Programmes
Very marked increase in
blood flow
Development of capillaries
Capillarization
Increased venous return
Increased supply of oxy-
gen to muscles
Heavy legs
Drop in muscular tension
Elimination of tendency to
have cramp
Improved circulation to
Cramp
prevent the onset of noc-
prevention
turnal cramp or cramp
after strains
Deep massage of the sti-
mulated area
Activation of return lym-
Lymphatic
phatic circulation
drainage
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Vascular
Uses
Effects
In the period before competi-
tion, for those participating in
endurance or resistance
sports
As a supplement to a pro-
gramme of the Aesthetic ca-
tegory
To improve endurance in
those whose fitness level is
not high
To remove the feeling of
heaviness in the legs arising
in unusual situations (stan-
ding for long periods, heat,
hormonal imbalance linked
to the menstrual cycle, etc.)
Cramp mainly affects mus-
cles of the lower limbs, in
particular the calf muscles
To contrast occasional swel-
ling of the feet and ankles
As a supplement to pres-
sure therapy or manual
lymphatic drainage
Do not use without medical
advice in case of oedemas
that are the side effect of a
pathological problem
Vascular
Specific applications
Preparation for seasonal endurance
activity (eg: hiking, bicycle touring)
S
porting physical activities that last a long
time (walking, cycling, cross-country skiing,
etc.) require strong muscles with a good ca-
pillary circulation so that the muscle fibres
can be properly oxygenated. When a long-
duration physical activity is not practised, or
not practised regularly enough, the muscles
lose their capacity to effectively consume
oxygen and the capillary system becomes ra-
refied. This lack of muscular quality makes
exercising uncomfortable and limits the
speed of recuperation, and is responsible for
many unpleasant side effects such as drowsi-
ness, contractures, cramp and swelling.
T
o restore to muscles their endurance and
ensure full activation of the capillary system,
the Compex offers a very efficient mode of
stimulation.
Cycle duration: 6-8 weeks, before starting the hike, 3
x/week, alternating muscular groups
c
j
Programmes: Capillarization 8◊
and 25◊
Achieving peak form before competition
for resistance sports (eg: 800 metres,
1500 metres, mountain biking, mountain
stage in cycling, cycling pursuit on track,
200 metres swimming, slalom)
S
ports that require maximum effort lasting
between 30 seconds and 5 minutes are the
so-called resistance sports. Rapid fibres must
work at a capacity close to their maximum
and be capable of maintaining this intensive
work throughout the event without weake-
ning, in other words the rapid fibres must be
resistant.
T
he
Capillarization
programme, which pro-
duces a very significant increase in the blood
flow in the muscles, brings about develop-
ment of the intramuscular capillary system
(capillarization). This growth of the capilla-
ries works best if it occurs around the rapid
fibres. In this way, the latter's exchange sur-
face with the blood increases, allowing an
improved supply of glucose, better diffusion
of oxygen and quicker evacuation of lactic
acid. Capillarization therefore allows the
rapid fibres to be more resistant and to
maintain their optimum capacity over a lon-
ger period.
H
owever, prolonged or too frequent use of
this programme may induce a modification
of rapid fibres into slow fibres, thereby ris-
king a decline in performance for strength
and speed sports. It is therefore important to
follow closely the recommendations below
concerning the specific application in order
to benefit from the positive effects of this
treatment.
Cycle duration: 1 week before competition, 2 x/day,
with a 10 minute break between the 2 sessions
c
Programme: Capillarization 8◊
Prevention of contractures in the
muscles of the back of the neck for
cyclists
D
uring voluntary training or competitions,
some athletes experience the problem of
contractures in support muscles (for exam-
ple, the back of the neck for cyclists). Use of
the
Capillarization
programme reduces, and
may resolve, this problem. The marked in-
crease in blood circulation and development
of the capillary system improve the oxygena-
tion of fibres and their exchanges with the
blood. The muscle therefore becomes less
prone to contractures.
Cycle duration: 3 weeks, 1 x/day
e
Programme: Capillarization 15◊
Prevention of the feeling of heaviness in
the legs
T
he feeling of heaviness in the legs is due to
a temporary deficiency in the venous return,
and not to major organic lesions. Stagnation
of the blood mass in the legs is encouraged
in certain situations: prolonged periods in a
standing position, long periods continuously
seated, intense heat, etc. The insufficient
supply of oxygen to the tissue, and in parti-
cular the muscles, that results from this situa-
tion, causes the feeling of heaviness and
discomfort in the legs. Use of the
Heavy legs
programme accelerates the return of blood
to the veins and has an important relaxing
effect on the painful muscles.
Cycle duration: Use this treatment whenever an oc-
casional feeling of heaviness in the legs occurs
j
Programme: Heavy legs 25 JL
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