Compression products for dance are becoming more popular, having been used for other forms of exercise previously. Amongst the many benefits these products offer, those wearing the compression products on their legs can experience better recovery from exercise, an enhanced warm-up due to increased skin temperature, increased jump height and power (for dancers), and a reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
For dancers specifically, wearing compression items whilst they are training can improve their performances and recovery. There are various compression products on the market, some of which are aimed specifically at dancers. Those which are marketed to a more general athletic audience are also popular amongst dancers, particularly ballet dancers.
It is clear that medical compression stockings have been used for several decades to great success, such as to improve blood flow. The idea appropriate for dance training is that there is some evidence that compression garments may enhance the removal of lactate from muscles, which is linked to DOMS. The improved warm up that the products provide mean that jumping power is increased and risk of injury is consequently reduced.
Many dancers use compression garments for recovery between shows and sometimes even overnight when their legs are tired to restore them to full working order. If a dancer experiences a lot of fatigue in the lower legs, the products help to ease tension and promote fast recovery, making them a useful training tool. These positive effects during exercise and the recovery period will not occur however if the products do not provide enough pressure to promote blood flow. Some dancers describe the effect of wearing compression garments during and post training like soaking the lower legs in ice to aid recovery, just without the ice water!