Compression underwear
The first method of compression, tight bandages, was used by the military and slaves to relieve leg fatigue and swelling in ancient Egypt. Modern compression underwear has replaced elastic bandages and has gained wide popularity in medicine and sports due to its advantages.
Features and Benefits
The compression garment puts pressure on the veins. It improves blood circulation, has a micromassage effect. High-quality products exert varying degrees of pressure on different parts of the body. This normalizes the outflow of blood in those places that have the greatest load.
Compression classes
There are several classes of compression underwear:
- preventive class,
- 1 compression class,
- 2nd compression class,
- 3rd compression class.
The prophylactic class applies light pressure and is applied before the onset of the disease, preventing it. These are cases of increased leg fatigue with a concomitant lifestyle. An important role can be played by heredity, which increases the likelihood of varicose veins. Preventive knitwear can be used for discomfort in the legs after a working day and a predisposition to swelling.
Class 1 compression underwear is used in the initial stage of venous insufficiency, cramps in the legs, swelling by the end of the day, high load on the legs. When varicose veins appear, pain in the legs increases and edema does not subside, underwear of the 2nd compression class is used. In chronic forms of venous insufficiency, underwear of the 3rd compression class is prescribed.
Indications and contraindications
Compression underwear is used in the complex of measures in the treatment of varicose veins. It does not eliminate the cause of the disease, but it provides significant support.
Contraindications to its use are:
- diseases leading to a decrease in the lumen of the veins;
- low systolic pressure;
- cardiopulmonary insufficiency;
- diabetes;
- high skin sensitivity.
In the absence of contraindications, it is still not worth abusing compression underwear. In the absence of varicose veins, its constant use leads to a loss of vein tone, which causes the opposite effect.
With frequent use of sports compression underwear, the leg muscles are poorly trained. Its use is justified in competitions, during the recovery period or with forced loads.
How to choose
The choice of compression underwear, first of all, should be based on the recommendations of a doctor. Only a specialist can analyze the need for its use and assign a compression class. In addition, the doctor can recommend a manufacturer with competent specialists who will take measurements and select underwear by size.
In any case, the correct size is an important component when choosing underwear. It should not rub the skin or sit loosely. In this case, it will not bring the desired effect.
How to wear and dress
Compression garments should only be worn during the daytime. It must be removed at night. It is necessary to put on in the morning, immediately after sleep, in a lying position with raised legs. There should be no jewelry on the hands so as not to damage the fabric. You can use rubber gloves to protect the underwear from nails.
Compression garments should be worn turned inside out. The sock is slightly tucked inside the linen and put on the foot. Then the entire product is evenly straightened along the length. Wrinkles should not form on the leg. The color of the product along the entire length must be uniform. Remove clothes, turning inside out.
Specificity
Compression underwear can be used in various fields of medicine and in sports. It is used not only for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins, but also after operations. Compression underwear is used after burns and during pregnancy. There is underwear for different parts of the body.
For Sport
The choice of compression underwear for sports primarily depends on the specialization. Each of them has its own, the most vulnerable areas that need support to avoid injury. During running, these are the ankle joints, in powerlifting, the shoulder girdle. Compression underwear is chosen taking into account the characteristics of each sport. At the same time, it should cover the areas of the body that have the greatest load.
for basketball
Compression underwear during the game of basketball keeps the muscles in good shape, protects them from external influences during collisions. This increases the potential of the player. In addition, it removes moisture and retains heat.
For hockey
During the game of hockey under the uniform, players put on sports thermal underwear.It has compressive properties, including thermoregulation, maintenance of tone and moisture removal. Thermal underwear does not restrict movement and improves blood circulation.
For running
Providing constant pressure on the muscles, compression underwear tones them. While running, it allows the body not to be distracted by the struggle with loads, minimizes fatigue, which favorably affects the result.
For training
Compression underwear is indispensable for training. It allows you to effectively prepare the muscles, keeping them in good shape throughout the entire period of exercise. The effectiveness of training is thus greatly increased.
For the gym
Classes in the gym often lead to excessive impact on the muscular system. A large percentage of visitors cannot independently assess the consequences of such loads. Compression underwear minimizes the risk of sprains and injuries.
For volleyball
Compression underwear during the game of volleyball maintains optimal body temperature, removes excess moisture and provides free access of air to the skin. Thanks to it, blood circulation is stabilized, which prevents the rapid accumulation of lactic acid.
For crossfit
CrossFit requires strength, agility and endurance in a short amount of time. Serious loads require a responsible approach to them. Compression underwear is an indispensable tool for maintaining muscle tone and comfort during exercise.
For bodybuilding
Of decisive importance in power loads is the constant readiness of the muscles for each approach of the athlete. Protective clothing enhances the strength of the body and prevents the accumulation of rapid fatigue.Thus, compression underwear helps to improve the results of weight gain, reducing the likely health risks.
After abdominoplasty
It is possible to make correction of the abdomen after childbirth or significant weight loss thanks to abdominoplasty. After the operation, several weeks are required for recovery. Compression garments must be worn during this period of time. It supports the skin areas after surgery and the abdominal wall.
The consequence of the use of compression underwear is the rapid healing of tissues, the reduction of swelling, the prevention of the development of keloid scars, the reduction of pain and bloating. In addition, compression underwear helps to feel the fullness of the stomach during meals, which reduces the likelihood of overeating.
