💡 Quick Answer: Hyperice is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including circulation disorders, chronic pain, and post-surgical recovery, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for Hyperice and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
What is Hyperice
Hyperice is the recovery technology company that transformed professional athlete recovery tools into accessible devices for anyone serious about their health. Founded in 2010 by Anthony Katz after he witnessed the crude ice-and-compression methods athletes were using, Hyperice set out to modernize recovery with the same design thinking that revolutionized consumer electronics.
Think of them as the Apple of recovery devices: sleek, smart, and so effective that LeBron James, Patrick Mahomes, Naomi Osaka, and Erling Haaland aren’t just users, they’re investors. What started as a better ice compression wrap has evolved into a complete recovery ecosystem spanning percussive therapy, pneumatic compression, heat therapy, and even mindfulness technology.
The Science of Recovery:
Recovery isn’t passive. It’s an active physiological process that can be dramatically enhanced with the right interventions. Hyperice’s product line addresses the key mechanisms of recovery:
- Percussive Therapy (Hypervolt) – The flagship Hypervolt massage guns deliver rapid, targeted pressure pulses into muscle tissue. Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research shows that percussive therapy significantly reduces delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and improves muscle performance. A study in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine demonstrated that vibration therapy increases range of motion and reduces pain perception by stimulating mechanoreceptors that override pain signals.
- Pneumatic Compression (Normatec) – Hyperice’s acquisition of Normatec in 2020 brought hospital-grade compression technology into the recovery ecosystem. The patented Pulse technology uses dynamic air compression that mimics the muscle pump of the legs, enhancing blood flow and lymphatic drainage. Research in the British Journal of Sports Medicine shows that intermittent pneumatic compression accelerates recovery markers, reduces muscle soreness, and improves subsequent performance. The technology was originally developed for medical treatment of circulation disorders and is still used in clinical settings for lymphedema, DVT prevention, and post-surgical recovery.
- Heat Therapy (Venom) – The Venom line combines heat with vibration for deep tissue treatment. Heat increases blood flow, reduces muscle stiffness, and enhances tissue elasticity. The American College of Sports Medicine recognizes heat therapy as an effective modality for muscle relaxation and pain relief. When combined with vibration, the effects are amplified through increased circulation and mechanoreceptor activation.
The Hyperice Ecosystem:
Hypervolt Series – The percussive therapy lineup ranges from the compact Hypervolt Go 2 (perfect for travel) to the professional-grade Hypervolt 2 Pro. Key features include:
- Quiet Glide Technology (40% quieter than competitors)
- Bluetooth connectivity with guided routines via the Hyperice app
- Multiple attachment heads for different muscle groups and treatment goals
- Pressure sensor feedback to ensure optimal force application
Normatec Series – Dynamic air compression systems for legs, hips, and arms:
- Normatec 3 Legs: Full-leg compression boots with 7 overlapping zones
- Normatec 3 Hip Attachment: Targets glutes and hip flexors
- Normatec 3 Arms: Upper body compression for shoulders, arms, and hands
- Patented Pulse technology with customizable pressure and zone control
Venom Series – Heat and vibration therapy wraps:
- Venom 2 Back: Targeted lower back heat and vibration therapy
- Venom 2 Shoulder: Rotator cuff and shoulder treatment
- Venom 2 Leg: Quad and hamstring heat therapy
- LED heat technology for consistent, deep-penetrating warmth
Hyperice X – Contrast therapy (hot and cold) devices:
- Hyperice X Knee: Combines cold compression with contrast therapy
- Hyperice X Leg: Full-leg cold and heat treatment
Hypersphere – Vibrating massage balls for targeted trigger point therapy and myofascial release
Core – A meditation and mindfulness device that guides breathing and focus, addressing the mental component of recovery
App Integration and Personalization:
The Hyperice app transforms these devices from standalone tools into a connected recovery system. Features include:
- Guided recovery routines based on your activity and sport
- Integration with fitness wearables to recommend recovery protocols
- Video tutorials for proper device usage
- Progress tracking and recovery insights
Professional sports teams, Olympic athletes, and physical therapy clinics worldwide rely on Hyperice technology. The same devices used by the NBA, NFL, and Premier League are now available for anyone managing chronic conditions, recovering from surgery, or simply wanting to move and feel better.
