Quote Originally Posted by NbyNW View Post
Hmm... does wearing them during performance help with recovery?

I have a pair that I wear as a base layer for skiing and then I probably wear them for an hour or so afterwards (trip home, eat, lazing about, etc). Even if I don't wear them for very long afterwards, I definitely feel less fatigued. I notice the most benefit in my knees, so maybe compression during activity helps prevent fluid buildup?
Absolutely. Or I should say, at least for me it does. In fact that is the only way thus far I've been wearing compression garments when running and biking is to wear them during the activity. I had surgery in December '09 where the outcome would possibly present leg lymphedema. So yes, there is an entire portion of the universe devoted to reducing fluid buildup with compression garments. I went to a physical therapist post surgery (thanks to Knot's guidance) to understand prevention therapy and I was issued a prescription for compression garments and it was recommended that I wear these - during the activity. I want to add that this is all due to a medical condition so my circumstance and gradient mm Hg for the garment is a little higher than would be for other folks. So after surgery and after the big laydown time I expected that my first rides and transition to physical activity would be painful. It was not. That's when I discovered that these compression garments are the best kept secret even though I was wearing them for an entirely different reason. At a time when my legs should have been sore they were not. They were however, more sore when I didn't wear them. I am hooked.

I have medical grade garments and I'm seeing now that there are more sports oriented fabrics out there. Check Skins and 2XU and also Zoots and you'll find compression garments for atheletes to be worn during activities. I don't have any of these yet, I have something else but they obviously can get very warm. I can't wear these over 70 degrees but I will now always wear them during the other 3 seasons - they'll be perfect. I think the best way for me to resolve my particular issue during hot weather is to just ride and then use the recovery compression after the event.