Compression

I always run with compression shorts. Holds things in place

I've been having some minor pain in my calf/side shin area, so I started wearing a compression calf sleeve during my runs and I really notice a difference! I don't necessarily notice a difference in my performance; just that the pain is not there while running when I wear it.

Oh this is interesting as I get that pain too in shin. I think if you have loose skin it avoids rub, clapping body parts, chafing, and pull on body. I cant tell when I use the pants when I have a plyo or run it not as painful, embarrassing, feels like less effort.

I don't have time to go digging for the studies but it has been shown that using compression during training sessions provides no more benefit than placebo effect. I can go find them later if anyone wants to see them though.

However I am a big believer in compression as a recovery tool. Similar studies do show that compression gear aids in clearing the swelling from "abused" muscles which speeds healing. I have used compression socks before as post-long-race recovery. I also have a set of pneumatic compression boots that fit up the entire leg and go through cycles of pressurizing from below and up to the top of the leg. These things are fabulous for getting the legs ready to go again for another round of training.

AllanMisner wrote: »

Banks21Steven wrote: »

AllanMisner wrote: »

Have you see any performance differences with and without? Compression has its place in training, but I haven't really seen anything that shows much benefit in everyday use.

I noticed when I use them my legs don't seem to be as sore After a run, as they do without them. "If that makes any since"

I guess, I just don't see any physiological reason why that would be.

Maybe for the same reason that my boobs don't feel as sore after a run when I wear a sports bra as they would if I ran bra-less?

Resurrecting this thread after a search. Hubby swears I need some compression shorts or tights to wear while running and lifting. Of course, I started researching and found the same study mentioned above, saying it's placebo effect.

But maybe the recovery thing has some merit? I hate wasting money on special gear that I really don't need.

I would agree with recovery benefits...the theory behind compression is that it hastens venous return to the heart (and is used for bedridden and other high risk for embolism patients). The gastocnemius in ambulatory people effectively "milks" blood up the veins against gravity when it contracts. The veins have valves in them that open to allow flow and close behind the flow. The muscle pump of an actively moving muscle milks the blood from valve to valve. I wear 15-20 mm Hg knee high socks while at work, where I mostly walk and stand, using each gastrocnemus tons. They reduce swelling and leg fatigue in my opinion. Work at the bedside is not the same as training. ROM is not the same, heart isn't working very hard...I don't wear compression when I train, but I'm just training for fun and health, not competing.

PeachyPlum wrote: »

AllanMisner wrote: »

Banks21Steven wrote: »

AllanMisner wrote: »

Have you see any performance differences with and without? Compression has its place in training, but I haven't really seen anything that shows much benefit in everyday use.

I noticed when I use them my legs don't seem to be as sore After a run, as they do without them. "If that makes any since"

I guess, I just don't see any physiological reason why that would be.

Maybe for the same reason that my boobs don't feel as sore after a run when I wear a sports bra as they would if I ran bra-less?

Resurrecting this thread after a search. Hubby swears I need some compression shorts or tights to wear while running and lifting. Of course, I started researching and found the same study mentioned above, saying it's placebo effect.

But maybe the recovery thing has some merit? I hate wasting money on special gear that I really don't need.

The sports bra is about the trauma of the jarring movements on the breasts. General compression of a working body part is what I haven’t seen data on and cannot wrap my mind around any benefit. Compression (and cold) after a long run does make sense as it should help remove waste from hard worked muscles.

I’ll admit, this is just opinion. There might be some research I just haven’t seen.

During marathon or ultra marathon training I find that the use of compression helps my recovery. I don't have any actual data to back this up but just how I feel. I have done both with and with out compression. I don't use compression on shorter runs but for anything longer then 10 miles I will use them. Often during the run and after. I have several pairs of varying levels of compression.

jacksonpt wrote: »

First of all, there is a BIG difference between what Nike, Under Armor, etc mass markets as "compression" and true compression gear. I'm pretty sure I burn more calories putting on my compression socks than I do actually running in them.

This. If you aren't gasping for breath and feel like you already had your workout just putting them on, they aren't really "compression"

glevinso wrote: »

For recovery, and I am talking after a long hard race (Half Ironman, Full Marathon or Full Ironman) I find that sitting around in compression socks helps keep the leg swelling in check. If I sit around at work all day with my legs below me, without compression my feet and legs swell up like crazy. The socks help...

But for the real deal - I have a set of these that I use most evenings while watching TV:

Heaven. Where can I get some?

I was having some issues with calf cramps, which was related to over training. I bought some nice expensive compression sleeves and feel like they give me good support. I also had to completely dial back my training and worked on some nutritional things. I obviously made more than one change, so impossible to say the sleeves worked - but my legs are stronger than ever. Did a 13.1 mile Spartan Race up a ski slope 5 times two weekends ago....there was one hairy little spot with my calves but they didn't fully cramp the entire race. I've had them cramp over next to nothing. Definitely keeping the compression gear around. And as others stated...they are a PITA to get on and off, so I wouldn't be bothering if I didn't think they helped. I also only use them during high impact training (soccer, trail running, racing) I also make sure to leave them on post workout for awhile to help with recovery.

I know a large majority of OCR elites wear compression. No idea if it increases their performance, but I'd say you probably perform better knowing certain body parts are where they need to be in a race like that. It also ads a layer of protection to your skin. And is tight so you have no worries of snagging barb wire, tree branches, etc.

glevinso wrote: »

I don't have time to go digging for the studies but it has been shown that using compression during training sessions provides no more benefit than placebo effect. I can go find them later if anyone wants to see them though.

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I trust you..