Why Hyperice Qualifies for HSA/FSA Eligibility
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means Hyperice devices can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement when used for prevention or treatment of:
- Circulation disorders and chronic venous insufficiency – Normatec compression systems are built on technology originally developed for medical treatment of circulation problems. Research in the Journal of Vascular Surgery demonstrates that intermittent pneumatic compression significantly improves venous return and reduces symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.
- Lymphedema and post-surgical swelling – Pneumatic compression is an evidence-based treatment for lymphedema recognized by the National Lymphedema Network. Normatec devices provide the same mechanism of action as clinical compression pumps, enhancing lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prevention – For individuals at risk of blood clots due to surgery, immobility, or clotting disorders, pneumatic compression is a standard preventive intervention. The American College of Chest Physicians includes intermittent pneumatic compression in DVT prevention guidelines.
- Chronic pain and fibromyalgia – Percussive therapy and vibration have documented effects on pain reduction. Research in Pain Medicine shows that vibration therapy activates mechanoreceptors that can override pain signals through the gate control theory of pain. The American College of Rheumatology recognizes massage and soft tissue therapies as beneficial for fibromyalgia symptom management.
- Muscle spasms and tension – Percussive therapy breaks up muscle knots, increases blood flow, and reduces muscle tension. Studies in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy demonstrate that targeted soft tissue therapy effectively reduces muscle spasm frequency and intensity.
- Post-surgical rehabilitation – Physical therapists frequently incorporate Hyperice devices into post-surgical protocols. Compression reduces swelling, percussive therapy prevents scar tissue adhesions, and heat therapy improves tissue mobility. The combination accelerates return to function after joint replacements, orthopedic surgeries, and other procedures.
- Arthritis and joint stiffness – While percussive therapy shouldn’t be applied directly to arthritic joints, treating surrounding muscles reduces stiffness and improves mobility. Heat therapy from Venom devices is particularly beneficial for morning stiffness associated with arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation recommends both heat therapy and massage for arthritis management.
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD) – Compression therapy improves circulation in individuals with compromised arterial blood flow. Research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology supports compression as an adjunctive therapy for PAD symptom management.
- Chronic back pain – The Venom Back specifically targets lower back pain, a condition affecting 80% of adults at some point. The American College of Physicians recommends heat therapy as a first-line treatment for acute and chronic low back pain.
- Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in medical exercise programs – For patients following exercise regimens as treatment for conditions like obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease, managing DOMS is essential for consistency. Studies confirm both percussive therapy and compression significantly reduce DOMS severity.
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must document Hyperice devices as medically necessary for preventing or managing your specific health condition, not just for athletic performance. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your HSA/FSA Eligibility For Hyperice
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, physical therapist, or vascular specialist, discuss your recovery needs and circulation issues, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if compression therapy or percussive devices are recommended as part of your treatment plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other compression and recovery devices qualify for HSA/FSA?
Yes. With the right medical documentation, you can use HSA/FSA funds for compression boots, massage devices, heat therapy wraps, and other recovery equipment when they’re recommended for preventing or treating specific medical conditions. Popular alternatives like Therabody (Theragun) and Normatec (now part of Hyperice) can also qualify. Check out our complete Recovery Tools HSA/FSA Guide for more options.
How does the reimbursement process work?
Many retailers do not directly accept HSA/FSA cards. If your card isn’t accepted or you purchase from another retailer, you’ll pay with your personal card, save your receipt, then submit the receipt and LMN for reimbursement through your HSA/FSA administrator. With Crates Health, we simplify this process: upload your receipt and get one-click reimbursements directly through our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is documentation from a licensed healthcare provider explaining why Hyperice devices are medically necessary for preventing, managing, or treating a specific condition. It’s the official paperwork proving your recovery technology isn’t just for athletic performance. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months.
Will my HSA/FSA claim get denied?
With proper documentation, denials are rare. That said, every HSA/FSA administrator is different, and some may initially deny claims due to receipt format, LMN documentation, or unclear medical necessity. Crates Health supports you through any denials and makes sure you get reimbursed.
Can I use HSA/FSA for multiple Hyperice products?
Yes. If your healthcare provider documents that multiple recovery modalities are medically necessary for your condition (for example, someone with chronic back pain and circulation issues might need both a Hypervolt and Normatec), all documented devices can be included in separate LMNs and reimbursed. Many conditions benefit from combined percussive therapy, compression, and heat treatment.
