Recovery · Compression Therapy
Compression therapy for athletes and everyday recovery
What dynamic air compression feels like, what the research suggests and how to decide whether it belongs in your recovery routine.
Recovery does not need to be reserved for elite athletes. Long training sessions, demanding workdays and extended travel can all leave the body feeling heavy or fatigued.
NormaTec uses intermittent pneumatic compression. Air chambers inflate and release in sequence, creating a rhythmic pressure pattern around the selected area. At Purple Yoga, guests choose the legs, hips or arms for each 20-minute session.
How it works
A wave of pressure, then release.
Unlike a static compression garment, NormaTec attachments contain separate air chambers. The system moves pressure through those chambers in a programmed sequence and lets the guest select a comfortable intensity.
Legs
A popular choice after running, cycling, strength work or long periods on your feet.
Hips
Pressure is applied around the hips and upper legs for a broader recovery experience.
Arms
An option after upper-body training, repetitive work or a demanding yoga practice.
When people use it
Recovery can meet you where you are.
- After exercise: Some people use compression after yoga, running, lifting or sport because the rhythmic pressure feels restorative.
- Between demanding sessions: It can provide a passive recovery period when you want to rest without adding more movement.
- After travel or long workdays: People who have been sitting or standing for extended periods may enjoy the sensation of sequential compression.
What to expect
Settle in and let the system do the work.
You will wear one attachment while resting in a comfortable position. The chambers tighten and release in a repeating pattern. Pressure should feel secure but never painful. Staff can help you begin at a lower setting and make adjustments during the session.
The evidence
Promising for perceived soreness, less certain for performance.
Studies of intermittent pneumatic compression have produced mixed results. Reviews suggest it may offer short-term relief from perceived muscle soreness, but it has not consistently improved markers of muscle damage or subsequent athletic performance.
- 2021 critically appraised review of endurance-athlete recovery
- 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis of lower-limb compression
Before your session
Comfort and safety come first.
Compression therapy is a wellness service, not medical treatment. Follow manufacturer guidance and consult a licensed healthcare professional when you have a medical condition or are unsure whether compression is appropriate for you.
- Do not use the system over inflammation, infection, bleeding, an open wound or pain of unknown origin.
- Stop immediately if you experience severe pain or unusual symptoms.
- Tell a team member if the pressure feels uncomfortable at any point.
Try compression therapy
Choose your focus and take 20 minutes to reset.
Compression therapy is available at Purple Yoga Huntington Beach. Each session includes your choice of legs, hips or arms.