Do Recovery Compression Boots Actually Work? | Expert Physio Reviews the Evidence

In this tutorial, we explore the evidence for intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) in the use of athletic recovery and their potential role in the acute ward setting.
References:
*Stedge and Armstrong, 2021: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33418...
*Pavon et al., 2016: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26525...
*Kwak et al., 2017: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
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[@robthurston9676]

Surprising how few comments supporting these. I have a pair and they are amazing. Psychologically alleviating. Legs about 15% more youthful feeling after session with these. Also, feel like my heart has been strengthened after several sessions in getting used to the internal body pressure build up. Increase in mobility. Increase in general stamina when using legs.

[@jaynorton5277]

Great video, very refreshing to see an evidence based discussion on KZbin for once.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Much appreciated! Thank you so much!

[@bagbaggzy9780]

Thank you for your work!

[@ClinicalPhysio]

You’re most welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@ohgeez1000]

I was introduced to the compression boots at EOS gyms. It was part of my “black card” membership. I started to use them after my runs or leg workouts and my legs felt good afterwards and I wasn’t getting long term aches after my workouts. My wife tried them too and she noticed the same thing so we bought the Sharper Image boots from Costco. Been using these boots several times a week for the past year and it really helps. I’m 54 years old and I got my mom the same boots and it’s helped her walking as well

[@MayaReina1111]

I get a lot of leg and toe cramps. I also have noticed lately that I am getting some unattractive veins showing up around my knees, along with heavy feeling legs. I have always been an active healthy person. Yoga/streching, walks, don't sit for long, etc. I feel that I stay pretty hydrated too, but I wonder if there is something else going on. I do have a doctor's appt next week to see. In the meantime though, I love using these leg compression boots. When I use them, I feel that my legs do feel somewhat lighter and I can sleep through the night without those awful cramps. Plus I have discovered my new relaxing, self-care time: I use my compression time to listen to some music, and/or read, and go on about the rest of my day feeling good!

[@Scorpyade]

Is this good for a heel pain like plantar fasciitis?

[@kientoantran309]

What a helpful infomations! Thank you 😍

[@ClinicalPhysio]

You're so welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@vasileiospetropoulos2046]

Great stuff as always

[@ClinicalPhysio]

😊😊🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@TheDerangedBlood]

I use Compression Boots and use Compression on my arms for 30 mins and I notice a difference. I have less pain from working on concrete for long hours. I say, if you use it and it makes you feel better, then it is a win.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Absolutely! Glad to hear it helps you!

[@doc75s]

That's the reason I was gonna buy some...I work on concrete all day and my legs are shot at the end of my shift...do you think it works then?

[@Scorpyade]

Do you use the legs one for you're arms?

[@TheDerangedBlood]

@@Scorpyade no. you get an arms set and a legs set.

[@rolivatss7910]

thanks for sharing this valuable information. Can it help with Restless leg syndrome?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Thank you for your message and I’m sorry to hear about the restless legs … I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer here, often I may say to patients that it may or may not work, if you feel it is worth a try then feel free to

[@KatiaPaparone]

Yes

[@timecode2226]

I think I'm pre diabetic with extremely bad circulation, heavy dead tree trunk legs everyday, days off or after working. I'm trying to do exercise but I'm struggling so much. I think this will help with soreness and circulation right? Maybe help me keep pushing to get it better

[@7ann7seven13]

I gad RLS. Did Research on Google Medical search. Found a research paper from Australia discovered bodies lacking enough Magnesium, Zinc, B vitamins have RLS. Bought Dr. Dean's mineral and ReMag, which replenishes electrolytes and other trace minerals.... Then got time released B vitamins.... Worked like a charm overnight, actually. I'm a trucker so we can't take certain stuff like meds to control twitching etc.

[@SachonEdwards]

Hello 🙂 I suffered a lateral meniscus tear 5 years ago and suffer with fluid buildup after football when I over exert myself- do you think it’s worth getting this ?

