BOA Compression: Full-Body Recovery, Zero Effort

Some days your whole body has simply done a lot — a long run, a double shift on your feet, a cross-country flight wedged into a middle seat. BOA compression is the "zip in, sit back, and let something else do the work" answer to those days. And here's the part a lot of people don't realize: it's not just for legs.

What BOA compression is

BOA compression uses sequenced air-pressure garments that inflate and release in smooth, rhythmic waves across the body — not only the legs, but the hips and beyond. Think of it as a firm, consistent, wave-like massage delivered by precision-controlled compression — steady, predictable, and almost entirely hands-free.

Athletes, runners, people who stand all day, and frequent travelers use it to feel lighter, looser, and refreshed after the demands of training and everyday life.

One machine, several presets

Part of what makes BOA so versatile is that it isn't a one-setting device — your session can be tuned to exactly how you want to feel:

• Relaxation — a gentle, calming, full-body preset with lighter pressure and a soothing rhythm. The perfect first experience.
• Sports Recovery — a firmer preset many guests reach for after a hard workout, a long run, or a heavy training block, when they want to feel refreshed.
• Additional targeted presets — your practitioner can walk you through the rest and match a preset to whatever you're after that day.

Not sure which to pick? Just tell us how you want to feel walking out, and we'll set it accordingly.

What a session feels like

Getting started is easy: you'll step into the compression garment (you might need a quick hand with the zipper), settle into a comfortable recliner, and your practitioner will dial in a pressure level and preset that feel right for you — anywhere from gentle to deeply firm.

Then you simply relax. Because BOA is almost entirely touchless, once you're set up the machine runs the whole session on its own — roughly 45 minutes to an hour of steady, wave-like compression. Read, put on a podcast, close your eyes, do nothing at all. Most guests step out feeling noticeably lighter and invigorated. Pressure stays fully adjustable, so you're in control the entire time.

The payoff

Most guests describe the same combination: relaxed and invigorated at once. Beyond that:

• A genuine, do-nothing break — permission to sit still for a while.
• A comfortable, fully adjustable session you're in control of start to finish.
• An easy way to round out a massage into a complete recovery visit.

It's recovery for general wellness and the ordinary demands of training and daily life — not a medical treatment.

The system we use: BOA Max 2 by Metrum

Our compression runs on the BOA Max 2 by Metrum — a premium, professional-grade sequential compression system, the kind of setup you'd expect in a serious athletic recovery room.

What stands out:

• Dynamic, sequential compression. Rather than one static squeeze, the chambers inflate and release in sequence, creating that smooth, wave-like rhythm across the body.
• Nearly hands-free. Once you're zipped in and set, the system runs the whole session — you just relax.
• Several presets. From gentle relaxation to firmer athletic recovery, so each session fits your goal.
• Fully adjustable. Pressure dials from gentle to firm and stays adjustable anytime.

We run two full BOA setups, so there's rarely a wait — and it's available as a standalone session or an add-on to your massage.

When guests love it most

Honestly? Anytime. But a few moments come up again and again:

• After a hard workout or a long run — a natural cool-down while you catch your breath.
• After a full day on your feet — retail, nursing, teaching, serving, parenting.
• After long flights or road trips — the middle-seat antidote.
• Right after a massage — it's one of our most popular pairings.

Many guests finish a deep tissue or sports massage with 30 minutes of compression for a complete recovery visit — you're already relaxed, so you might as well stay a little longer.

Session details

• Standalone sessions: 50 or 80 minutes.
• Add-on: Available as a 30-minute add-on to any massage service.
• What to wear: Comfortable clothing — the garments fit right over leggings or joggers.
• Members: Included in Recovery membership credit options.

A few quick questions we get

Does it hurt? No — it should feel like a firm, rhythmic squeeze. Pressure is fully adjustable, and your practitioner will set it to your preference.

Is it really just for legs? Not at all — that's the most common misconception. BOA works across the body, and different presets suit different goals.

Can I combine it with a massage? Yes, and it's one of our most-requested add-ons. Thirty minutes of compression after a deep tissue or sports session makes for a well-rounded recovery visit.

Who should check with a doctor first? Anyone with circulatory conditions, a history of blood clots, recent surgery, or who is pregnant should get their physician's okay before booking. We'll ask a few screening questions before your first session.

Ready to zip in?

Book compression on its own, or add it to your next massage and make an afternoon of it. [Book a session →]

Learn more — independent resources

The resources below are independent, third-party educational materials published by medical institutions and government health libraries. They are provided for general education only. Blackbird Massage + Recovery does not author, control, or endorse their content, and they do not describe or make claims about Blackbird's services, equipment, or expected results.

• National Library of Medicine — Lower-Limb Intermittent Pneumatic Compression & Sports Recovery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (peer-reviewed) — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11475002/

Blackbird Massage + Recovery services are provided for general wellness and relaxation. They are not medical treatments and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. Please consult your physician before beginning any new wellness routine, especially if you are pregnant, have an implanted medical device, or have a medical condition.

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