The Benefits of Compression Therapy
So your doctor, surgeon, or somebody else on your medical team has recommended compression therapy for you. You’re intrigued— you know what compression therapy looks like, but you’re not sure what it’s meant to do, or how it’s relevant to what you’re doing through. No problem! Whether you’re going into hospital for a day surgery, training for a competition, or dealing with a chronic condition, there are many potential benefits of compression therapy.
For personalised advice, contact our team at Whole Body Clinic today.
What is Compression Therapy?
Before we get into the benefits, let’s go over what compression therapy is.
Essentially, compression therapy is a form of treatment that aims to provide gentle pressure, typically to the legs and arms. The gentle pressure is applied in an effort to encourage fluids such as blood to move around the body. This is crucial as blood needs to flow to the heart, and if you remain still for long periods or have circulation issues, the blood may not be able to do so.
Compression therapy comes in several forms, including:
- Compression stockings or socks
- Compression sleeves
- Compression bandages
- Compression wraps
- Compression leggings
- Pneumatic compression devices
Compression garments such as these aim to prevent blood from pooling and to assist the veins in returning blood to your heart. The type of compression therapy you use, how long you use it, and the reason you use compression therapy will all factor into your healthcare provider’s instructions for you. Ensure you follow them as directed, and ask any questions you like if you’re unsure about anything.
What are the Potential Benefits of Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy may come with benefits such as:
1. Improving blood flow
If you spend a lot of time sitting, standing, or lying down, your leg veins need to fight gravity in order to move blood flow to your heart. Compression therapy aims to gently squeeze the legs in an effort to help blood flow faster in the right direction.
2. Preventing and reducing swelling
Compression therapy may help prevent swelling, which may also occur if you sit, stand, or lie down for long periods. If extra fluid does accumulate in your legs, compression therapy aims to help your body absorb it and reduce the swelling.
3. Reducing the risk of blood clots
This is typically a concern for people recovering from surgery or on long flights. Deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot in a deep vein, may occur when you’re off your feet for long periods such as these, and compression therapy aims to prevent this.
4. Reducing the risk of dizziness and nausea
People with orthostatic hypotension may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseated when they stand up, due to a sudden drop in blood pressure. This may occur if blood pools in your legs, which compression therapy is intended to prevent.
5. Addressing leg ulcers
Leg ulcers— open wounds that often take a long time to heal— may be caused by a range of conditions such as diabetes, vein issues, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Compression therapy aims to improve blood flow, which in turn may assist in treating ulcers.
Ultimately, compression therapy is typically well-tolerated and beneficial for many people. Whether you’re working with a doctor, nurse, or allied health professional, they should recommend the most appropriate form of compression therapy for your needs and ensure it offers the right amount of pressure so that it’s comfortable and not painful.
Are There Any Risks to Compression Therapy?
As with any form of treatment, there are potential risks involved. However, the risks associated with compression therapy are mild and not common. They include:
- Skin irritation
- Discomfort
- Redness
More serious, but rare, potential side effects include nerve damage, soft tissue damage, and a condition called superficial thrombophlebitis. If you notice any of the above, let your healthcare provider know.
Generally speaking, the potential benefits of compression therapy typically outweigh the risks. However, there are some conditions where compression therapy is not advised, such as peripheral artery disease. Your healthcare provider will take your condition, medical history, and any other factors into account before recommending compression therapy.
Want to Experience the Potential Benefits of Compression Therapy?
At Whole Body Clinic, we recognise how beneficial compression therapy may be for a wide range of people. Whether you’re looking for ways to boost your circulation or to reduce muscle soreness after intense training, compression therapy may be for you. We’re excited to offer compression therapy at our Mount Gravatt and Browns Plains clinics— book your appointment today.