A Paradigm Shift in Endurance Athletes - stop masking the injury

Endurance athletes continually push their bodies to the limit, and in some circles those who can suffer most will be able to endure longer and have better results.  With high frequency and intense training this can lead to decreased recovery, pain and eventually injury.  To persevere, some athletes will pop NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) such as Ibuprofen like candy.  In specific sports the prevalence of NSAID use among athletes has been reported as high as 90%. 

Performance and Recovery: The pro’s and con’s of compression clothing in sport

Compression clothing is very popular in athletics and even I have recently been considering getting a pair of graduated compression socks for myself.  Graduated compression refers to the pressure of the garment decreasing as it moves closer to your heart.  In the lower legs for example, the compression would be highest around the ankle and decrease as the stocking moves closer the knee.  Compression was traditionally intended for impaired venous return, and for limiting repetitive sports injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome (shin splints).  Healthy runners wear compression gear to improve performance and recovery.  Let’s look at a study published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology & Performance (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23302134), and see what the research says.