Overview
Compression has long played a role in the world of exercise recovery and physical therapy. Targeted Compression Therapy, scientifically known as Blood Flow Restriction training, originated first in Japan in the 1960’s. Over the last 60 years research into the benefits and mechanisms of targeted compression therapy (tct) to improve muscular health has grown rapidly.
The role of muscle health
Muscular health refers to the absence of pain or disease, and refers to the coordinative performance of muscle, bone, joints and the nervous system. At a functional level, this is influenced by muscle strength, neuromuscular function and flexibility. Muscle health plays a vital role in overall health & wellbeing, impacting everything from athletic performance, to daily activities like walking & sitting. Reduced muscular pain is linked to improved sleep quality [37] and stronger muscles could mean increased lifespan [16].
In a survey of 401 active American adults
76%
Stated muscular pains affect their ability to exercise.
88%
Reported experiencing muscular pains once a month of more.
Whilst physical therapy is recognised as the best, first line of defence against muscular pains costly and convenience remain significant barriers to entry [20]. Whilst passive recovery devices are low cost and convenient, they don’t provide long term relief from muscular pains.
The benefits of targeted compression therapy
Targeted compression therapy is being accepted by American Medical Associations to achieve superior physiological adaptions compared to traditional recovery interventions [36].
Targeted compression therapy has been used in sports medicine clinics for the last 20+ years to relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and improve recovery. Researchers are successfully demonstrating that targeted compression therapy is an effective intervention for preventing falls, osteoporosis, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis: All of which are associated with age-related muscular loss.
Key Benefits
Immediate Pain Relief
Via a phenomenon known as exercise-induced Hypoalgesia targeted compression therapy can offer immediate relief from muscular pains throughout the body.
Strengthen Muscles
Muscle strength is closely linked to joint pain. Improve muscle strength and become more resilient to injury using targeted compression therapy to strengthen muscles.
Improve Recovery
Targeted compression therapy can be setup to cycle through a compression sequence. The compression sequence helps return deoxygenated blood to the heart and oxygen rich blood rush to the muscles.
How it works
Targeted compression therapy is an exercise technique where a compression garment is placed around the top of the limb(s) (like your arms or legs) to partially restrict blood flow during very low intensity and body weight exercise. The principle is that by limiting the blood flow, and thus available oxygen, your muscles experience stress similar to high intensity exercise, but with much less mechanical load on the body.
Here’s how it works: The compression garment slightly reduces the amount of blood that flows into your muscles and traps more blood in the muscle during exercise. This creates a situation where your muscles fatigue faster and work harder than they normally would with light exercise. As a result, your body responds by elevating your heart rate, building muscle and strength, similar to how it would with high intensity exercise. The amount of compression, time under compression, and exercise selection significantly vary the intensity of the therapy.
To Relieve Pain
Immediate
Hypoalgesia is a medical term that refers to a decreased sensitivity to pain. Physical activity, especially at moderate to high intensity, triggers the release of endorphins which act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers which can induce a state of Hypoalgesia. This phenomenon is known as Exercise-Induced Hypoalgesia (EIH).
EIH can immediately relieve pain not just in exercised muscles but throughout the body. This is because when endorphins are released, they inhibit the transmission of pain signals in the nervous system. This inhibition occurs in the spinal cord and brain, where endorphins block the release of neurotransmitters that carry pain signals, effectively "dampening" the pain response. Many people have experienced this phenomenon during exercise warm-ups as endorphin release is closely linked to increased heart rate.
By simulating high-intensity exercise, using targeted compression therapy as a convenient pre-exercise intervention can quickly induce Hypoalgesia lasting up to several hours offering immediate and lasting relief from muscular pains [19]. By varying the intensity of targeted compression therapy varying levels of relief can be achieved.
Long Term
A primary goal of Physical Therapy is improving muscle strength. This is likely because a primary modifiable factor of muscular pains is muscle strength. Strengthening muscles can reduce pain, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis, by providing better support to joints. Stronger muscles also have higher load tolerances making them more resilient to injury and contribute to better circulation which supports faster recovery.
