Health Benefits Of Compression Shaping

August 19, 2023

Compression therapy involves wearing specialized garments that compress particular areas of the body. Some compression garments are used as medical devices to improve circulation and prevent blood clots. A major part of compression garments, however, is shapewear. These garments are worn underneath clothing so that it fits better. They make the wearer appear thinner. Individuals shopping for shapewear might need to try several different styles and compression levels to find a garment that provides the desired shape.

Most individuals will want the best everyday shapewear, at least when they first start wearing these garments. These typically adapt to most outfits and provide decent shapewear health benefits. Some individuals may need light or medium control shapewear, depending on the compression they need. Black shapewear is a significant option. Ultimately, individuals should look for the best shapewear they can find to obtain the most health benefits.

Improved Posture

Certain types of compression garments may lead to improved posture. Compression shirts, bras, and tank tops are designed to promote proper spinal alignment. Shapewear camisoles may also improve an individual's upper body posture. These garments compress the muscles in an even, consistent manner, as they are made from stretchy fabric that does not lose its shape. The compression supports joints, and the garment allows the wearer to maintain a healthy shoulder position and spinal curvature.

Many individuals slouch without realizing it, and wearing shapewear prevents this because the compression naturally holds the body in a specific position. Since shapewear holds the body very tightly, it may also make the wearer more aware of their posture. This could lead to the self-correction of minor alignment issues. Compression garments and shapewear may also help improve an individual's posture in specific sports.

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Weight Loss

Individuals may choose to wear several shapewear garments at once to promote weight loss. Compression shapewear is so tight that it triggers sweating, and sweating may cause temporary weight loss. Individuals trying to lose weight quickly for a special event may wear several shapewear pieces in the days leading up to the event. For example, it is common for women to wear two or three compression camisoles or multiple pairs of shorts. Some individuals have even wrapped themselves with plastic on top of shapewear to promote increased sweating. Exercising while wearing compression shapewear triggers profuse sweating, which can be helpful.

Instead of relying on these garments to lose weight, experts suggest that patients make long-term diet and exercise changes. However, shapewear can give the appearance of weight loss. Patients looking to lose weight for a particular event may want to wear compression camisoles, arm sleeves, shorts, or other shapewear underneath their outfit.

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Increased Confidence

Compression shaping can provide individuals with increased confidence in their appearance. Camisoles, arm sleeves, leggings, tights, and slips are some of the most popular shapewear garments. Compression camisoles and slips create the illusion of a smaller waist and smaller hips, and compression sleeves make the upper arms appear firmer and smaller. Leggings and tights made with compression panels slim the waist, hips, bottom, and thighs.

Since most shapewear is made from spandex, clothing glides over it, and fabrics do not cling to the body. Most individuals find that shapewear allows their clothing to drape gently over their body. When shopping for shapewear, individuals may want to try several different styles, sizes, and brands. Shapewear that works with one particular outfit may not be ideal for another outfit. Thus, it is beneficial to have several types of shapewear available.

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Reduced Appearance Of Cellulite And Varicose Veins

Compression therapy improves the appearance of cellulite and varicose veins. Some types of shapewear provide micro-massage that can break down cellulite. Micro-massage provides constant, gentle pressure on the body during motion. Certain brands of shapewear are specifically designed as 'anti-cellulite' items. The most popular types of anti-cellulite shapewear for women include compression arm sleeves, leggings, bike shorts, and abdominal bands. Unlike some other types of shapewear, these items provide the compression levels in milliliters of mercury (mm Hg) so that buyers can choose the level of compression that suits their needs. Some of these items may also have caffeine microcapsules embedded in the fabric. The microcapsules could help smooth cellulite more rapidly.

Compression shorts and leggings that are worn as shapewear could improve the look of varicose veins. Varicose veins develop due to problems with the valves in the veins. Healthy veins have one-way valves. With varicose veins, these valves fail, and blood moves in two directions. It leaks backward and pools, creating a bulge in the vein. Shapewear can support the veins, and blood flows through the veins more effectively. The garments also reduce vein swelling. While shapewear can temporarily improve varicose veins, they are not a cure. Patients with varicose veins should consult a phlebologist to discuss treatment options.

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Improved Circulation

Patients who wear compression shapewear may notice improved circulation. These garments place gentle pressure on the legs and ankles, which can help blood flow more easily from the legs to the heart. The garments' pressure increases the speed of blood flow, and it also improves the volume of blood flow. The clothing can prevent blood from pooling in the legs, and it may improve lymphatic drainage.

Doctors may prescribe compression stockings for patients with varicose veins, lymphedema, or other conditions that cause poor circulation. Patients with these conditions might find relief with shapewear leggings and shorts too. Wearing compression arm sleeves may help improve lymphatic drainage in this area. Other pieces of shapewear can help with this in the abdomen as well. Travelers often wear compression garments or shapewear to prevent blood clots on long trips. Shapewear should only be worn during the day. Individuals need to take them off before going to bed.

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