot match. OsteoStrong® sessions complement, rather than replace, existing aerobic or strength fitness training programs and do not cause exhaustion, complementing existing training programs.
Tony Robbins said in 2019 that “in the future there will be two classes of athletes. Those who use OsteoStrong® in their training and those who lose!”
In conclusion, the intense forces applied during OsteoStrong® sessions stimulate a cascade of positive adaptations in the body, culminating in stronger bones and muscles, along with improved neurological functioning. For athletes, these improvements can lead to marked improvements in performance, giving them a significant advantage in competition.
Contraindications
NormaTec boots should not be used if you have a pulmonary embolism, as it can cause the clot to dislodge and travel to the lungs, leading to serious bone health complications.
If you are experiencing an acute DVT, NormaTec boots should not be used as they can increase the risk of clotting and cause further complications.
Individuals with acute CHF should avoid using NormaTec boots, as the increased pressure can interfere with cardiac function and lead to further complications.
NormaTec boots should not be used on areas of the skin with open wounds, wounds that are in the process of healing, or active skin infections.
Individuals with obstructed lymphatic or venous return should avoid using NormaTec boots as they can further impede circulation and cause further complications.
Overall, NormaTec boots are an effective and convenient tool for athletes looking to speed up their recovery and improve their overall athletic performance. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using NormaTec boots to ensure that they are safe for your individual needs and health status.