[@Chavanun555]

Nope

[@Leo-uy4qv]

You need to have that buildup fluid drain by your doctor , if you have scars tissue look into doing Type 4 laser Therapy only a doctor can apply this. Not your typical cold or hot laser is a whole different type of laser. It will dissolve your scars tissue and reduce inflammation. I did 5, 6 sessions in 3 weeks span. It worked for me

[@brian8647]

Hey JFYI the same thing happened to me. I kept having to go to the doctor to get it drained almost weekly. What stopped it was incorporating the knees over toes guys exercises and stretching. Hope that helps!

[@Blahmanwhysoserious]

I got these to help with my running and weight lifting, while I dont use them as much as id like simply because I never have time, these really alleviate the Doms the following day if I use them after a training session. They are much more noticeable than say a massage gun tool. Everyone is different but these definitely make my legs feel better.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

That’s great! Glad to hear they help you!

[@jscho87]

glad to read this, i have some doubts but i ordered the therabody recovery air boots yesterday. fingers crossed they’ll come in handy for recovery

[@carlsonfamily2020]

Shoulda got the normatech 3​@@jscho87

[@topboi9392]

@@jscho87did they help

[@jgriff650s]

​@@jscho87how do you like them? Do they help?

[@NiecyD]

Hi, I deejay and stand alot because i also work as a lifeguard will these boots help with the tired legs and sore feet? Thanks

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Hard to know for sure but if you want to give it a go there is nothing to say you can’t!

[@rolfdejong9982]

I’m suffering with long covid and have problems in my calves. I use to run ultra trails. But for 2 years I’m unable. My legs, specialy my calves dont recover enough. So maybe this might help me. What is your opinion?

[@zlmdragon.]

check iron levels

[@SeyBarca99]

I sprained my ankle & got muscle damage. will this help?

[@Chavanun555]

No

[@jazzgill9690]

hi have question that this recovery compress boots actually work on an adult lady who is age 60 can any help to solved this ?

[@Sufficient4UsIsAllah]

Why not hun? You can check if there’s contraindications, such as can someone with varicose veins use them/ who shouldn’t use them etc etc. If there’s no risk then go ahead. They boost circulation which is good for you. And you can choose the duration and pressure to suit you. I’m not a doctor obviously, but I have no qualms in recommending them provided there’s no contradictions to worry about :)

[@Yang_banana]

I tried them at the Comrades Expo today after a 18 hours flight, they did help loosen up the swelling in my lower legs and I feel a lot fresher. Not sure I want to buy them to use at home though

[@craigwolstenholme2166]

Hi , as a wheelchair user incomplete spinal injury with sensation, could these help with pain management aswel as circulation? Thanks

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Hi Craig thank you so much for your message It’s hard to be certain to be honest but there is no reason you are not allowed to try it if you want to give it a go!

[@craigwolstenholme2166]

@@ClinicalPhysio thank you for your reply so now is which out of all the manufacturers are best ? If anyone in the comments has tried some id be interested to know what they thought

[@lolnamelollastname9788]

​@@craigwolstenholme2166that would be great to ask Greg Foot on Sliced Bread

[@AS-yc3wp]

I used them 3 x a day after spine surgery for nerve pain in my legs. They were very helpful. Definitely worth buying. I onsold them to someone who had the same surgery, they also found them helpful.

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Glad to hear they helped you!

[@rpmachetti]

Essentially a placebo effect when it comes down to decreasing DOMS?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼

[@RY-fe3rt]

So, placebo boots for bodybuilders but an effective tool for the elderly. Elderly bodybuilders will have it good then. 😁

[@timecode2226]

I feel like my body is that of a normal 80 year old 😅 maybe it's worth trying I'm sick of taking meds 😢

[@omathemuse]

Would compression boots be beneficial for Hypermobility syndrome/POTS?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Hi! Hard to be absolutely sure as it will vary from individual to individual 🙏🏼

[@davegaleuk]

As I understand it, you restricted your review to the alleviation of DOMS without touching on the impact on post-race lactic acid for sprint athletes. In addition, the graphs presented for 400m sprints seemed to show a marginal improvement in recovery. Isn't a marginal improvement all an elite athlete can aim to achieve... in as many aggregated areas as possible?

