Muscle recovery has gotten more attention in the past few years. The reason for that is because as the science of working out and exercise developed, a bigger way to get an advantage was in the recovery phase. Poor recovery leads to worse workouts, and the negative feedback loop continues.
This may seem like a science reserved for athletes, but almost all science trickles down to the masses eventually. In UK soccer, it began in the late 90s with the introduction of Arsene Wenger to the Premier League, who began limiting diet and implementing strict muscle recover plans. Today, we can buy devices that help automate/regulate some of this process for us.
Device #1: Hyperice Normatec Compression System
One of the leading brands in muscle recovery technology is Hyperice, and their Normatec Compression System is a game-changer. This device uses dynamic air compression to massage your limbs, promoting blood flow and reducing muscle soreness. With 7 levels of compression, it’s possible to tune it in for your needs.
Studies have shown that compression garments can significantly reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and facilitate quicker recovery of muscle strength. A meta-analysis once concluded that compression gear moderately decreases DOMS severity and aids in muscle function recovery post-exercise.
The Normatec system is designed to mimic the natural pumping action of the muscles, helping to flush out metabolic waste and deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues. The best bit? You can just sit there and let the machine do the work for you, knowing you’ve put in the hard work earlier during your workout.
Device #2: Percussive Therapy Massage Gun
Percussive therapy massage guns have gained popularity in recent years, and for a good reason. These handheld devices deliver rapid bursts of pressure into the muscle tissue. They help to break up knots in quite an effective way, much like a traditional massage, as well as increase blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
Getting a massage from a professional is expensive, and something only professional athletes tend to do regularly. Massage guns are portable and easy to use on yourself, or your partner or friend, making them an excellent recovery tool for the everyday person. Once you pay for the device, that’s it, free and easy massages from then on…
Device #3: Infrared Light Therapy Device
Infrared light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate deep into the muscle tissue. This has become big fairly recently as it’s shown to reduce inflammation, which we are continually learning more about.
By promoting healing and alleviating muscle soreness, infared light can help speed up our recovery. Infrared light therapy devices come in various forms, from full-body panels to targeted handheld devices, making them fit a variety of budgets and home uses.
Conclusion
Incorporating innovative muscle recovery technology devices into your post-workout routine can really help improve your recovery time. It’s not just about the experience muscle soreness itself, but that it gets in the way of your next workout.
These three devices are powerful ways to help accelerate the rebuilding of our muscles. However, it’s also important to not forget the basics and free ways to recover, such as eating sufficient carbs and protein, along with stretches and cold showers.
