The RecoveryPump System Product Review

The RecoveryPump System is, in simple terms, a compression device that helps circulate blood in your legs. The uniquely designed system is easy-to-use and works by sequentially compressing four air chambers from your foot up to your thigh. One cycle compresses both entire legs in just 30 seconds.

I first tried the RecoveryPump System at a Trail Camp hosted by PRS FIT in Colorado last summer. Training runs were varied and challenging enough to warrant some evening recovery time in the RecoveryPump System – much more convenient than a full massage and definitely a lot less painful than an ice bath. In fact, the RecoveryPump System was so relaxing that several of the athletes at Camp fell asleep whilst wearing the recovery boots.

I was so impressed with the product, that on returning to Virginia Beach later that week, I decided to cancel my monthly Massage Envy membership and splash out on a Size Medium RecoveryPump System made up of the RecoveryPump power unit, set of 80-95cm RecoveryBoots (with plastic hoses) and travel bag.

I figured that by cutting out a twice-monthly massage, the unit would pay for itself within just a few months, plus I’d be able to use the RecoveryPump system daily instead of having to wait for massage day to roll around. Makes total sense, right?

What is the RecoveryPump System?
RecoveryPump is a massage system intended for people in good physical health. RecoveryPump simulates the kneading and stroking action of manual massage by use of an inflatable garment that fills and deflates, applying a directional compress-and-release massage. This action increases circulation and temporarily relieves muscle aches and pain caused by fatigue and overexertion.

The Massage Cycle

The RecoveryPump takes air from the room environment and sends it through plastic hoses into four individual chambers inside the RecoveryPump garment. One by one, the chambers fill with air, moving the massage area upwards from the feet to the top of the thighs.

After all four chambers have been filled with air, the RecoveryPump deflates the garment for a brief pause, then, the massage wave cycle repeats.

Note: both the pressure level and pause time can be adjusted if desired.

How to use the RecoveryPump System
The RecoveryBoots are easy to put on. I find it best to zip the boot closed about one third of the way up before inserting my leg. Insert the foot first, then pull the top of the boot toward your torso, extending the garment to its maximum length. Zip the boot fully closed and repeat for the other leg if desired. The RecoveryBoots are designed to fit on either the left or right leg.

Tips:

• Always wear light clothing underneath the RecoveryBoots.
• Do not wear the RecoveryBoots directly over bare skin.
• Clothing should be unrestrictive and free of zips and buttons. Cotton sweat pants with socks are ideal.

Once the boots are on, make sure the hose bundle connectors have been inserted into the air outlets on the main RecoveryPump unit, adjust the Pressure and Pause settings if desired, then press the On/Off switch to start the first cycle.

It may take a few cycles to figure out the optimum pressure level. I typically set the pressure at 60mmHg with a pause interval of 30 seconds. Naturally, a lower pressure setting will apply a lighter massage, while a higher pressure will apply a more intense massage. The pause interval can be adjusted between 10 and 70 seconds, and there’s also a Lock Knob which you can turn to prevent an inadvertent change to the pressure settings.

Depending on the type/intensity of workout I’ve completed that day, a typical evening recovery session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. You can also use the RecoveryPump system before exercise to increase circulation to help get into a workout more quickly.

Summary
The RecoveryPump System is by no means cheap (currently on sale for $1,095), but if you’re serious about your training, it’s definitely a great investment. Being able to reduce recovery time to just a couple of hours is a huge benefit to the busy athlete, and by recovering each day and starting your workout with a replenished muscle, your fitness level will increase incrementally.

I like the fact that the unit is portable and can be used pretty much anywhere where there’s power and enough space to extend your legs. I packed the system on my trip to Oklahoma last year where I competed in 24 The Hard Way. Back at the hotel after the race, I remember having to reduce the pressure of the massage cycle down from my usual 60mmHg to about 45mmHg, but after an hour or so in the boots, amazingly my legs felt quite refreshed. The blisters on my feet are another story however…

Also, the system is very easy to use and doesn’t require any complex programming. The boots can be zipped up in less than a minute, and with a quick press of a switch, the massage cycle begins. Unlike many similar products on the market, the RecoveryBoots are available in 5 different sizes (see below). I plumped for the Medium 95s and they fit great. They fit wife Ally perfectly too, so at night, it’s usually a case of who’s going to get in the “Pumps” first.

• XShort 75 – < 5’3″
• Short 85 – 5’4 – 5’7″
• Medium 95 – 5’7″ – 6’0″
• Long 105 – 6’0″ – 6’4″
• XLong 115 – > 6’4″

Naturally, the best place to find more detailed product information is over on the RecoveryPump website, but if you have any questions you’d like me to answer, please leave a comment below.

Price Update (3/18/15):

• RPS Complete System (reviewed above) – $1,095. Note: Limited stock available.
• RP Complete System (Pump, New Boots & Travel Bag. No Shipping.) – $1,195. Use code SPEIRS to get the system for $1195.00 PLUS a $25.00 shipping credit AND a $50.00 RecoveryPump Gift Certificate.
• RPX Complete System (Pump, New Boots, Large Travel Bag & Ground Shipping) – $1,995. Use code SPEIRS to get the system for $1995.00 PLUS a $150.00 RecoveryPump Gift Certificate