The science behind NormaTec Recovery //
NormaTec’s founder, a physician bioengineer (MD, PhD), recognized the powerful potential of external dynamic compression and its crucial role in healing and recovery. The concept of using external compression to aid the body with its normal circulatory processes has been around since the 1960s; however, the science of compression had no major technological advances during the first 40 years of its use. After trying every available compression pump on the market with only unimpressive clinical results, NormaTec’s founder realized that the key to advancing the technology of external compression is improving the massage pattern. Thus NormaTec developed and patented Sequential Pulse Technology, and the NormaTec Recovery System was born.
Sequential Pulse Technology in Action.
The difference is our unique massage pattern
Sequential Pulse Technology is based on normal physiology, and it synergistically combines three distinctive massage techniques to speed the body’s normal recovery process.
1) Pulsing: Instead of using static compression (squeezing) to transport fluid out of the limbs, Sequential Pulse Technology uses dynamic compression (pulsing). Our patented pulsing action more effectively mimics the muscle pump of the legs and arms, greatly enhancing the movement of fluid and metabolites out of the limbs after an intense workout.
2) Gradients: Veins and lymphatic vessels have one-way valves that prevent backflow of fluid. Similarly, Sequential Pulse Technology utilizes gradient hold pressures to keep your body’s fluids from being forced down toward your feet by the pulsing action in proximal zones. Because of this enhancement, Sequential Pulse Technology can deliver maximum pressure throughout the entire limb and the effectiveness of the pulsing action is not diminished near the top of the limb.
3) Distal release: Because extended static pressure can be detrimental to the body’s normal circulatory flow, Sequential Pulse Technology releases the hold pressures once they are no longer needed to prevent backflow. By releasing the hold pressure in each zone as soon as possible, each portion of the limb gains maximal rest time without a significant pause between compression cycles.
While a healthy athlete’s body eventually will recover from an intense workout, using the Sequential Pulse Technology found only in a NormaTec Recovery System for just 20 minutes can speed recovery.
“…the NormaTec…quickly became a part of my daily routine with our players for both immediate injury management and post-operative care, and I am more than pleased with the results”
“NormaTec's cutting-edge technology was a lifesaver for the Flyers this season. It’s very rare in my profession that any training or recovery modality is so readily incorporated by everyone on the team. The NormaTec achieved that extraordinary distinction because it just works that well.”
“Whether the athlete is healthy or injured, the customizable compression the NormaTec provides is vital to achieving optimal results in recovery from training or decreasing post injury inflammation.”
How is Sequential Pulse Technology different from other compression strategies?
Before NormaTec advanced the compression industry with Sequential Pulse Technology, 3 simplistic compression patterns existed. The three simple compression patterns are sequential gradient compression; sequential compression; and non-sequential compression.
A graphical representation of the massage pattern, also called the waveform, for each compression strategy is outlined below.
TODAY
Sequential Pulse Technology: Starting at the toes and moving up the limb, Sequential Pulse Technology is divided into 6 phases. In Phase 1, pulsing starts in zone one (the foot). In Phase 2, zone one holds, and pulsing begins in zone two. In Phase 3, zones one and two hold, and pulsing begins in zone three. In Phase 4, zone one releases; zones two and three hold, and pulsing begins in zone four. In Phase 5, zone two releases; zones three and four hold, and pulsing begins in zone five. In Phase 6, zone three releases, and zones four and five hold. Then zones four and five release and the sequence begins again. This dynamic compression strategy mimics normal physiology.
1960's
Non-sequential: A single chamber squeezes and holds the entire limb for a specified time before releasing.
1970's
Sequential: Also known as intermittent compression, these pumps start at the toes and move sequentially up the limb. Each of multiple chambers squeezes and holds at the same pressure before they all release.
1980's
Sequential gradient: Starting at the toes, each of multiple chambers squeezes and holds, moving sequentially up the limb. Each cell's pressure must be less than one below it (gradient compression). Then they all release.