So, read on to find out information about both our NormaTec and cryotherapy so you can better determine which one is right for you.
What Normatec Is And How It Benefits You
A brief explanation of what NormaTec is: it is a sort of specially designed sleeve you put on your legs to rhythmically squeeze them from your toes up your leg.
This has the effect of working the blood from the bottom of your feet, where it can sometimes get stuck if you have poor circulation, back up to your heart.
The result is your leg muscles get a break while still having a good amount of blood flow, which massively reduces stiffness and soreness in them. Additionally, it is slightly helpful to your general circulation.
Disadvantages Of Normatec Therapy
It is a bit of a hassle, especially at first, to get in and out of the sleeves. You also have to just lay there for a while and not do anything, which some people may not have time for.
However, the main disadvantage is the brevity of the effects. While very helpful, the increased circulation only lasts for as long as you’re using it, or maybe a little longer. There are not really long-term benefits to a session.
What Cryotherapy Is And How It Benefits You
The shortest way to explain what cryotherapy is: it is where you’re surrounded by extreme cold for a very short time.
How this benefits you is by kickstarting your ‘fight or flight’ systems, which basically encourages your cells to work faster to prepare for whatever emergency they think triggered them.
This means any injuries, inflammation, muscle strains, or anything else you might have, are all dealt with faster.
Disadvantages Of Cryotherapy
Though these are few, there are disadvantages, starting with the necessity of being perfectly dry. You’re also required to get out of most of your clothes for it to take effect; plus, to be safe, you are given gloves and socks to wear to protect your hands and feet.
This brings us to the reason your hands and feet need protection: if you stay too long in the cold, you can easily get frostbite from the low temperature. Though we have our recovery specialists always on hand to monitor you to prevent this, it shows just how cold it is.
Finally, the chill of cryotherapy takes a while to go away, even after the session, which some find unpleasant.
How To Know Which One Is Best For You
If your main concern is your legs, then NormaTec is almost definitely the right choice for you. It’s also less expensive and leaves you feeling great rather than uncomfortably chilled.
However, if you want something to help you a little longer and for parts of your health other than your legs and circulation, cryotherapy is going to be the better choice. Though more expensive, it helps with a lot more.
