Compression - the real deal or a comfort blanket?

4 watchers

MartinG Mar 2015 8:24pm, 19 Mar 2015 6 posts	0 MartinG I'm currently considering trying compression wear to help an on going hamstring issue. However opinion on the real benefits seems to be mixed. A bit of background to my problem, my hamstrings are only really an issue towards the end of long runs or in the last 1/4 of a marathon. I've started a strength training program and use a foam roller regularly to try and help the problem. So any advice on if compression gear would help or any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Cyclops Mar 2015 8:26pm, 19 Mar 2015 1,757 posts	0 Cyclops No idea myself but I'm interested in the answer. Does compression clothing - especially socks as that is what I am considering - make a difference? And hello MartinG!! waves
flanker Mar 2015 8:54pm, 19 Mar 2015 15,737 posts	0 flanker Works for me. Whether that is a placebo effect or not I care not, as long as perceive a benefit. I think they mainly help on marathons and ultras on supporting the limb and delaying the onset of tiredness. I don't know if this down to improving blood flow, stopping necessary 'wobble', or just the support they give the muscle. However the main reason I where compression gear is for comfort - it stops chafing, be that nipples, inner biceps or thighs. It also means you get to play find and seek when you need a pee on cold wet winter runs!
Dvorak Mar 2015 8:59pm, 19 Mar 2015 9,908 posts	0 Dvorak I generally wear my compression socks for sleeping, or on the bike if it is cold. If I do run in them however, whilst my calves are fine, my thighs generally are tireder. So I reckon they are doing something but it's not all good . You may find the obverse.
RRR-CAZ Mar 2015 9:03pm, 19 Mar 2015 1,171 posts	0 RRR-CAZ Compression socks work for me especially through the winter might be to do with helping to keep problematic calves warm.
MartinG Mar 2015 3:22am, 22 Mar 2015 7 posts	0 MartinG Thanks for the advice. I think I'll give compression gear a whirl - nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Velociraptor Mar 2015 7:34am, 22 Mar 2015 32,245 posts	0 Velociraptor 100% placebo according to current evidence. Or, in my anecdotal study of one person, a mild nocicebo
Argie Mar 2015 7:44am, 22 Mar 2015 11,086 posts	0 Argie (Flanker and Raptor advice) + calf guards which work for me.
Bru-Bru Mar 2015 9:26am, 22 Mar 2015 2,698 posts	0 Bru-Bru I bought some compression socks. They are hard work to put on and take off, but cosily warm in cold weather. Don't think they have any effect on performance/recovery at all.
Dave D Mar 2015 9:35am, 22 Mar 2015 343 posts	0 Dave D Martin, I wear a pair of skins a400 shorts for the exact reason you describe - hamstring would suddenly go into cramp in the last mile or two of a long run. Had multiple different explanations from multiple physios (weak glutes, a need for orthotic insoles, sciatic nerve issue, hips locking in the wrong position etc etc ) I've settled on wearing the shorts and getting a sports massage on my lower back (rather than the hamstring) once a month and touch wood I seem to be ok. I suspect the massage is the answer rather than the shorts but I'm not going to change anything while I'm ok. Good luck, I hope you get sorted