For chest
The result of any operation, including on the chest, largely depends on the period of rehabilitation. The greatest effect will be achieved if a set of measures is observed. These include diet, exercise restrictions, and the use of appropriate underwear. The choice of compression underwear depends on the type of operation and the period of rehabilitation.
It allows you to solve several problems. One of them is breast fixation, which provides protection and rapid healing of surgical sutures. Compression underwear prevents breast swelling and has a massage effect, accelerating the recovery process after surgery.
After mastectomy
Partial or complete removal of the breast, like any operation, has the potential for complications. One of the most likely in this case is lymphostasis. The use of compression and corrective underwear after surgery is mandatory.Such underwear includes an oncological bandage, a corrective bra and a compression sleeve or bandage.
An oncological bandage is put on after the operation. It fixes the breast in the right position so that the postoperative sutures quickly grow together. Later it can be changed to a corrective bra. It has pockets for a removable prosthesis, which will hide the absence of the gland. Such a bra has not only aesthetic value for a woman, but also allows you to properly distribute the load on the spine.
The compression sleeve will help to evenly distribute the pressure in the arm from the side of the operation. This will reduce the likelihood of lymphedema. An elastic bandage can also become an analogue to it.
thermal underwear
Thermal underwear is underwear that performs several functions depending on the type. It can be heat-saving, moisture-removing and hybrid.
Thermal underwear is designed for the cold season. It is made from natural materials with a minimum number of seams. It does not irritate the skin and is suitable even for pregnant women. The main function of such underwear is to retain heat. Best worn with windproof outerwear for best results.
Moisture-wicking underwear is sewn from synthetic materials. It does not absorb moisture and immediately brings it out. Synthetics can cause skin irritation, so it is not recommended for pregnant women.
Hybrid underwear consists of two layers. The first layer removes moisture, the second - reduces heat transfer. The effectiveness of a particular function in hybrid underwear depends on the percentage of materials and their thickness.
generic
Due to the high stress during pregnancy and childbirth, compression underwear is recommended for all women during this period. If there are no visible problems with the veins, wear preventive underwear. Otherwise, underwear is prescribed by a doctor.
For childbirth
During childbirth, the risk of complications associated with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis increases significantly. Compression stockings and socks prevent the occurrence of vascular networks, edema, relieve tension and cramps.
After childbirth
In the postpartum period, compression underwear is primarily used for quick body shaping. It helps to reduce the uterus, restore muscles to their original shape, reduce the load on the spine.
After caesarean section
After a caesarean section, it is especially important to wear compression stockings. It improves blood circulation, helps heal scars and speed up recovery after surgery.
Burn
Burn compression underwear is the most effective means for restoring damaged skin areas during the rehabilitation period. Scars remain on them, which, without the use of special underwear, increase and deform the skin. Compression inhibits the growth of the venous network in the burn area. Scars become less noticeable, the sensitivity of the affected skin areas is restored. Practice has shown that compression underwear is 1.5-2 times more effective than a pressure bandage.
For hands
Compression underwear designed for hands can be anti-scar and burn. It is worn either as a sleeve, if the operation does not involve the shoulders, or it is fastened on the back.
Children's models
Currently, compression underwear is also made for children.This is not only postoperative or burn underwear, but also sports knitwear
A variety of children's sports underwear is not inferior to an adult. It includes T-shirts, T-shirts, bras, hoodies, shorts, capris and tights. Children's models have a wide selection of colors and patterns. It is intended for school-age children and has an average degree of support.
Price
For the manufacture of compression underwear, special strong threads, construction and knitting methods are used. These features affect the price, which is several times higher compared to ordinary underwear.
Brand Overview
Notable manufacturers include Medi, Valento, Skins, Sigvaris, Under Armor, Native.
Medi is a German brand that produces compression underwear and orthopedic products. The assortment includes medical, hospital, cosmetic, prophylactic, lymphological jersey and jersey for the treatment of trophic ulcers.
Valento is a Russian manufacturer of compression underwear. It produces sports, corrective, therapeutic, preventive, postoperative and postpartum jersey.
Skins is an Australian brand that produces sports compression stockings.
Sigvaris is a Swiss company producing therapeutic, preventive and sports knitwear.
under armor is an American brand specializing in the production of sportswear.
native is a Russian manufacturer of post-burn and post-operative compression garments.
Foreign manufacturers of compression underwear have a higher cost compared to Russian manufacturers. At the same time, the quality of compression corresponds to the price.
Analysis of producing countries
The rating of countries producing compression underwear, based on the medical effect, operational and visual qualities, allows you to set consumer preferences.
Germany
First place in the ranking is occupied by German-made underwear. Medi has a leading position among German brands.
Switzerland
Swiss-made lingerie ranks second in the ranking. It is not much inferior to German-made compression underwear.
Russia
Russian-made compression knitwear ranks fifth in the ranking after Germany, Switzerland, Italy and the USA.
Ukraine
Compression underwear of Ukrainian production is little known in our country due to its properties. One of the companies that produces compression products is Rehabilitimed.
Reviews
Regardless of the rating and duration of the brand in the market, each of them has both positive and negative consumer reviews. So, the leader of the rating, the company Medi, consumers note a decrease in the strength of products. Buyers also note a short service life from other companies. However, in terms of comfort, the products of various companies correspond to the rating.
The choice of compression underwear is a responsible task. It should not only be effective, but also not cause discomfort during operation. In case of skin irritation or little noticeable effect at the initial stage of using linen, the manufacturer should be changed.
