What is graduated compression?
CEP compression socks are one of the only sources of REAL compression on the market. They use science-based protocols to enhance the body’s ability to transport oxygen and circulate blood more efficiently.
To circulate blood throughout the body, oxygenated blood is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body. The body delivers oxygen where it is needed, and the skeletal muscles then compress the body’s veins, forcing blood back to the heart to be reoxygenated before the process begins and repeats again. This is known as the skeletal muscle pump.
CEP compression socks provide graduated pressure to the veins, helping blood flow back to the heart and creating more efficient blood circulation. The benefits of this support include:
- 30% increase in oxygen to body tissues before, during and after exercise
- reduced inflammation
- improved joint mobility (by eliminating swelling for improved movement within a joint)
- improved blood pressure, and reduced muscle and joint pain before and after exercise.
Research also shows that, with the specific pressure used by CEP Compression, wearing compression socks while on a plane reduces the risk of blood clots by 90%.
“There are so many benefits to CEP compression that I tell my patients they are basically ‘legal steroids’. The human body is absolutely amazing. Supporting the body physiologically can not only improve key performance parameters, but can also help improve every aspect of human health!”
Not all compression is equal
Compression is a buzzword often used to describe close-fitting sportswear. Although there is no product standard for what may be considered “compression” in the sports industry, there is a difference when compression products claim health benefits, such as improved circulation, faster recovery, injury prevention, etc. As industry leaders in the world of compression, we tested our own compression socks alongside other brands to show you what real compression is, what it looks like, why it matters and how it works.
Real compression is graduated compression
Compression socks and sleeves should be tighter at the ankle and gradually become less compressive towards the knee and thigh. By applying the ideal amount of compression to superficial veins, arteries and muscles, they help blood circulation. As a result, blood pressure increases, causing more blood to return to the heart and less blood to “pool” in the legs
The image below shows the compression profile of The Compression Sock 3.0. This sock, together with all other CEP tall compression socks and calf sleeves, features a True Graduated compression profile, resembling a funnel or tornado.
- This encourages enhanced blood flow and reduced swelling because pressure is greater at the ankle than at the calf.
- Users will also find the products easier to put on and take off due to this true graduated design and the lower pressure in the upper area.
Any brand can make this claim…
But can they support it?
Using the equipment at our medical facilities in North Carolina, we tested the compression level of several well-known “compression” products to determine their profiles. Most products have “reverse graduation”, meaning greater pressure at the calf than at the ankle.
- This encourages fluid to pool in the feet and legs, resulting in harmful swelling and discomfort
- Reverse graduation restricts blood flow and offers no benefits for venous health
Other compression profiles were also found to have insufficient compression levels to provide any medical benefits or performance advantages – essentially, these are your standard tube socks.
Real compression meets comfort and quality
In addition to precise graduated compression, every CEP product is manufactured to unrivalled quality and standards set by medi.
Using high-quality, durable yarns and fibres, our socks are anatomically designed to fit the foot perfectly, preventing slipping and avoiding seams that cause discomfort or blisters. Whatever the activity or footwear, our socks stay in place and surround your feet with materials that protect, support and feel great.
Enjoy all-day comfort with perfectly placed padding that fits comfortably inside every shoe. Breathable cushioning at the heel and toes offers protection and pain relief, whether you are running on hard pavement, standing or recovering from plantar fasciitis, you will notice the CEP difference.
On warm days, optimised materials draw body moisture away from the skin into the fabric. This allows excess moisture to evaporate more quickly, so your skin stays dry. On cold days, the fibres trap air. This insulates the body from low temperatures, keeping you warm.
Compression zones at the ankle, arch and Achilles provide unrivalled support and reduce swelling and joint pain. The stabilising effect of compression is ideal for injury-prone ankles, painful arches and provides relief from Achilles tendonitis.
CEP is a leading manufacturer of compression sportswear and the sports brand of medi®, an internationally successful company founded in 1951 in Bayreuth, Germany. CEP began producing high-tech compression socks in 2007, based on the medical expertise of its parent company, medi®, the world’s leading manufacturer of medical compression products.
