Normatec Brand and products review: Pros and cons Health ConditionsHealth ConditionsAlzheimer's & DementiaAnxietyArthritisAsthma & AllergiesBreast CancerCancerCardiovascular HealthCOVID-19Dermatology & SkincareDiabetesEnvironment & SustainabilityExercise & FitnessEye HealthHeadache & MigraineHealth EquityHIV & AIDSHuman BiologyInflammatory Bowel DiseaseLeukemiaLGBTQIA+Men's HealthMental HealthMultiple Sclerosis (MS)NutritionParkinson's DiseasePsoriasisSexual HealthWomen's HealthDiscoverNewsLatest NewsOriginal SeriesMedical MythsHonest NutritionThrough My EyesNew Normal HealthPodcastsHow to understand chronic painWhat is behind vaccine hesitancy?The amazing story of hepatitis C, from discovery to cureNew directions in dementia researchCan psychedelics rewire a depressed, anxious brain?Why climate change matters for human healthToolsGeneral HealthDrugs A-ZHealth HubsHealth ToolsBMI Calculators and ChartsBlood Pressure Chart: Ranges and GuideBreast Cancer: Self-Examination GuideSleep CalculatorHealth ProductsAffordable Therapy OptionsBlood Pressure MonitorsDiabetic SuppliesFitness TrackersHome GymsGreen Cleaning ProductsHow to Shop for CBDQuizzesRA Myths vs FactsType 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood SugarAnkylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or FictionConnectAbout Medical News TodayWho We AreOur Editorial ProcessContent IntegrityConscious LanguageNewslettersSign UpFollow UsMedical News TodayHealth ConditionsDiscoverToolsConnectSubscribe Normatec Health benefits considerations and alternativesMedically reviewed by Amy Elizabeth Wolkin, PT, DPT, MBA — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on May 26, 2022We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Normatec provides air compression therapy for the legs, arms, and hips. Several sports organizations and teams use these products to aid athletes’ recovery following rigorous training sessions or competitive events. People who experience leg pain or poor circulation may find that Normatec products relieve their symptoms. Share on PinterestAir compression therapy works by promoting blood flow to the muscles, which may improve performance and aid recovery. However, these devices have a high price point, and they may not be suitable for people with certain underlying health conditions. This article looks at Normatec and its products in more detail. It also suggests alternative devices that people can use to relieve muscle fatigue and pain. Brand background Hyperice purchased the rights to Normatec products and patents in 2020. Hyperice sells several different health-related products, including percussion massage devices, hot and cold therapy devices, massage balls and rollers, and various accessories. Hyperice has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, customer ratings award them just 1.6 out of five stars. The main complaints mention issues with:shipping timefaulty productspoor customer service A representative has responded to all the complaints that people have filed with the BBB. The company is not BBB-accredited. USA Softball announced in 2019 its decision to make Normatec an Official Supplier of USA Softball. In the announcement, the governing body notes that several professional sports teams use Normatec compression therapy products. The Hyperice website does not include any customer reviews. However, on Amazon, more than 300 customer reviews have given the Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg Recovery System an average score of 4.6 out of five stars. Whom is Normatec for Normatec may be beneficial for athletes and those who exercise regularly. The company sells external pneumatic compression (EPC) devices. It claims that these products may be an easy way to warm up before exercise, recover from a strenuous workout, and generally improve fitness performance. In a 2017 study, the researchers found that air pressurized devices such as Normatec help improve flexibility and reduce pain in a person’s legs following a workout. They also found that the device helped reduce oxidative stress and proteolysis markers as a person recovers from resistance training. However, it is important to point out that Normatec provided 50% of the funding for this study. Other research involving a small number of male trail runners suggests that high pressure compression garments can benefit neuromuscular function and reduce perceived muscle soreness. How compression therapy works Traditional compression therapy uses socks or stockings to support the veins in the legs. The stockings place pressure on the feet and lower legs to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Normatec is a type of EPC device. An EPC device uses air to put external pressure on a part of the body — often the legs or feet. Doctors use EPC to help treat deep vein thrombosis or blood clots. A person may use the device in the hospital following surgery or at home with proper instructions. Normatec devices work in a similar way to the EPC devices that a doctor may use at the hospital. Both types use air to place pressure on certain areas of the body, such as the legs, hips, and arms. Normatec product list Normatec currently offers its 2.0 system on its website and through other sellers, including Amazon. The system uses a patented Pulse massage pattern. The company’s current product line includes the following options. