Compression is an effective method by which controlled pressure is applied to the extremities to increase blood flow and the efficiency of the lymphatic and venous systems. Traditionally, compression uses socks or stockings, but Restore uses newer technology like NormaTec to offer dynamic compression that utilizes compressed air to mobilize fluid and improve circulation. This technology involves “sleeves” which slide onto your arms, legs or around your hips and offer a pneumatic, pressurized massage.

The idea behind compression is pretty simple: It helps your system increase blood flow to certain areas, encouraging your body to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the area, which in turn may speed up recovery, relieve aches and improve athletic performance.

Typical sessions last 30 minutes. You can sit back, relax, read a book, scroll Instagram, practice deep breaths or take a nap. As long as you remain stationary and let compression do its job, the choice is yours. But in case it’s your first time, be sure to charge your phone in advance or bring a book!

Professional athletes have used compression to recover faster in between training sessions or after intense competitions. Because the pneumatic squeezing technique increases blood and lymphatic flow in your limbs, it allows for muscles to recover faster from aches or overuse, so the athletes can perform at a higher rate of intensity without needing as much rest or recovery in between exercise. Think about the last time you did squats. For most people, it’s not too often, and the result is, your legs are intensely sore for 2-3 days afterwards. It’s difficult to climb stairs, sit down and you can forget about exercising again. But with compression, that recovery period is much shorter because the system mimics therapeutic pressure, reducing tenderness and alleviating soreness in the process. It’s a sports massage after intense workouts, minus the sports massage