Quick Start Instructions

Quick Start Instructions - Normatec

In many cases, yes — Normatec compression boots can be a highly effective recovery tool following surgery or injury, and are commonly used to help manage swelling, improve circulation, and support the body's natural healing process during rehabilitation.

After procedures such as knee replacements, ACL reconstructions, hip surgeries, and lower limb operations, compression therapy is often recommended as part of post-operative care. Normatec boots provide a comfortable, controlled way to access that therapy at home, without needing to visit a clinic for every session.

For injury recovery — whether that's a muscle strain, ligament sprain, or stress fracture — compression can help reduce localised swelling and promote blood flow to the affected area, both of which are important factors in recovery time.

However, there are situations where compression boots should not be used, including if you have deep vein thrombosis (DVT), active infection, open wounds, or certain vascular conditions. It is important that you consult with your doctor, physiotherapist, or specialist before hiring and using Normatec boots post-surgery or post-injury to confirm they are appropriate for your specific situation and stage of recovery.

If you're unsure whether Normatec boots are suitable for you, we're happy to help point you in the right direction — just get in touch before booking.

Most people find that 20 to 30 minutes per session is the sweet spot for effective recovery. This is long enough for the sequential compression to work through multiple cycles and deliver meaningful benefit to circulation and muscle recovery, without overdoing it.

Some people prefer shorter sessions of around 15 minutes when they're short on time, while others extend to 45 minutes or more — particularly for lymphoedema management or when dealing with significant swelling. As a general rule, start with 20 to 30 minutes and adjust based on how your legs respond. If you have a specific medical condition, follow the guidance of your health professional regarding session length.

Normatec compression boots are used by a wide range of people — from elite athletes pushing their physical limits to individuals managing chronic health conditions or recovering from surgery. If your legs carry a heavy load, physically or medically, Normatec can help.

Athletes and Active People Normatec boots are a staple recovery tool for runners, cyclists, triathletes, HYROX competitors, CrossFit athletes, and gym-goers. Anyone training at high volume or intensity places repeated stress on the legs, and compression therapy helps clear the fatigue that builds up between sessions. Hiring Normatec boots is particularly popular during heavy training blocks, race build-ups, and post-event recovery.

Marathon and Endurance Runners Long-distance running places significant repetitive load through the calves, quads, and hamstrings. Normatec boots help flush out the metabolic waste that accumulates during high mileage weeks, reducing soreness and allowing runners to back up hard sessions more effectively.

Lymphoedema Management Normatec compression boots are widely used as part of lymphoedema management, helping to improve lymphatic drainage and reduce fluid build-up in the legs. Hiring a pair can be a practical and cost-effective way to access regular compression therapy at home, particularly during flare-ups or while waiting on equipment of your own. We recommend consulting with your health professional before use.

Post-Surgery and Injury Recovery Following surgery or injury, compression therapy can play an important role in reducing swelling, improving circulation to the affected area, and supporting the body's natural healing process. Normatec boots offer a comfortable, controlled way to access that therapy at home during your recovery period.

General Leg Fatigue and Wellbeing You don't need to be an athlete or managing a medical condition to benefit from Normatec boots. People who spend long hours on their feet — nurses, hospitality workers, teachers, and tradies — as well as those who sit for extended periods, often find compression therapy significantly relieves leg heaviness, aching, and swelling by the end of the day.

Normatec compression boots are safe to use daily and many athletes use them every day during heavy training blocks or race week. For general recovery purposes, using them after each significant training session is a common and effective approach.

For lymphoedema management or post-surgical recovery, daily use is often recommended — though again, your health professional's guidance should take precedence. There is no strict upper limit for healthy individuals, but listening to your body is always the best guide. If your legs feel great after one session a day, there's generally no need to do more.

No experience is needed at all. Normatec boots are designed to be straightforward and user-friendly, and we provide clear instructions with every hire so you can get set up confidently at home.

The process is simple — you put the boots on, connect them to the unit, select your pressure level, and press start. The boots do the rest. Most people feel completely comfortable using them within their first session, and we're always available to answer any questions if you get stuck.

While Normatec compression boots are safe for the vast majority of people, there are some situations where they should not be used. You should avoid using compression boots if you have any of the following conditions:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a history of blood clots

• Active infection, open wounds, or skin conditions in the areas covered by the boots

• Severe peripheral neuropathy

• Congestive heart failure or pulmonary oedema

• Known or suspected malignancy in the legs

• Acute inflammation or infected wounds

If you have any pre-existing circulatory, vascular, or medical conditions, we strongly recommend consulting your doctor or physiotherapist before use. If you are post-surgery, please seek clearance from your specialist before booking. When in doubt, check with a health professional first — your safety is the priority.

