Compression Recovery and Therapy Specialist Q&A

There are a variety of conditions that can be treated and prevented with compression therapy. Many people can benefit from compression products and devices.

Compression therapy increases blood flow in the legs by applying controlled pressure. Your blood flow to the heart is improved, your veins are better supported, and swelling in your lower extremities is decreased. People’s quality of life can be improved by compression therapy. A variety of medical conditions can be treated with it.

Compression recovery and therapy can be excellent options to help manage various conditions. Side effects associated with compression recovery are typically mild and avoidable. Problems such as skin irritation, bacterial or fungal infection, discomfort, or pain, and swelling of the toe area or lower foot can occur in some cases. But ensuring the compression device is well fitted, replaced when worn out, and used as instructed are easy ways to avoid this.

A 2018 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that intermittent compression could improve exercise performance and recovery by increasing limb blood flow.

Swelling can also be reduced with compression boots. Repetitive stress causes microtears in your muscles no matter what kind of run you do. If you’re recovering properly (staying off your feet, elevating your legs, resting), swelling will go away naturally. However, compression can shorten the amount of rest you may need by preventing swelling from pooling in a certain area after a run.

A compression therapy session feels like a light, soothing massage. Get your legs massaged, lactic acid flushed, and re-energized for the day while relaxing for post-workout recovery. Approximately 30 minutes are spent using the compression device. Your legs will be elevated in a lounge chair. You may feel a pulsing of pressure followed by a release depending on the type of device.

The amount of compression therapy done will vary based on patient needs with each set lasting about 30 minutes. When combined with movement, compression therapy is very effective. Compression helps return blood to your heart when you walk and activate your calf muscles. Together they can reduce swelling in the legs.

Depending on a patient’s health and activity levels the amount of compression can vary considerably, and it will also depend on the type of material being used, its firmness, and your movement. Some cases during which compression therapy is used include management of varicose veins, prevention of leg swelling for people who sit or stand for long periods, management of leg symptoms during pregnancy, and improved healing of leg ulcers. It may also be used for the prevention of venous thromboembolism, maintenance therapy for lymphedema, and other cases.

The most common type of compression apparel is knee-high compression stockings. Stockings or tights that reach your waist may be needed if the swelling extends above your knee. Those who have difficulty putting on socks may find it easier to apply elastic bandages and Velcro wraps. Multiple layers of bandages are usually applied. Inflatable devices are garments that provide pressure by inflating. Athletes tend to use them most often.

The benefits of compression therapy are varied offering both healing and preventative properties. Athletes are increasingly wearing compression stockings and garments. In addition to improving performance, compression therapy reduces soreness after exercise and prevents blood clots from forming. Compression recovery and therapy specialists are available at Prosper Health & Rehab. Contact us today through our website to book your next appointment and learn about the benefits of compression recovery and therapy. For more information, call us or book an online appointment. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Vancouver BC, Surrey BC, Burnaby BC, Richmond BC, Langley BC, and Coquitlam BC.