Normatec Recovery

December 2, 2020

Normatec recovery therapy is suitable for athletes of all levels.

Sporting clubs, associations, and teams such as Australia Triathlon, AFL teams, USA Triathlon, Ironman US, USA Track and Field, British Gymnastics, Belgian Cycling, American Cycling, USA Hockey, Ireland Hockey, and the Boston Ballet are just some of the crew ahead of the curve using Normatec recovery.

We have been so impressed with Normatec recovery we’ve made it accessible to athletes of all levels through our exclusive hire service. We also sell the Normatec recovery systems to those who like to take their training and recovery a bit more seriously.

What is Normatec?

Normatec is an evidence-based recovery system with proven results and research supporting its claimed benefits.

Normatec is a form of active compression therapy (peristaltic pulse dynamic compression) with a sophisticated massage pattern. Studies show reduced muscle soreness and fatigue, enhanced blood flow to the treated areas, decreased inflammation, improved clearance of waste products, and increased range of motion. Studies also demonstrate that the peristaltic compression process may deliver positive adaptive responses to exercise and improve artery endothelial function systemically, making it useful for individuals with circulation and lymphatic drainage issues.

Normatec Recovery boots can also be used post-surgery and to enhance injury recovery.

Key benefits of Normatec recovery

1. REDUCES PAIN: Journal of Strength and Conditioning 2015 – dynamic compression may accelerate and enhance recovery by reducing muscle tenderness from pressure stimuli.

2. INCREASES RANGE OF MOTION: Journal of Strength and Conditioning 2014 -Peristaltic pulse dynamic compression rapidly enhances acute range-of-motion with less discomfort and time and has been shown to be more

3. REDUCES DOMS (DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS), PAIN, and SWELLING: Journal of Athletic Training 2016 – a 30-minute treatment of pulse compression increases blood flow in the lower extremity, making Pulse compression a viable option in the management of exercise-induced muscle damage (DOMS). In general, DOMS-related swelling, range of movement limitations, and pain ratings were lower and returned to baseline faster while using NormaTec when compared to continuously-worn compression sleeve options International Journal of Exercise Science 2018.

4.DECREASES MUSCLE FATIGUE AFTER ACUTE EXERCISE: PLOS One Medical Journal 2017. External pneumatic compression increases flexibility and reduces select skeletal muscle oxidative stress and proteolysis markers during recovery from heavy resistance exercise.

5. PASSIVELY CLEARS WASTE AND METABOLITES FROM BODY: Journal of Athletic Enhancement 2013 This form of compression significantly lowers blood lactate concentrations when compared to a passive recovery group.

6. IMPROVES ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION: European Journal of Applied Physiology 2015. A single bout of peristaltic pulse compression improves artery endothelial function systemically and improves blood flow in the compressed limbs.

7. IMPROVES EXERCISE ADAPTATION AND GENE EXPRESSION: Journal of Experimental Physiology 2015. A 60-minute bout of whole-leg, peristaltic pulse compression transiently upregulates PGC-1α mRNA, while also upregulating eNOS protein and NOx concentrations in biopsy samples.

Clinical Physiology & Functional Imaging 2016. Peristaltic pulse compression may upregulate rps6 and downregulate Stat1, which may facilitate positive adaptive responses to exercise.

8. ENHANCE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM FUNCTION: Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research Muscle stiffness, tenderness, strength loss, and oedema have been linked to exercise-induced muscle microtrauma. Enhancement of lymphatic flow and clearance of waste may accelerate recovery.

“A goal of dynamic compression is to reduce lymphatic obstruction and thereby enhance the removal of the protein- and debris-rich fluid that accumulates in the interstitial spaces after exercise-induced inflammation”. Maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet can also speed up your recovery time. Ginger is one natural remedy that may help reduce inflammation. Read our blog on how easy it is to use ginger.

Normatec features

Individualised programs for rehab, recovery, and injury treatment to suit your needs.
Normatec can be set to focus on key problem areas of the body such as the quads or calves through a “zone boost” allowing extra attention where needed. There is also an option to deactivate zones of the body.
Setting can be set to varied pressures to suit you and your comfort
Portable in a durable case, battery powdered for remote use, and lightweight
Versatile- single control unit is compatible with leg, arm, and hip attachments. The calibration phase ensures a personalised fit for all body types.
Super easy to use- set up takes less than a minute, giving you more time to relax
Made from highly durable material
The Normatec app allows you to integrate Normatec use seamlessly with your training plan

HOW TO USE NORMATEC

Typically, 20-30 minutes once a day is sufficient for most athletes. Athletes in heavy training may consider using it after each training session.

Normatec boots and hip attachments are popular with athletes preparing for and recovering from events. Committed athletes use the system daily as an ongoing recovery tool.

Normatec Hire – TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Normatec Pulse 2.0 boots (upper and lower legs and feet) are available for hire from our Torquay clinic. Take a look at our Normatec Hire and Purchase page for more information.