FAQ


· What is the compression in CEP Products?

1. Running & Progressive – starts at 22-24mmHg (millimeters of Mercury) and ends up at 18mmHg in the calf – consistent compression on the calf.
2. AllSport Calf Sleeve - same as the Running without the foot
3. Soccer – same as the Running without the foot
4. Trekking, Walking & Skiing: 18-20mmHg in the ankle, 15mmHg in the calf.

· What is the difference between the socks?

1. Running and walking are basically identical aside from the pressure measurements.
2. Trekking - key differences: threads and cushioning is made with silver microbial threads to help eliminate bacteria as hiking boots are often full leather and don’t breath very well. They are also thicker for durability and warmth. Trekking socks are made with additional cushioning in key blister spots (Toes, heel and ankles)
3. Skiing: Padding on the shin for "Boot Bang”, extra padding on the ankle bones with the perfect fit to create a second skin.

· What are the socks like in hot weather? As soon as you start to sweat, these cool you down (quite noticeably). You can also dump water on them when running in the heat and you’ll experience a cooling effect. The synthetic fibers let you breath!

· How are they in cold weather? The increase in circulation combined with the moisture wicking threads help keep your feet warmer in colder climates.

· Wet weather? The increase in circulation combined with the moisture wicking threads help keep your feet warmer.

· Issues CEP socks can help you with:

1. Overall note: we have seen relief of many injuries/pain/cramping issues from athletes who have changed to CEP compression, some very noticeable and life. There is certainly a good chance CEP can help you with any pain you experience.
2. Plantar Fasciitis: For some it has made a difference within seconds, completely eliminating pain. At the Ironman Canada, we had a lady that the relief was within seconds, she was literally jumping up and down, trying to initiate the pain again, and nothing. 15 minutes later, we had someone else come in with the same problem and there was no immediate relief, so, it depends on the athlete.
3. Achilles tendonitis: one of the key issues with healing this injury is there is limited blood flow around the Achilles. The socks can significantly increase blood flow, which can help heal. It is even recommended by many health professionals to sleep in the socks to aid in the healing process. Tight calf muscles are often key contributors to Achilles problems, the CEP socks help to loosen the muscle which can reduce the pain from existing or possibly help prevent the onset of the injury
4. Shin splints: tight calf muscles are also key contributors to shin splints, the CEP socks help to loosen the muscle which can reduce the pain from existing or possibly help prevent the onset of the injury. The socks also reduce vibration and prevent micro tears in the muscle.
5. Calf cramping: CEP socks have had a dramatic impact on people suffering from cramping in their calves. Some athletes have had dramatic results, not only eliminating cramping but also the post race, 48-hour soreness. Check out our Feedback section for more input.

· Durability: If you wore CEP socks every other day they would last you a year. Most athletes have a few pair they rotate. We recommend changing them out once you notice they’re easier to get on. This is usually after 8-12 months.

· Recommended length of use: You can wear CEP as long as it’s comfortable for you. We have customers that wear them all day every day and some that even where them at night. Test them for yourself and do what’s best. There’s no contraindication (risk) wearing them for too long. Always consult your physician if you have health issues or concerns.

· Washing instructions?

Socks and sleeves: Machine wash cold or warm, tumble dry low heat (No Wool-Lite)
Compression Apparel: Machine wash cold with basic detergent, lay flat to dry

· Will washing them less prolong their use? No, in fact the socks compression profile can be negatively affected by dirt, so washing them after every wear is highly recommended.

· Are these just for recovery? Definitely not. The dramatic increase in circulation (30% at rest, 40% at peak) helps in all stages of activity. Before: The increased circulation aids in warming up the muscle by passively activating the muscles, getting them ready to perform. During: The increase in arterial flow brings more oxygen to the muscles. This increase power and in the study using CEP socks athlete had 5% faster running times! That’s 10 min in a marathon. After: The increased circulation helps to flush out the muscles and eliminate the lactate and Hydrogen ions that cause soreness. In addition to supplying the muscles with the nutrients to repair damage and de-hydration.

· Are these socks only good for long runs? Definitely not. CEP sponsors the German National Soccer Team, National Downhill Ski Team and in Canada we have athletes in football that are noticing great benefits from the CEP products. Football players are reporting more explosive muscles, quicker reaction times, fresher in the 4th quarter, and cooler in hot temperatures, all very welcome benefits! We have seen racers running very short races, even 5k and less reporting noticeable benefits and even faster times. Bottom line is: increased circulation helps almost any athlete, especially when it comes to the lower leg.

· Are there any harmful effects of wearing compression? As long as it is medically correct, the only contraindication is for a weak lower left ventricle (not typically an issue with an athlete) as the venous return system is moving blood faster to the heart than normal. Too much compression however, over 30mmHg, needs to be prescribed. CEP is at most 25mmHg so there’s no risk. As always, consult your physician before trying anything new.

· You say medically correct compression, what is the difference? There are unfortunately, a number of products on the market that are not medically correct. These are normally sporting goods companies that do not have a medical background. They have created products that have higher compression at the calf than at the ankle. This slows blood flow and can create a venous insufficiency, which can lead to varicose veins and in the worst-case thrombosis. If you put your hand in the CEP sock up to the ankle and have them open their hand. Then pull the hand out a little bit and have them open their hand = less pressure. Pull out further, = less pressure. This is the opposite from competitor socks. They have little to no pressure at the ankle yet more at the calf and that is not even taking into account the shape of the leg! The CEP socks have been manufactured millimeter by millimeter to create the right amount of pressure all the way up the calf in order to maximize the circulation. You get what you pay for sometimes.

· Can you develop a dependency on compression? There are no studies that we are aware of that support a dependency on compression. People with medical issues are often prescribed compression wear to slow down the onset or further development of medical issues such as varicose veins. As far as we know there is no issue.

· Other uses? Traveling and injury recovery are the big ones.

1. Travel: Did you know that 83% of all DVT’s (Blood Clots in the Veins) from traveling are Endurance Athletes? Wow! That means if you’re in shape you’re more at risk. Why? Athletes have a slower rest heart rate and when they travel blood slows dramatically. Our bodies were not made to fly on planes. The increased elevation, increased cabin pressure, combined with the lack of activity often result in swollen feet which can even be painful.
2. Our venous system does not work particularly well on planes and is unhealthy for us overall. This is especially noticeable on long flights. In the worst case, people have been known to develop blood clots on planes, which can lead to an embolism, very serious stuff! CEP socks are very effective in keeping the blood flow going even when we are sitting on a plane. It helps to reduce swelling in a big way.
3. Injury recovery: the increased blood flow helps in the healing process by moving more healthy blood past the injured tissue, ligaments and/or tendons. We have seen athletes with torn Achilles tendons who have complained of swelling feet, resulting in great pain that required frequent icing to control the swelling and pain. After putting on the CEP socks, the swelling, pain and need for icing was completely eliminated.

· Who wears CEP? Anyone who wants to feel better before, during or after activity. We have seen recreational athletes find great benefits from this product as it reduces pain and the likelihood of injury. If we can reduce our injuries, pain and soreness, we can do what we love, more often.