From the Guidelines
For arthritis and sports recovery, Incrediwear is a preferable option over traditional compression garments due to its ability to increase circulation without compression, making it more comfortable for individuals who find tight compression uncomfortable. According to a systematic scoping review published in 2022 in the journal Sports Medicine 1, the evidence for the efficacy of compression garments in improving physical performance and enhancing recovery is varied and equivocal. The review found that compression garments may reduce muscle oscillatory properties and have a positive effect on sensorimotor systems, but it is unlikely that they meaningfully change metabolic responses, blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiorespiratory measures.
Some key benefits of Incrediwear include:
- Increased circulation without compression, which can be beneficial for individuals with arthritis who experience pain and inflammation
- Ability to be worn for extended periods, including day and night, without the discomfort associated with tight compression
- Potential to reduce soreness and speed healing after exercise without restricting movement
- Use of semiconductor technology that releases negative ions when stimulated by body heat, which can help increase circulation and reduce inflammation
In contrast, traditional compression garments work by applying physical pressure to improve blood flow and reduce swelling, but may not be as comfortable for individuals who find tight compression uncomfortable. While compression garments may offer better support for joint stability and are often less expensive, the choice between Incrediwear and compression garments ultimately depends on personal comfort preferences. Incrediwear is ideal for those who need circulation benefits without tightness, while compression works well for those requiring firm support and who don't mind the pressure. As noted in the review 1, future research should assess wearer belief in compression garments and examine individual responses to different types of compression, which could help inform decisions about the use of Incrediwear versus traditional compression garments.
From the Research
Comparison of Incrediwear and Compression for Arthritis and Sports Recovery
- There are no direct studies comparing Incrediwear to compression garments for arthritis and sports recovery in the provided evidence.
- However, studies have investigated the use of compression garments for medical therapy and sports 2, as well as their effectiveness in reducing muscle damage, soreness, fatigue, and inflammation after exercise 3.
- Compression garments have been shown to be effective in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and perceived fatigue, with a small to large decrease in the magnitude of DOMS 3.
- In terms of arthritis, studies have focused on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis, highlighting the importance of patient education, physical exercise, and weight loss as first-line treatments 4.
- Topical NSAIDs have also been investigated for their effectiveness in treating acute musculoskeletal pain, with some formulations demonstrating significantly higher rates of clinical success than placebo 5, 6.
- While Incrediwear is not specifically mentioned in the provided studies, the evidence suggests that compression garments and topical NSAIDs may be effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and sports recovery.