Shocker! Compression garments (like stockings and sleeves) are not just for edema (swelling), they can be beneficial in a number of ways to improve your health and well-being.
Here are 5 surprising ways to use compression garments:
1. Helps Lower the Adverse Effects of a Sedentary Work-Day
Since COVID-19, most of us have had to work from home making it difficult to have significant “roam–time” during the day. Who knew that daily shuttling between work and home is actually good for us!
According to research by the International Journal for Environmental and Public Health, it was proven that wearing compression stockings during long periods of sitting suppressed pain, fatigue, and swelling in the lower limbs.
Folks wearing compression stockings experienced a significantly lower heart rate than those without.
If you stand or sit for long periods of time, limb compression could be your life-saviour, literally!
2. Improves Athletic and Exercise Performance
There is a range of graduated compression socks or sleeves that improve workout sessions. They have been found to reduce muscle fatigue and improve oxygen flow.
They help with improving performance and recovery!
Remember the last time you worked out and then couldn’t move for days from being so stiff? The answer to this dilemma has been compression garments all along!
Next time you do that Jillian Michaels home workout or you go for that outdoor run, get yourself some compression garments to make it a whole lot easier to get results.
Speak to a Compression Specialist3. Promotes Independence and Mobility
One down-side to heavy, tired and achy legs is lack of mobility.
Wearing a compression garment promotes healthy support and retention of the tissues and circulation. Compression socks, sleeves, and stockings help ease swelling in your feet, reduce the risks of ulcers, and will enable you to walk or run that marathon.
They come in many different materials, colours and styles so your options or limitless!
4. Provides Relief During Pregnancy
Having another human growing inside of you is no small feat! Pregnancy brings a myriad of physical challenges, from swelling to circulation.
Fortunately, maternity compression is able to alleviate some of these discomforts. Products range from maternity graduated compression stockings and support bands which are useful from the first month until the baby is born.
These maternity-specific products are breathable and have a high elastic support in order to keep mommy comfortable.
It is possible to stay active, comfortable, and supported during your pregnancy.
Speak to a Compression Specialist5. Manages Varicose Veins (And Can Be Preventative as Well)
For many people, varicose veins are not linked to a serious health issue but still cause aching and discomfort.
Varicose veins typically appear swollen and raised, and have a bluish-purple or red colour due to low blood circulation.
Limb compression helps to gently squeeze the legs which encourages blood flow to the heart, bringing relief. Wearing compression stockings may even prevent varicose veins, or delay their onset!
6. [Caveat] Have Your Garment Fitted by a Certified Fitter!
Speak to a Compression Specialist to determine the level of compression appropriate for you and the importance of getting measured.
There is a huge benefit to being fitted by a Certified Fitter to ensure you are in the right size based on your leg. A Fitter will make sure it fits correctly (not too loose or too tight), so you can experience the “5 Surprising Benefits of Compression Garments for a Healthy Lifestyle”.
If you have lymphedema, please read about the thing you need to consider before buying a compression garment.
We offer a FREE fitting with our Certified Fitter
If you live in the GTA, you can book a free online consultation with one of our Compression Specialists or visit one of our 3 locations for a fitting.