Know This Before You Buy

Thinking about buying a pneumatic (air) compression boot system to help with your training and recovery? Confused about what the differences are between competing brands?
Let us demystify the process and give you a few key attributes to look for when comparing brands including: sequence, pressure, sleeve design, portability, price & warrantee, Rx requirements and durability . We hope that you will choose RecoveryPump, but more importantly we hope you’ll begin to understand the differences between competing products and be able to ask other companies the right questions when you go out to compare!

Recovery Pump has been in the compression therapy business for decades.  We have evaluated EVERY pump made in the world, have been dealers for many of those products we tested and currently are distributors in the medical field for several manufacturers, including the line that is private labeled as the Sport Pump.

We chose the RecoveryPump system for the following reasons:

Sequence

1. A quick cycle-time should be a key factor when comparing compression systems.  
2. Look for a system that uses sequential compression, where each chamber in the boot stays filled as subsequent chambers inflate up the leg.

The RecoveryPump has a very quick sequence, just 30 seconds to fill the entire Boot.  The point is that the more cycles we can deliver during time spent in the Boots, the more effect the system has on your recovery. (It’s all about flushing waste out and replenishing the muscle, which has everything to do with how many cycles of “flushes” you get in per session.)  Also, the RecoveryPump holds a long application of compression during the cycle which increases the effect of the therapy dramatically. Maximize the number of cycles and significantly increase the application of compression during the therapy session results in the very best outcome for recovering muscle in the shortest time frame.
Pressure

1. FALLACY- The more it hurts (high pressure/squeeze), the better it works. NOT TRUE!
2. Look for a system that does not go above a max pressure setting of 80-100mmHg

RecoveryPump was designed to limit the pressure applied to the extremity to never have an effect on the delivery of oxygen and nutrients during the pumping action. Higher pressure than our maximum may have a detrimental effect on circulation and recovery. The clinical data verifies that 60 to 80 mmHg of pressure applied in a sequential manner measurably and significantly moves a large volume of blood in the veins equivalent to that of light exercise during active recovery session.

Boot Design

1. Look for a three-chambered, foot compartment
2. Make sure it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” Boot, custom sizes should be available. A proper fit will reach up near your hip, ensuring increased circulation of the entire leg and hip flexor region. 

RecoveryBoots have a unique foot design that applies pressure on the top and the bottom of the foot rather than on the sides alone. (Picture a triangle with compression from all three sides.)  This action activates the “foot pump”, an important component of returning blood and recovering muscle in the lowest part of the leg. The point is comfort and pumping action that relieves swelling and soreness starting at the toes. The Boots have a zipper closure that makes getting the Boots on and off super easy, no assistance required. (We know you’re busy!)  The sleeves have been custom designed to be sleek and to give athletes optimal fit based on leg length.  Check out our sizing chart below.



Portability

1. If you plan on traveling with it, size and weight should be considered.

RecoveryPump is the smallest system of its type in the market.  Pump and Boots easily fit into a suitcase, backpack or carry-on.  The Boots fully deflate and fold into a small package.  All up, the system weighs less than 10 lbs. It is the most travel-friendly system on the market.

Price and Warrantee

1. Buy what’s tested and proven medically to get the best bang for your buck. Any medical grade device will be more costly due to testing and approval processes medical devices must incur per the FDA. 
2. Look for a company that warrantees the entire system (not just the pump) for at least 1 year.

We offer a Best in Business 2 year warrantee on the complete RecoveryPump system for defects and normal use. The price is very competitive for a FDA cleared, medical grade device designed to be operated 1000’s of hours, having done so in the medical markets. We also offer a 30 day 100% refund if you return the device for any reason.

Non-prescribed Device

1. Avoid the hassle.  Look for a medical grade system that does not require a prescription from your Doctor.
2. Make sure you choose an FDA cleared and tested, medical device and not an off-brand. If you are unsure, contact the company directly and ask who the manufacturer is.

The RecoveryPump does NOT require a prescription from your doctor to use or to buy.  The FDA cleared the RecoveryPump in December, 2011 as an Over-the-Counter device.

Durability

1. Read customer reviews and make sure the system you choose can stand up to the demands of your travel/training/life style.

As a medical device used around the world, the durability of the RecoveryPump is unquestionably the best in class.  This device is designed to operate for many thousands of hours as most people depend on that level of quality and uninterrupted operation.  There are 10’s of thousands of these devices in operation worldwide with a minuscule number of failures.  The manufacturer stands behind their product like none other.

What About Heat/Cold Compress and Cryo Therapy? 

We chose to stay away from cold or cyro therapy as the data is very conflicted as to its efficacy for recovery.  Short duration exposure to cold, such as immersion in an ice bath, is good for stopping inflammation from accumulating. Cold applied on a prolonged basis will slow the recovery process because of constriction of the blood vessels and ultimately restricting blood flow.  Cold is good for injury as it will quickly slow the rate of fluid leaking into tissue but cold therapy does NOT help to evacuate the inflammation. After an injury, the application of heat is recommended to promote blood flow, open up the blood vessels and promote the healing process.  You would not use heat or cold as an every day treatment for muscle recovery as it is primarily used to treat injury rather than recover muscle. The RecoveryPump accelerates the natural process for recovery and reduces overall inflammation thus promoting healing while recovering the muscle via increased circulation.

We hope that this is helpful in your buying decision and that the RecoveryPump will be your choice for Rapid Muscle Recovery!