Compression therapy is a simple and effective means of increasing blood flow in the lower limbs by strengthening vein support. Also, compression therapy promotes vascular health, treats various venous diseases, and helps with pain management in the legs. Compression therapy can also help alleviate aching pain due to vein disease.
How Does Compression Therapy Work?
Compression therapy works by applying pressure to slowly stretch out vein walls, which allows the even distribution of internal pressure in the leg. The pressure is graduated, with the strongest pressure starting at the ankles and gradually decreasing as it moves up the leg. Compression therapy helps the blood vessels in the leg push blood back to the heart while making it more difficult for blood to pool or clot. Additionally, the pressure supports the legs and veins while minimizing swelling.
Compression therapy helps to eliminate swelling. Though it seems counterintuitive, the pressure increases circulation. It does not slow the flow of blood. The improved blood flow helps promote healing, while the pressure helps prevent blood from pooling in the veins.
Compression therapy improves the symptoms of various venous diseases and helps keep the legs from becoming tired and achy. The therapy can also ease discomfort in the feet and ankles, as well as help prevent and treat spider veins and varicose veins. It may even stop the patient from feeling light-headed or dizzy when standing up.
Without effective compression therapy, chronic venous diseases can lead to dilated veins or “spider veins.” Dilated veins can produce fatigue, while sometimes causing sudden bursts of pain.
Types of Compression Therapy
The Lakeland, Florida, pain doctor uses the three primary types of compression therapy: bandages, stockings, and pneumatic systems.
The most common form of compression therapy is special elastic socks or stockings that evenly apply pressure over a sore or painful area. In addition to socks and stockings, there are also shin and elbow sleeves.
Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) systems use cuffs around the legs that squeeze the legs when filled with air. IPC helps increase blood flow through the veins to prevent blood clots in the deep veins of the legs. The use of IPC is one way to help prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Who Can Benefit from Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy offers several benefits. Pain relief from reduced swelling is the primary benefit. The therapy also increases circulation, which promotes healing. Sufferers of chronic venous disease, which can cause vein valves to fail, are primary candidates for compression therapy.
For wound and ulcer management, compression therapy can significantly reduce healing time. Others who can benefit from compression therapy include:
- People with, or at risk of, circulation problems like deep vein thrombosis (DVT), varicose veins, or diabetes.
- People who cannot leave their bed or have a hard time moving their legs.
- People who stand all day at work.
- Athletes.
- Pregnant women.
- Anyone suffering from aching and heavy legs.
- People who spend long stretches of time on airplanes, like pilots.
- People with lymphedema.
- Persons suffering from phlebitis.
- Anyone being treated with sclerotherapy (procedure for eliminating spider veins).
- People with edema and deterioration of venous walls.
For people with fibromyalgia and lymphatic diseases, compression therapy is a preferred treatment for venous ulcers and edema (swelling). It is also a standard treatment for arthritis pain relief.
Compression therapy can also help to prevent the development of blood clots. Consequently, it is often recommended for patients following surgery.
Novus Spine & Pain Center
Dr. Torres established Novus Spine & Pain Center in Lakeland, Florida, with a goal of providing the highest quality pain management care to every patient. Whether pain is the result of an injury or another condition, Dr. Torres offers many different treatment options.
Novus Spine & Pain Center utilizes a comprehensive approach and cutting-edge therapies to restore normal function and allow patients to regain an active lifestyle while minimizing the need for opiates. As our patient, you are our top priority. Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible quality of life.
Our Mission Statement: To provide the best quality of life to people suffering from pain by providing state of the art treatments, knowledge and skill, compassion, and respect for all.
For your convenience, you may schedule an appointment online, request a call back, or call our office at 863-583-4445.
Compression Therapy Resources
What are compression stockings? (WebMD)
Who Uses Compression Stockings? (WebMD)
What do compression stockings do? (WebMD)
DVT Prevention: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices (Johns Hopkins)
What is Compression Therapy (American Venous Forum)
What is compression therapy? (Brown Med)
An Overview of Compression Therapy (Today’s Wound Clinic)
Venous Stasis (Wikipedia)
Updated: August 10, 2022