[@Borex2]

I wanted to get this boot for my dad, he has arthritis in knees.

[@ruap007]

So I tried a boot, the Normatec 3, but I question the whole concept of compression boots. You feel the same way after a session as before, I was biking for 5 hours, was really drained, hoping to get some relief. But no difference, well then I was hoping maybe at least it feels like a massage, that it would at least feel good, but also not really. It's just compressing, doesn't feel like a massage either. I got it at Best Buy and returned it a week later. That was a waste of energy and time.

[@99cya]

Mark Lewis (youtuber) used compression boots on one leg and not on the other. he felt a clear difference.

[@ta-da3054]

Flawed study tbh

[@mikekis6731]

The other cause is to utilize RBC by himself (no helpers), and in passive mode (smth is going on around you, but you are still laying and sleeping). 😂 It is easier for non-professional and cheaper .

[@ClinicalPhysio]

😂🙏🏼

[@Waves.hunter97]

I suggest you to work out intensely every day (like an athlete) an try a couple of weeks without and later a couple of weeks with them. Than you can read whatever you want but you will understand that it works 😂👍🏼👌🏼

[@maverick8777]

Are these good for those with mild acl sprain ?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

It’s unlikely to improve the actual ACL sprain directly to be honest , it isn’t necessarily a medium for improving pathology

[@stjohnssoup]

I used the calf bit on my knee after a knee injury (doctor said I might have meniscus or ligament issue). The pain was through the roof. This definitely helped. Blood flow to the area would increased. I also used stationary bike. As long as I could manoeuvre onto the bike, I was fine once on it. Also I have been exercising glutes. In a short space of time, I’m back to normal. And that’s from someone who really didn’t know if I’d be able to walk normally ever again, the pain was so bad. I couldn’t weight bear at all. Using crutches I was able to stay mobile.

[@anonymous4711_]

Now that I watched this there is no more reverse-placebo-effect for me with this product 🤔

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼

[@martinh4836]

hmmm

[@ClinicalPhysio]

🙏🏼

[@Chavanun555]

So why are the athletes doing all these fancy stuff like this air thing, massage gun, foam roll and stuff if it dont work. There should be a reason why do all do it though

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Perhaps because it gives them the confidence to perform better because THEY believe in what they are doing

[@Chavanun555]

@@ClinicalPhysio lol i will stick to my cheap pvp pipe and Normal stretching them 😂😂😂

[@swegatron2859]

athletes and their coaches can be very superstitious about these types of therapies. If it doesn’t harm the athlete but there’s a slight chance they get an advantage, they’ll jump on it. And behind all of these products is a marketing team trying to get winning athletes to be seen using it, & from there it spreads like wildfire & they make millions. As long as it sounds remotely scientific you don’t need studies to make ppl buy these things

[@Chavanun555]

@@swegatron2859 i mean for us normal folks if i wanna hoop and lift weights. I just stick to my regular pvc pipe and ice then? No need to stretch, massage gun, oxygen tank and cryo dragonabll z type chamber then?

[@ambi3931]

​@@Chavanun555I hoop, workout, and play in my local baseball league. I have the normatec 3 compression boots. And let me tell you, IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE. It could be different for everybody but it's definitely something I'll be using for the rest of my active life.

[@chr1staki]

Perhaps the scientific method used is insufficient?

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Perhaps!

[@linuxcowboy7417]

😡😡😡😡😡

[@ClinicalPhysio]

I know!

[@karthikomfs]

If you want to talk science don’t dramatise it , be more nuanced and statistical !! Good attempt but simply irritating to hear such drivel with substance that could be conveyed in 3 concise minutes .

[@ClinicalPhysio]

Thank you for your thoughts!