Putting Compression Hose On After Exercise

While doctors prescribe compression legwear for the treatment of deep-vein thrombosis and other vein-related medical conditions, athletes have taken to wearing these specialized hosiery, socks and sleeves during their workouts to increase blood-flow and maximize performance. While the benefits of wearing compression legwear during exercise are questionable, medical research tends to suggest that putting on a pair of compression hose after an intense workout may help release lactic acid, relieving exercise-induced muscle soreness and speeding recovery.

Research Suggests

After a thorough search of recent medical research on the use of compression clothing, Joe Friel of Swim Bike Run St. Louis concluded that the benefits of during-exercise compression are still questionable, but recovery benefits may be more clear cut. "When it comes to recovery, however, I believe there really may be a significant benefit. The research somewhat suggests this also," he says. These benefits include the return of body fluids from the feet, ankles and lower legs where they tend to accumulate in the recovery time after a challenging session.

A 2009 Running Times magazine article also cited a study supporting a faster lactate recovery rate, suggesting that compression socks might speed recovery after a strenuous workout or a race. "So wear them in a race if it suits you, but definitely wear them after the race," recommends Running Times.

Hose Preferred

Compression technology is available in a variety of forms, including socks, knee-high socks, sleeves for the legs and arms, as well as a full leg stocking. While the benefits of hose over other types of compression garments have not been thoroughly studied, Friel says he thinks that compression stockings would be most effective. He doesn't see much value in shin or thigh sleeves, or hip or thigh tights, as they likely offer little benefit for moving fluids out of the lower extremities.

Who Should Not Wear Them

While their benefits in recovery may be useful to a wide audience, some people should not wear compression hosiery. For anyone who is diabetic, or those who smoke or have a decreased blood supply to the legs, compression stockings are not recommended. The compression stockings can decrease the blood supply further and worsen the disease.

Placebo Effect?

After all the research is taken into consideration, whether to buy compression hose or not comes down to a matter of personal preference and willingness to pay the $15 to $50 price for what are essentially pantyhose. Some users feel they help, and others feel they don't. And while some research may indicate that compression hose actually aid in recovery, other research suggests that their benefit may be more of a placebo effect, according to a 2007 article in the "Journal of Sports Sciences."