STUDIO 7:14
Wellness by Design
The Story Behind the Boots
Leg Compression
Invented for cancer survivors, loved by champions.
And Why They Feel So Good
You've probably seen pro athletes lounging in big inflatable boots after a game. The Normatec system began in medical rehabilitation: Dr. Laura Jacobs developed it to help people with lymphedema, including women recovering from breast cancer treatment.
Chapter One
The History: A doctor’s answer to lymphedema
After breast cancer surgery or radiation, many women develop lymphedema — painful, stubborn swelling that happens when lymph fluid can't drain the way it should. The pumps available at the time squeezed limbs in a crude, uniform way.
Dr. Laura Jacobs, a physician-scientist with both an MD and a PhD, believed she could do better. She studied how the body naturally moves fluid and designed a pulsing pattern that mimics it: compression that travels in waves from the feet upward, the way your muscles naturally squeeze veins and lymph vessels when you walk. Her device was cleared as a medical tool for people with circulation and lymphatic disorders.
Compression that travels in waves from the feet upward, the way your muscles move fluid when you walk.
Then something unexpected happened. Her son, a college rower, and other athletes began using the device for recovery — and they swore by it. Today it is standard equipment in pro locker rooms, Olympic programs, and recovery studios like ours. But its heart is still medical: helping fluid move when the body needs help.
Chapter Two
What happens inside your body
With compromised lymphatic function, and as we age, drainage can become less efficient—especially with limited movement. Lymphatic vessels pump through their own contractions, helped by breathing and muscle movement. Compression provides rhythmic pressure to assist fluid movement.
Fluid gets moving again.
Sequential pulses squeeze from the feet up, then release, carrying fluid toward the heart and lymph nodes.
Circulation gets support.
Fresh blood brings oxygen and nutrients into tired tissue, then clears out metabolic waste.
Heaviness lifts.
Legs that feel swollen, achy, or "full" often feel lighter after a single session.
The muscle pump gets a stand-in.
For people who can't exercise much right now, compression does some of the work their muscles usually would.
The nervous system relaxes.
The rhythmic pressure creates a massage-like sensation and an opportunity to settle into rest.
Chapter Three
Who it's designed for
Long Hours
People who sit or stand for long hours and end the day with heavy, tired legs.
Limited Energy
Those living with chronic illness, fatigue, or autoimmune conditions whose energy limits how much they can move.
Metabolic Health
People working on metabolic health, where circulation in the legs matters.
Where It Began
Cancer survivors — with their oncology or lymphedema team's guidance — for whom this technology was first imagined.
Recovery
Anyone recovering from training, travel, or a long week.
Before Your Session
A note on safety
Do not use compression if you have, or may have:
- a blood clot (DVT)
- an active infection or open wound in the legs
- severe heart failure
- acute leg pain you can't explain
If you have lymphedema or are in cancer treatment, ask your care team about the right pressure first.
Your Session at Studio 7:14
Slip on the boots, recline, and let them work.
Sessions are passive and deeply relaxing — a favorite pairing after the sauna or rebounder. Members may use leg compression up to once daily.
Leg compression is part of every membership. Give us a call to ask about it or to join.
(219) 809-2028Research Notes
Normatec founder story: created for breast cancer lymphedema. player.fm
Medical history of pneumatic compression — lymphedema, DVT, diabetes. simplifaster.com/articles/normatec-recovery-system-review
Dr. Laura Jacobs' invention and her son's role. golfdigest.com/story/normatec-elites-review
This article is for general education and wellness information only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Studio 7:14 is not a medical facility. Talk with your physician before starting any new wellness practice, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, managing a health condition, have an implanted device, or take prescription medication.