Targeted compression therapy is one of the smartest tools you can use to improve performance, reduce soreness, and speed up recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or someone who just loves staying active, using compression the right way can make a real difference in how your body feels and performs.
But like any recovery method, results depend on how you use it. Misuse or overuse can lead to less-than-optimal outcomes — and sometimes, even slow your recovery down.
Let’s break down the top mistakes people make with targeted compression therapy and how to get the most out of every session.
1. Using Too Much Pressure
More isn’t always better.
One of the most common mistakes is thinking that higher pressure equals better recovery. In reality, over-compressing can restrict blood flow rather than optimize it.
Targeted compression works by creating a gentle, controlled restriction that encourages your body to circulate blood and oxygen more efficiently once released. The key is finding the right level — firm enough to activate your muscles, but never tight enough to cause numbness, tingling, or pain.
💡 Suji Tip: Use your personalized calibration setting before every session. It ensures you’re always within your safe, effective range — automatically.
2. Skipping Warm-Ups or Cool-Downs
Compression therapy is powerful, but it’s not a substitute for movement. Skipping your warm-up or cool-down entirely can reduce its benefits.
Using compression as part of these phases — not instead of them — helps you unlock its full potential. For example, applying light targeted compression during warm-up can activate muscles faster, and post-workout sessions help flush out fatigue and reduce soreness.
💡 Suji Tip: Pair a 5–10 minute compression session with dynamic stretches before training, and use Suji’s recovery mode after for optimal results.
3. Inconsistent Use
Just like strength training or mobility work, compression therapy works best when it’s consistent. Doing it sporadically — once a week or only when you’re sore — won’t give your body enough stimulus to adapt and recover efficiently.
💡 Suji Tip: Add compression sessions into your regular routine — even short ones. Two to three times per week can noticeably improve recovery and long-term performance.
4. Neglecting Proper Placement
Incorrect cuff placement is another common oversight. Placing cuffs too far down the limb or across joints can lead to uneven pressure and reduced effectiveness.
💡 Suji Tip: Always follow guided placement zones — near the top of the arms or legs, above the major muscle groups. Suji’s app includes visuals and instructions to help you get it right every time.
5. Ignoring Feedback From Your Body
Your body is your best data source. If you’re feeling discomfort, tingling, or unusual fatigue, that’s a signal to recalibrate or take a rest day. Compression should enhance your recovery, not compete with it.
💡 Suji Tip: Track how your muscles feel before and after each session in the Suji app. Over time, you’ll notice what levels and durations work best for your body.
6. Treating It as a “Quick Fix”
Compression therapy supports performance — it doesn’t replace the fundamentals. Proper sleep, hydration, and nutrition still matter most for recovery and strength. Think of Suji as a multiplier for the effort you’re already putting in.
💡 Suji Tip: Integrate compression into your holistic recovery stack — post-training, after travel, or even during light movement days.
The Takeaway
Targeted compression therapy can be a game-changer — when used correctly. The key is to treat it like training: with intention, consistency, and awareness.
With Suji’s smart calibration and app-guided sessions, you can remove the guesswork and unlock the benefits of targeted compression safely and effectively — no overdoing it, no wasted time.
Train smarter. Recover better. Stay in the game.