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Normatec 2 0 Pro The Normatec 2 0 Pro is Hyperice’s most advanced device. It offers several features, including:Bluetooth connectivityapproval from the Transport Security Administration (TSA) for carry-on10 intensity levelstouch screen and color display panelZoneBoost technology15 V power and rechargeable lithium-ion batterypreprogrammed modes, such as Recovery Flush, Rehab, and Custom1-year warrantycustomizable time, pressure, and zone settingslightweight and compact designzones of pressure overlap for maximum compressionuse of durable construction materials, including hoses and zippersthree different size options for different leg lengthsfree shipping Customers who purchase this device can add carrying cases, such as a backpack, to their order for an additional fee. The 2.0 Pro comes in three models: Legs, Hips, and Arms. A person can order just one of the systems or the whole body system, which includes all three zones. If a person has a discount code, they can enter this at checkout to save money on their order.SHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT HYPERICE Normatec 2 0 The Normatec 2 0 is the more basic model. As with the Pro, people can choose from Legs, Arms, and Hips versions. A person can order them individually or all together as part of a larger package. The main difference between this basic model and the Pro is the features and functions. The basic model includes the following features:Bluetooth connectivityTSA-approved for carry-onseven intensity levelscolor display panelZoneBoost technology15 V power and rechargeable lithium-ion battery1-year warrantycustomizable time, pressure, and zone settingslightweight and compact designzones of pressure overlap for maximum compressionuse of durable construction materials, including hoses and zippersthree different size options for different leg lengthsfree shippingSHOP NOW AT AMAZON SHOP NOW AT HYPERICE Other Hyperice products Hyperice offers a variety of products to aid with muscle recovery, fatigue, and pain. Some of its other products include:Hypervolt, a percussion massage deviceVenom, a device that provides heat and vibration to various areas of the body, depending on the modelHypersphere, a vibrating massage ballVyper, a vibrating muscle rollerHyperice, a wearable cooling device that provides cold therapy to different parts of the body, depending on the selected type How to get started People can purchase Normatec products directly from the Hyperice website or from Amazon. Shipping Hyperice states that it can take up to 3 business days before the warehouse processes a person’s order. If a person orders ground shipping, they can expect their product to arrive 5–7 business days after processing. People who order expedited shipping can expect their product in 2–4 business days after processing. Amazon shipping times vary by product. Returns Hyperice offers a 30-day returns policy on Normatec products. People will need to contact the Hyperice customer service team to obtain a return merchandise authorization (RMA) number. Then, they need to ship the product with all of its original packaging and documents and the RMA number to the Normatec address. Amazon’s returns policies may differ. Pros and cons Normatec devices may be helpful for some people. The company heavily markets its products to athletes and others who are physically active and need help recovering from exercise sessions. The main benefit of Normatec products is that the massaging effect can promote blood flow to the muscles. People can maximize the effectiveness of the devices by elevating the treated body part. However, Normatec may not be for everyone. One major disadvantage is the price, with the basic model costing from about $1,000 and the Pro starting at about $1,500. A person may be able to find more affordable solutions for recovery. People with injuries or underlying health conditions should consult a doctor before using Normatec devices. A doctor familiar with a person’s medical history can make recommendations about whether the Normatec device is likely to work for them. Alternatives Normatec is not the only commercially available brand of EPC devices for muscle recovery. Several competitors offer similar products at varying prices. People may wish to consider the following options, all of which are available at a lower cost than Normatec products:Air Relax Leg Recovery System: This offers a choice of sizes of leg sleeve. People can also choose products to treat the arms or upper legs.Compex — AYRE Wireless Rapid-Recovery Compression Boots: These offer compression therapy for the legs.Rapid Reboot: Compression Boots