Compression for exercise, post exercise and injury recovery
Compression in sport and recovery is predominantly used to encourage blood flow and reduce swelling. Higher blood flow = more oxygen to the muscles and therefore improved performance and recovery. Compression is also considered to rid lactic acid faster post exercise and reduce muscle vibration during exercises (less damage to muscle fibre).
Compression during sport
Compression gear could be a consideration for off road motorcycle riders, however, the benefits in the compression gear could be out weighed by the increase in heat when wearing more gear. Although you can get hold of wicking compression gear, and most riders wear some sort of under garment anyway to reduce friction from protective gear anyway, you should trial stuff away from race day just in case it doesn’t work for you!
As riders are exposed to lactic acid build up, muscle vibration and frequent minor/major muscular injuries, compression may help during competition and after!
Compression post sport
Compression gear is used by some athletes to recover from vigorous sessions – much like saunas are used to encourage blood flow, compression gear can be used for the same purpose but in a more localised way i.e. it is mainly used for lower limbs. Wearing compression gear can also be done around the house and doesn’t stop you doing other tasks, although it perhaps doesn’t come with the relaxation of a sauna!
There are plenty of brands making compression gear but from personal experience 2XU, Skins and Under Armour are all good – as mentioned already be sure its wicking gear (designed to keep you cool as well).
Compression for post injury recovery
“Almost without exception, the use of cold compression therapy following either acute musculoskeletal injury or orthopedic surgery results in improved clinical outcomes compared to no treatment.”[1] Research suggests that cold compression for injury recovery, such as knee ligament surgeries and ankle injuries, improves recovery. Various cold compress solutions can be found online from under £50 to over £500! He key principle though is to apply pressure and cold at the same time, therefore if you don’t want to spend hundreds, get creative with it!
Paul Bolton wearing knee brace sleeves – you could wear compression sleeves and achieve the same effect!