Whether you're an athlete chasing faster recovery or someone managing a medical condition, Normatec compression boots deliver a range of well-documented benefits that make a noticeable difference to how your legs feel and perform.

Reduced Muscle Soreness One of the most immediate benefits people notice is a reduction in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The dynamic compression action helps clear metabolic waste products — such as lactic acid — from the muscles after intense exercise, leaving your legs feeling significantly less sore in the hours and days that follow.

Improved Circulation Normatec boots actively stimulate blood flow through the legs by mimicking the natural muscle pump. This brings fresh, oxygenated blood back into tired muscles and supports faster tissue repair — particularly valuable after long training sessions, races, or periods of inactivity.

Reduced Swelling and Inflammation The sequential compression encourages excess fluid to move out of the legs, reducing swelling and inflammation. This makes Normatec boots beneficial not just for post-exercise recovery, but also for managing conditions like lymphoedema, post-surgical oedema, and general leg swelling from prolonged standing or sitting.

Improved Lymphatic Drainage By supporting the movement of lymphatic fluid through the legs, Normatec boots can help reduce fluid retention and the heavy, uncomfortable feeling that comes with poor lymphatic flow. This is particularly relevant for people managing lymphoedema or recovering from procedures that affect the lymphatic system.

Faster Recovery Between Sessions For athletes training multiple times per week, the ability to recover faster between sessions is a significant performance advantage. Regular use of compression boots during heavy training blocks helps maintain leg freshness, reduce accumulated fatigue, and keep training quality high.

Improved Range of Motion and Flexibility Compression therapy helps relax tight muscles and reduce stiffness, which can improve joint mobility and flexibility — particularly useful in the lead-up to competition or during rehabilitation from injury.

Better Sleep and Relaxation Many people find that using Normatec boots in the evening promotes a sense of physical relaxation and contributes to better sleep quality. The rhythmic compression has a calming effect that helps the body shift into recovery mode after a demanding day.

Our Normatec 3 boots are designed to fit a wide range of leg sizes and body types, and are suitable for most people between 5'4" and 6'6". The boots extend from the foot up through the calf and thigh, and the flexible chambers adapt and mould to your individual shape at the start of each session through a pre-inflate cycle.

If you fall outside that height range or have particularly large thighs or very petite legs, feel free to get in touch before booking and we can confirm the boots will be a comfortable fit for you. We want to make sure you get the most out of your hire.

Hiring a set of Normatecs is straightforward with no bond or deposit required.

Hire rates

• First week — $120

• Additional weeks — $80 per week

Delivery and pickup — Christchurch and Selwyn

• Delivery and pickup to your home — $40

• Collect and drop off at our Lincoln or Belfast location — Free

Outside of Christchurch We ship nationwide. Courier costs vary depending on your location — get in touch and we'll confirm the exact cost before you book.

Ready to book? Head to our contact form and we'll get back to you to confirm availability and arrange delivery.

View full pricing here

RecoveryTec is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. We deliver and set up equipment across Christchurch, Selwyn and North Canterbury, with pickup and drop-off points available in Lincoln and Belfast.

For anyone outside of Christchurch, we ship our ice compression machines and recovery equipment nationwide by courier — so wherever you are in New Zealand, you can access professional-grade cold compression therapy at home.

To arrange hire, simply fill out the contact form and we'll get back to you to confirm availability and delivery details.

Booking is simple. Head to our contact form, fill in your details and let us know which equipment you need and when you need it. We'll get back to you as soon as possible to confirm availability and arrange a delivery time that works for you.

We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests — so even if your surgery is coming up soon or has already happened, it's always worth getting in touch.

Once confirmed, we'll deliver the machine to your home and walk you through exactly how to use it so you feel confident from day one. Full instructions are included with all equipment and we're always available by phone if you have any questions during your hire.

Booking is easy — simply head to our booking page, select your preferred hire period, and choose a delivery or pickup option that suits you. We recommend booking at least a few days in advance to secure your preferred dates, particularly during busy periods such as race season or school holidays.

If you need the boots at short notice, get in touch directly and we'll do our best to accommodate you based on availability.