Compatible with Pump: These leg compressors are available through Amazon.Vive Health Leg Compression System: This product helps provide pain relief and pre- and post-workout recovery. Alternatively, individuals looking for a simple solution can try wearing compression socks, which research suggests can improve exercise performance and reduce perceived muscle soreness. When to contact a doctor A person should consult a doctor before using a Normatec device. The doctor may be able to provide advice on other ways to achieve the desired effects of this treatment. Normatec or similar EPC devices should not take the place of a doctor’s advice or care. If persistent pain occurs during exercise or activity, a person should seek evaluation from a healthcare professional. It is possible that the pain is not related to recovery but is due to an injured muscle or joint. A person should seek medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms after using an EPC device:swelling in the limbwarmness in the limbpain on the skin under the cuffsbreakdown of the skin under the cuffs Frequently asked questions Below, find answers to some common questions about Normatec. Does Normatec really work A 2017 study found that Normatec devices can reduce pain and improve flexibility after a workout. It is of note, however, that Normatec provided funding for this research. Can you use Normatec every day Normatec compression devices are suitable for everyday use after a workout. People may wear these devices for around 30 minutes after a workout to help reduce pain. Summary Normatec is a brand of EPC devices that have a massaging effect on the muscles of the legs, hips, and arms. The company’s product marketing targets athletes who are looking for faster recovery following workouts. Similar devices are available from other brands, often at a lower cost. Although EPC treatment is low risk, a person should consult a doctor before using a device. Also, they should discontinue its use immediately if they experience a skin reaction or if their muscle pain persists or increases. Last medically reviewed on May 19, 2021Uncategorized 7 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Compression therapy. (n.d.).https://www.veinforum.org/patients/what-is-vein-disease/what-is-compression-therapy/DVT prevention: Intermittent pneumatic compression devices. (n.d.). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/dvt-prevention-intermittent-pneumatic-compression-devicesEhrström, S., et al. (2018). Acute and delayed neuromuscular alterations induced by downhill running in trained trail runners: Beneficial effects of high-pressure compression garments. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2018.01627/fullHaun, C. T., et al. (2017). Does external pneumatic compression treatment between bouts of overreaching resistance training sessions exert differential effects on molecular signaling and performance-related variables compared to passive recovery? An exploratory study. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180429Hyperice. (2020). Hyperice Inc. acquires NormaTec: Two category leaders join forces to deliver world-class performance and wellness solutions [Press release]. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2020/03/05/1995901/0/en/Hyperice-Inc-Acquires-NormaTec.htmlMota, G. R., et al. (2020). Effects of wearing compression stockings on exercise performance and associated indicators: A systematic review. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6985982/Team USA. (2019). Normatec designated as an official supplier of USA Softball [Press release].https://www.teamusa.org/USA-Softball/News/2019/May/03/NormaTec-designated-as-an-Official-Supplier-of-USA-SoftballFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Amy Elizabeth Wolkin, PT, DPT, MBA — By Jenna Fletcher — Updated on May 26, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhy is diet so important for athletes?Medically reviewed by Alissa Palladino, MS, RDN, LD, CPT How important is nutrition for optimal athletic performance? Read on to learn about nutritional needs of athletes and how to tailor them for specific…READ MORE5 top vegan protein powders: Options and what to know A range of vegan protein powders is available for people who wish to increase their protein intake but follow a plant-based diet. Learn more here.READ MOREWhat are some of the best home gym equipment options? Home gym equipment can help a person stay fit and build strength indoors. Here, we describe some equipment options and provide tips on how to choose.READ MORE6 of the best running shoes for menMedically reviewed by Jake Tipane, CPT Manufacturers should consider the foot structure and running style of males when creating running shoes for men. Here, we explain what makes a good…READ MOREVitamins and supplements for athletesMedically reviewed by Miho Hatanaka, RDN, LD Many athletes look for safe and efficient ways to boost their performance. In this article, we look at six vitamins and supplements that may help.READ MORE