Targeted compression therapy stimulates muscle growth and strength without the need for high intensity exercise. In a single session targeted compression can offer immediate pain relief via EIH (discussed above) whilst strengthening muscles contributing to long term relief
Improve Recovery
Implemented as a passive post-exercise recovery tool similar to popular “pneumatic compression boots”, targeted compression therapy can be setup to cycle through a compression sequence: Compress, hold, decompress, repeat. During the decompress phase of a sequence oxygen rich and nutrient rich blood flow rushes into the muscles whilst simultaneously returning pushing deoxygenated blood out of the muscles back to the heart for reoxygenation carrying with it waste byproducts of exercise.
Safety
Targeted compression therapy is generally considered safe for most healthy adults, and as a result is becoming a prominent intervention in physical therapy clinics. However caution must be observed when selecting equipment and prescribing exercise.
Control Compression
Compression garments are designed to restrict, not block, blood flow. Choosing technology, like Suji, which personalises compression levels based on an individuals heart pulse amplitude and prevents over compression is necessary.
Short Duration
Sessions exceeding 30 minutes of continuous compression are not recommended and should be avoided.
Progress Intensity
Like normal exercise, intensity should start low and increase progressively. Intensity varies by compression level, time under continuous compression, & exercise selection.
Who Should Be Cautious
Heart or Vascular Conditions
If you have any cardiovascular issues or blood clotting disorders, always consult with a healthcare provider first.
Monitor for Discomfort
While some muscle fatigue is normal, you should never experience sharp pain, numbness, or excessive discomfort. If you do, stop and seek medical advice.
Contraindications
If you have acute injuries, skin infections, or open wounds, consult a healthcare provider before using Suji. If you are pregnant, seek advice from a healthcare professional. Consult your provider if you have severe neuropathy or recent surgery.
Conclusion
In summary, targeted compression therapy offers a safe and effective low-impact way to strengthen muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote healing, all of which contribute to effective pain relief, making it a valuable tool for managing pain conditions and improving physical durability. Choosing technology like Suji that personalize compression levels is essential.
While the idea that elevating your heart rate during targeted compression therapy can sound concerning, when done correctly, targeted compression therapy is generally safe for most people.
When Else Does the Heart Rate Elevate?
Normal Exercise
During any form of physical activity, especially cardio workouts like running or swimming, the heart pumps faster and harder to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the muscles.
Stress
Emotional stress or anxiety can cause the heart to work harder, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
Heat Exposure
In hot conditions, the heart works harder to pump blood to the skin to help cool the body down.
High Altitude
At high altitudes, where oxygen levels are lower, the heart compensates by beating faster to supply enough oxygen to the body.
In healthy individuals, these situations are typically well-tolerated. However, people with heart conditions or other health concerns should be cautious and consult with a healthcare provider before engaging in activities that place extra strain on the heart.
Research & References
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- Abe, T. (2010). Muscle size and circulating IGF-1 are increased after two weeks of twice daily “KAATSU” resistance training. International Journal of KAATSU Training Research, 6(1), 19-22. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20503732
- Barbalho, M. (2019). Scapular dyskinesis and the use of blood flow restriction as an alternative therapy: A case study. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 33(6), 1653-1658. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30246555/
- Barili, J. (2018). The acute effect of exercise-induced blood flow restriction on arterial stiffness in healthy individuals. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 118(5), 1059-1067. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30030775/
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- Fatela, P. (2016). Blood flow restriction alters motor unit recruitment and activity during low-intensity resistance exercise. Journal of Applied Physiology, 121(3), 766-773. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27017495/
- Ferreira, V. (2017). Muscle function and stiffness after low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction in elderly women. Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy, 40(4), 210-215. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28029066/
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- Hughes, L., Paton, B., Rosenblatt, B., Gissane, C., & Patterson, S. D. (2020). The effect of blood flow restriction exercise on exercise-induced hypoalgesia and endogenous opioid and endocannabinoid mechanisms of pain modulation. Journal of Applied Physiology, 128(4), 914-924. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32105522/
- Hinge Health. (2023). State of the Market Report 2023: Trends and Insights in Musculoskeletal Health. Hinge Health. https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/press-releases/hinge-health-state-of-musculoskeletal-care-report-2023/
- Iida, H. (2011). Effects of walking with restricted leg blood flow on lower extremity muscle mass and thigh muscle volume. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 111(7), 1357-1364. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21981459/
- Iverson, B. D. (2016). Effects of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle mass and strength. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 30(3), 793-800. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30356481/
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- Karabult, M. (2013). Blood flow restriction training and muscle hypertrophy: Mechanisms and applications. European Journal of Applied Physiology, 113(5), 1287-1295. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23701309/
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