THE HISTORY OF COMPRESSION
The first compression stockings were manufactured in the 1950’s as doctors discovered the benefits of tight bandages to reduce swelling and improve circulation in their patients.
Compression for athletes started soon after, as the sports community embraced the medical benefits of compression to help performance. Tight wraps were used. Gauze bandages, which stretched, were also put into action. With advancements over the years in material technology, lighter, stronger, yet more flexible fabrics made it possible for athletes to enjoy the benefits of compression.
But then, someone had another cool idea. Steve Petitt, 7 time ironman Hawaii competitor, was sitting in an ice
bath after a 20 mile run and decided to sew pockets on a pair of compression tights, revolutionizing icing
and compression forever. He searched for a light weight, portable form of ice and developed the whole line of compression wear with pockets to insert the ice for recovery to avoid the dreaded ice bath. And the first
simple-mobile-effective ice treatment was born.
Petitt’s “ice pocket” idea was later brought together with the advances in compression technology and 110% Compression+ was introduced to the world.
