At River City Sport and Spine in New Braunfels, TX, we’re committed to offering innovative, evidence-based therapies that enhance recovery, relieve discomfort, and support overall wellness.
One advanced therapy we provide is vasopneumatic compression, a cutting-edge compression system designed to optimize circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote faster healing.
Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from surgery, or managing chronic pain, or having circulation issues, understanding how vasopneumatic compression works—and how it compares to other science-backed recovery systems—can help you make informed decisions about your care.
WHAT IS VASOPNEUMATIC COMPRESSION?
Vasopneumatic compression is a therapeutic modality that uses dynamic air compression to improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage. By applying controlled, cyclical pressure to specific body parts, such as the arms, legs, or hips and pelvis area, this therapy helps reduce excess fluid, swelling, and metabolic waste while encouraging nutrient-rich blood to reach muscles and tissues more effectively.
Unlike static compression wraps, vasopneumatic compression provides a compression massage through rhythmic inflation and deflation, simulating natural muscle contractions. This creates a gentle, restorative massage effect that promotes recovery, relieves sore muscles, and enhances overall mobility.
At River City Sport and Spine, we combine this therapy with manual therapy, physical therapy, or other chiropractic techniques to address impairments, improve function, and support healing—taking your recovery to the next level.
HOW DOES VASOPNEUMATIC COMPRESSION WORK?
Vasopneumatic compression works by applying sequential pressure through specialized sleeves or inflatable garments. These devices connect to a control unit that regulates inflation cycles, pressure intensity, and timing, creating an alternating wave of compression that moves blood and lymph fluid toward the heart.
This therapy supports the body’s natural recovery mechanisms by:
ENHANCING CIRCULATION
Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, supporting the healing process for muscles, joints, and tendons—including the rotator cuff and lower extremity.
REDUCING SWELLING & FLUID BUILDUP
ACCELERATING RECOVERY
Many elite athletes use this therapy post-workout to reduce sore muscles and fatigue, allowing them to train harder and recover faster.
IMPROVING COMFORT & MOBILITY
The compression massage helps relieve stiffness and tension while supporting the healing of injured or overused tissues.
By promoting lymphatic drainage, vasopneumatic compression minimizes excess fluid and edema after injury or surgery.
Often paired with cold compression, cryotherapy, or other chiropractic therapies, vasopneumatic compression is a science-backed treatment option that supports your recovery from multiple angles.
Vasopneumatic compression can be tailored to meet different needs, depending on the desired levels of compression, body area, and recovery goals. Common types include:
TYPES OF VASOPNEUMATIC COMPRESSION
CONTINUOUS Compression Therapy
Sequential Compression Therapy
Intermittent Pneumatic Therapy
Our chiropractors carefully evaluate your needs and goals to determine which vasopneumatic compression system best supports your recovery—whether for post-surgical healing, post-workout recovery, or chronic pain management.
At River City Sport and Spine, we proudly offer the NormaTec 3, the latest innovation in dynamic air compression therapy and a leader in the NormaTec line. Trusted by elite athletes and rehabilitation experts worldwide, the NormaTec 3 delivers science-backed results through its advanced compression system that provides effective, relaxing, and personalized recovery.
NormaTec compression uses a powerful yet quiet control unit connected to inflatable garments that rhythmically pulse to improve circulation and reduce sore muscles. With Bluetooth connectivity, our team can easily adjust intensity levels and settings, and monitor your levels of compression, creating a fully customized experience that meets your unique needs.
We offer the full range of NormaTec 3 attachments to support full-body recovery and targeted care:
VASOPNEUMATIC devices
normatec 3 boots
Designed for the lower body, these leg attachments provide a comprehensive leg compression experience from the feet to the thighs. The pulse technology and dynamic air compression promote blood flow, flush out metabolic waste, and reduce excess fluid buildup—ideal for runners, athletes, or anyone dealing with lower extremity swelling, fatigue, or venous insufficiency. The compression massage provided by the boots offers a restorative massage sensation that helps you recover faster and feel refreshed.
normatec 3 SHORTS
The hip attachment targets the glutes, hips, hamstrings, and lower back, making it perfect for those recovering from hip injuries, surgery, or muscle tightness. This recovery system helps restore mobility, reduce stiffness and soreness, and improve comfort in the lower body—especially beneficial for patients experiencing impairment due to overuse, sports strain, or postural issues.
normatec 3 arm sleeves
These arm attachments provide focused compression for the shoulders, biceps, triceps, and forearms, promoting recovery after upper-body workouts or injury. They’re ideal for patients rehabbing a rotator cuff injury or managing arm fatigue from repetitive motion. The sequential pressure helps move excess fluid, reduce soreness, and deliver a gentle, restorative massage to the upper body.
SMART FEATURES FOR A PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE
The NormaTec 3 control unit allows our team to customize pressure intensity, cycle duration, and targeted zones for maximum comfort. With Bluetooth connectivity, we can quickly modify settings and ensure your session provides the most effective, relaxing experience possible. The system’s sleek design, and quick setup make it one of the most efficient, next-level recovery systems available.
Whether you’re an athlete looking for a post-workout recovery tool or someone seeking relief from swelling or chronic pain, the NormaTec line at River City Sport and Spine offers the flexibility and precision to meet your needs.
Vasopneumatic compression is a versatile therapy that supports a wide range of conditions and goals, including:
WHAT DOES VASOPNEUMATIC COMPRESSION TREAT?
At River City Sport and Spine, our chiropractic team may recommend pairing vasopneumatic compression with manual therapy, cryotherapy, or cold compression to create an integrated, effective plan for your recovery.
WELLNESS & MAINTENANCE
A valuable post-workout therapy for athletes and active individuals to maintain peak performance.
EDEMA MANAGEMENT
Assists with removing excess fluid and alleviating venous insufficiency.
CHRONIC PAIN CONIDITIONS
Helps relieve joint pain, leg/arm pain, and lower back discomfort through improved blood flow and drainage.
POST-SURGICAL RECOVERY
Supports healing after many types of surgery, including: spinal fusion, laminectomy, or microdiscectomy by improving circulation and managing swelling. Compression can be administered once the surgical site is healed and there are no open wounds.
SPORTS INJURY
Reduces swelling, inflammation, and sore muscles after physical activity.
Vasopneumatic compression can benefit a wide range of patients, including:
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM VASOPNEUMATIC COMPRESSION?
ELITE ATHLETES & ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS
POST-SURGICAL PATIENTS
Healing from orthopedic, spine, lower or upper extremity surgeries.
chronic pain sufferers
Those managing impairments such as stiffness, swelling, or venous insufficiency.
WELLNESS CLIENTS
Anyone seeking a next-level recovery system to support relaxation and wellness.
older adults
Benefiting from gentle, science-backed compression massage that improves circulation.
Our compassionate team ensures every session is safe, comfortable, and adapted to your goals and any contraindications identified during your consultation.
Determining if vasopneumatic compression is right for you begins with a detailed evaluation by one of our healthcare providers. At River City Sport and Spine, we assess your medical history, recovery goals, and any existing impairments to develop a personalized treatment plan.
IS VASOPNEUMATIC COMPRESSION RIGHT FOR YOU?
YOU MIGHT BE A GREAT CANDIDATE IF YOU:
- Experience sore muscles, swelling, or excess fluid after exercise or surgery
- Need faster post-workout recovery and improved circulation
- Want a non-invasive, science-backed treatment option for pain relief
- Are recovering from orthopedic or spinal procedures involving the lower or upper body
PRICING
Vasopneumatic compression sessions are $20 for a 30-minute session.
