History

History of Compression & Hidez Animal Compression Suits

Compression therapy has been used in human medicine since around 400 BC. About 50 years ago, doctors introduced graduated compression stockings, now routinely used in hospitals for post-operative care and by air travelers to prevent DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).

Medical research, including studies in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, has shown that graduated compression garments improve venous return and circulation, enhancing recovery from injuries. Athletes benefit significantly from wearing these garments both during activity and after exercise, experiencing increased oxygen availability to muscles and reduced lactic acid buildup.

Wearing graduated compression garments immediately after exercise helps prevent DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness), reduces swelling, and assists in removing metabolic waste products such as lactic acid and carbon dioxide. This allows athletes to recover faster and maintain peak performance for longer periods.

Top athletes worldwide now incorporate gradient compression garments into their routines to stay ahead of competition. These same principles inspired the development of compression suits for animals, offering similar recovery and performance benefits.

Hidez: World-First Animal Compression Suits

Until now, no products provided gradient compression for horses. The Hidez Animal Compression Suit is a patented, world-first design that offers a wide range of benefits for equine health and performance. Veterinarians and animal surgeons recognize the physiological advantages of graduated compression, including faster recovery, reduced muscle fatigue, and improved blood circulation.

Horses can experience conditions similar to human DOMS, such as recurrent exertional rhabdomyolysis (commonly called “tying-up”). Unlike humans, horses cannot directly communicate discomfort, so compression suits provide a safe, effective way to support their muscular and cardiovascular systems.

Scientific References

  1. Berry, M.J., McMurray, R.G. *Effects of graduated compression stockings on blood lactate following an exhaustive bout of exercise.* American Journal of Physical Medicine, 66:121-132, 1987.
  2. Cheung, K., Hume, P., Maxwell, L. *Delayed onset muscle soreness: treatment strategies and performance factors.* Sports Medicine, 33:145-164, 2003.
  3. Gill, N.D., Beaven, C.M., Cook, C. *Effectiveness of post-match recovery strategies in rugby players.* British Journal of Sports Medicine, 40:260-263, 2006.
  4. Kraemer, W.J., Bush, J.A., Newton, R.U., et al. *Influence of a compression garment on repetitive power output before and after muscle fatigue.* Sports Medicine, Training and Rehabilitation, 8:163-184, 1998.
  5. Chatard, J.C., Atlaoui, D., Farjanel, J., et al. *Elastic stockings, performance and leg pain recovery in 63-year-old sportsmen.* European Journal of Applied Physiology, 93:347-352, 2004.
  6. Kraemer, W.J., Bush, J.A., Triplett-McBride, N.T., et al. *Compression garments: influence on muscle fatigue.* Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 12:211-215, 1998.
  7. Lambert, S.A. *A crossover trial on the effects of graded compression garments on exercise and recovery.* Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, 8:S222, 2005.
  8. Trenell, M.I., Rooney, K.B., Sue, C.M., Thompson, C.H. *Compression garments and recovery from eccentric exercise: A 31P-MRS study.* Journal of Sports Science and Medicine, 5:106-114, 2006.