What is NormaTec Compression Therapy?

NormaTec is the leader in rapid recovery—our systems give a competitive edge to the world’s elite athletes, coaches, and trainers. Our goal is to establish recovery as an integral part of every athlete’s training, and we feel NormaTec systems are the best way to accomplish that. The NormaTec PULSE Recovery Systems are dynamic compression devices designed for recovery and rehab. All of our systems use NormaTec’s patented PULSE technology to help athletes recover faster through compression therapy.

Our systems include a control unit and attachments which go on the legs or hips. They use compressed air to massage your limbs, mobilize fluid, and speed recovery with our patented NormaTec Pulse Massage Pattern. When you use our systems, you will first experience a pre-inflate cycle, during which the connected attachments are molded to your exact body shape. The session will then begin by compressing your feet, hands, or upper quad (depending on which attachment you are using). Similar to the kneading and stroking done during a massage, each segment of the attachment will first compress in a pulsing manner and then release. This will repeat for each segment of the attachment as the compression therapy works its way up your limb.

How Does NormaTec Compression Therapy Work?

To enhance the flow of blood and to facilitate recovery, a physician bioengineer (MD, PhD) created the NormaTec Pulse Massage Pattern.  This method uses 3 key techniques to enhance and speed up recovery:

PULSING: Instead of using a squeezing strategy, we use a Sequential Pulsing Technology.  Squeezing is a static compression whereas pulsing is a form of dynamic compression. The NormaTech patented pulsing movement is similar to the action of muscles as it pumps legs and arms.  Pulsing encourages the mobilization of fluids and metabolites out of the limbs after a heavy exercise routine.

GRADIENTS: In human biology, veins and lymphatic vessels have one-way valves which discourage blood from flowing backward.  Mimicking this natural process, NormaTec Pulse Technology has hold pressures to prevent blood and fluids from being forced in the wrong direction. Because of this, the PULSE and PULSE PRO can deliver maximum pressure in every zone instead of tapering off the pressure.

DISTAL RELEASE: The hold pressure in each zone are released as soon as possible.  This allows each section of the body to rest without a significant pause between compression cycles.  It is important to release the pressure so you do not negatively affect the body’s normal circulatory flow,