What is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy is a recovery and wellness treatment that uses controlled air pressure to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and speed up muscle recovery. Using dynamic air compression, this therapy applies rhythmic pressure to your limbs, supporting lymphatic drainage and helping flush out metabolic waste that builds up after exercise or injury. It's a favorite among athletes and wellness enthusiasts because it can effectively reduce swelling and inflammation, helping you bounce back quicker from intense physical activities or injuries. Normatec compression therapy, in particular, uses pulse technology that mimics the natural pumping action of your muscles to support the body's recovery processes, enhancing performance and promoting relaxation. Whether you're an athlete seeking to improve your game or someone looking to relieve daily muscle tension, leg compression therapy and full body compression therapy offer a soothing and rejuvenating experience tailored to your needs.
Feeling Sluggish and Sore?
Struggling with muscle soreness and stiffness can make even the simplest tasks feel like a chore, affecting your daily routine and overall sense of well-being. When swelling and inflammation take over, it can be challenging to maintain your usual pace, leaving you feeling drained and less productive. Compression therapy for legs is especially popular for people who spend long hours on their feet, sit at a desk all day, or push hard in training.
How Does Compression Therapy Work?
Air compression therapy works by inflating chambers in the Normatec sleeves in a sequential pattern, moving from the feet upward toward the core. This peristaltic pulse action promotes blood flow, stimulates the lymphatic system, and reduces fluid retention in the limbs. A typical session at Driftless Hydration lasts 30 minutes and can be paired with our infrared sauna therapy or red light therapy for a complete recovery experience.
Revitalize with Compression Therapy
Accelerated Recovery
Soothe Muscle Soreness
Boost Circulation
What to Expect at Your Compression Therapy Session
Compression therapy at Driftless Hydration is one of the most effortless treatments we offer. Here's how a typical session goes:
When you arrive, your provider will get you set up with the Normatec 3 sleeves, which wrap around your legs, hips, or arms depending on your goals that day. You'll settle into a comfortable reclined position, and the session will begin. The sleeves inflate and deflate in a rhythmic, wave-like pattern that works its way up from your feet toward your core.
Most clients describe the sensation as a firm, relaxing squeeze, similar to a deep massage but without any discomfort. There's nothing to do but relax. Many people read, listen to music, or simply rest during their 30-minute session.
When the session ends, most clients notice their legs feel lighter, less puffy, and more energized. There's no downtime and no recovery period. You can head straight back to your day, your workout, or pair your session with another treatment like infrared sauna therapy or red light therapy to extend the benefits.
Compression therapy sessions can be booked as a standalone functional therapy or added onto an IV infusion appointment. First-time clients are welcome to ask questions before getting started. Our team is happy to walk you through the process and help you decide which attachments make the most sense for your body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normatec compression therapy uses a patented pulse technology that applies pressure in a precise, sequential pattern rather than applying static or uniform pressure. This mimics the natural muscle pumping motion of the body, making it more effective at promoting circulation and lymphatic drainage than standard compression garments.
Compression therapy for athletes is one of the most popular uses of this treatment. It helps clear lactic acid buildup after training, reduces delayed onset muscle soreness, and shortens recovery time between sessions. Many professional sports teams use Normatec as a standard part of their recovery protocol. At Driftless Hydration, you can combine your compression session with NAD+ therapy for added cellular recovery support.
Leg compression therapy is used to treat swelling, improve venous return, and support lymphatic drainage in the lower limbs. It is commonly used by athletes after running or cycling, by individuals who experience leg heaviness from prolonged sitting or standing, and by anyone recovering from minor soft tissue injuries. Sessions at Driftless Hydration are 30 minutes and can be booked as a standalone treatment or added to an IV or sauna appointment.
A standard compression therapy session at Driftless Hydration is 30 minutes. That's enough time for a full cycle through the Normatec 3 sleeves, targeting the legs, hips, or arms depending on your needs. Many clients book compression as a standalone functional therapy or add it onto an IV infusion or infrared sauna appointment to maximize their recovery time.
