GS and Tempo are definite aids in recovery. Anytime you are moving blood into the system you are aiding the healing/recovery process. Think contrast baths. We typically will end our GS days with some contrast baths in the training room.
GS has theraputic value because you are working the smaller muscle groups and getting in valuable work that will prevent injury. I would argue that keep the body in balance aids the athlete in their ability to perform. Therapy is about returning to the body to homeostasis, the I would classify GS circuits as therapeutic.
Pool workouts are actually the best modalities for recovery and GS due to the water, one can compare it to a low intensity massage. CFKA can speak more to this, if he has gotten any sleep lately.
Great answer. As you said GS circuits can be classified as therapeutic, still can’t see tempo as a great therapeutic value, except that it moves blood into the system. However, moving blood into the system could be done not just by tempo but in the pool as well for example. Tempo doesn’t move any extra smaller muscle groups wich aren’t moved at faster speeds. Plus if an athlete expects from tempo to speed recovery, he should feel even better after workout than before it. If not than it won’t speed recovery, could be even worse delaying recovery process before another quality session.