The Benefits of Compression Boots

If you’re a sports fan, there’s a chance that you’ve heard of compression boots. Many professional athletes swear by them to help improve performance and recovery after a challenging workout. They’re also gaining popularity among fitness enthusiasts and anyone dealing with the pain and swelling associated with circulation issues.

What are compression boots, how do they work, and should you try a session the next time you visit The Spa at WorldSprings? Keep reading to find out.

What Do Compression Boots Do?

Compression boots aren’t actually boots in the traditional sense. They are inflatable devices made from durable fabric that slip over your legs, usually reaching your upper thighs. When engaged, the air chambers inside the boots inflate and deflate in a rhythmic pattern, similar to a massage, in a process called intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) (1).

The overall effect of this process is improved blood flow since IPC has physical and chemical effects on the body. When the boots inflate, they push down on your veins, forcing stagnant blood and lymphatic fluid out and back into circulation. Putting extra stress on the muscle linings also increases blood flow into the deep veins, triggering the production of various hormones and blood gases. This process can help reduce the risk of clotting and better regulate blood pressure, thickness, and circulation.

What Compression Boots Can Do For You

Because compression boots can stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, they are becoming increasingly common in sports medicine, physical therapy, and wellness centers. Even if you have a more sedentary lifestyle, you can experience the benefits of compression boots.

Fans of the treatment report that they gain a long list of benefits from their sessions, including:

Better Circulation

Compression boots help oxygen-rich blood reach the muscles and tissues more efficiently, speeding recovery and reducing inflammation after a hard workout or injury. Good blood circulation also helps your body eliminate metabolic waste products such as lactic acid, which can contribute to muscle pain and stiffness (2). Frequent travelers and people who spend long hours on their feet or at a desk can also experience the benefits of compression boot therapy.

Reduce Swelling

A tough workout, prolonged standing or sitting periods, injuries, and overuse can all contribute to swelling in the legs and feet. Compression boot therapy uses gentle pressure to help move excess fluid out of the legs, reducing swelling and helping you recover faster (3). Many people with varicose veins find that compression boots help relieve the swelling and pain of the condition.

Promote Lymphatic Drainage

Your body naturally removes toxins and waste via the lymphatic system. However, toxins can accumulate in your bloodstream when circulation slows, affecting your well-being. A session with compression boots can help stimulate this system and aid recovery (2).

Better Sleep

Poor sleep quality can impact your overall quality of life. A compression boot therapy session could lead to better sleep. The process is relaxing, and the massage-like experience helps calm brain waves and supports central nervous system recovery (1).

Relieve Muscle Soreness

Wearing compression boots after an intense workout or when you feel sore and sluggish can feel like a massage and help your muscles feel looser, less tense, and pain-free.

Although many people use compression or recovery boots to boost their athletic performance, you don’t have to be an athlete to experience the benefits. Many people schedule sessions to get relief from chronic conditions like chronic venous insufficiency or lymphedema (4). These conditions cause legs to swell and feel heavy or painful. This non-invasive and drug-free option is great for anyone living with pain who wants a relaxing alternative to find relief.

Let Compression Boots Do the Work For You

Compression boot aficionados often rave about how easy and comfortable treatment is, noting that it feels great and that they immediately feel the difference. Sessions typically last about 30 minutes, and while the boots do their work, you can relax and read, watch TV, or just let your mind drift.

It’s important to note that while there are some significant compression boots benefits, they’re not suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions and circumstances can make it unsafe to use them, so consult your healthcare professional if you are pregnant or have:

• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) or a history of blood clots
• Severe peripheral artery disease (PAD)
• Uncontrolled heart failure
• Skin conditions or healing wounds

In some cases, you can still enjoy compression boot therapy even with these conditions if they are well-controlled and your provider approves.

Schedule a Compression Boot Therapy Session at WorldSprings

Now that you know what compression boots do, schedule a 30-minute session at WorldSprings in conjunction with your therapeutic soak. Whether you want to ease the soreness from your intense training regimen or reduce swelling, you’ll feel calmer and rejuvenated after a half hour in compression boots.

1. (December 9, 2024). Compression Boots – What They Are and Why You Need Them. Recovery Systems. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from Compression Boots - What They Are and Why You Need Them?

2. Martens, A. (December 18, 2023). Your Complete Guide to the Benefits of Compression Recovery. Prevention. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from Your Complete Guide to the Benefits of Compression Recovery

3. Compression Therapy. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from Compression Therapy: Types and Benefits

4. Seemer, J. (May 9, 2024). Do Compression Boots Work? Here’s What the Science Says. Gear Control. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from Do Compression Boots Work? Here's What the Science Says | Gear Patrol