When Should Compression Therapy be Used?

Woman and a man smiling and enjoying Compression therapy at Restore Hilton Head

You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed.

And then, you start noticing, first amused, then confused: celebrities wearing high-tech masks with LED lights to help them look their best.

You may think: well, it’s easy for them to always have perfect, glowing skin, even as they age.

It’s no secret that they have access to the best skincare treatments and products money can buy. But you don’t have to be a Hollywood A-list celebrity to enjoy the benefits of their newest beauty secret firsthand: Red Light Therapy.

Keep reading to discover what Red Light Therapy is and how it can help you maintain your health and natural beauty.

What Exactly is Compression?

Compression is a method for applying pressure to a particular part of the body, like the arms or legs. Compression stockings, wraps, pumps, and other tools can be used to generate pressure. Compression therapy seeks to enhance circulation, lessen edema, and promote recovery.

A gentle squeezing sensation created by compression garments, which are often constructed of elastic material and fitted securely around the affected area, can assist in the movement of blood and lymphatic fluid throughout the body.

Similar to compression stockings, compression wraps are made to be wrapped around a limb and fastened using Velcro or another type of fastening. Air pressure is applied to the affected area using compression pumps, which helps to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Most Common Type of Compression Therapy

Legs are one of the most commonly affected parts of the body that receive compression therapy. It’s a treatment method for reduced blood flow and other conditions and is used to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the lower extremities, among many other benefits.

Compression stockings work by applying graduated pressure to the leg, with the highest pressure being at the ankle and gradually decreasing as the stocking goes up the leg. This compression helps to improve circulation by preventing blood from pooling in the lower leg and encouraging it to flow back up to the heart.

Benefits of Compression Therapy

Patients with particular conditions may benefit from compression therapy in a variety of ways. The most common advantages of compression therapy are:

Improved circulation and lymphatic flow: Compression therapy can help improve circulation and lymphatic flow, which can reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area.

Reduced risk of blood clots: Particularly in patients who are bedridden or have restricted movement, compression therapy can help lower the risk of blood clots.

Improved healing and recovery: By increasing circulation and lowering swelling, compression therapy can help with healing and rehabilitation from accidents and procedures.

Conditions that can Benefit from Compression Therapy

Compression therapy can be used to help with a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): CVI is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to return blood to the heart efficiently. Compression therapy can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in patients with CVI.

Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition in which the lymphatic system is unable to drain fluid from the affected area, resulting in swelling. Compression therapy can help reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow in patients with lymphedema.

Varicose veins: Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Compression therapy can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in patients with varicose veins.

Chronic wounds: Chronic wounds are wounds that fail to heal properly, often due to poor circulation. Compression therapy can help improve circulation and aid in healing for patients with chronic wounds.

When Should Compression Therapy be Used?

Compression therapy should be supervised by a medical professional. Prior to starting compression therapy, patients should have a medical examination and diagnosis. For each patient’s unique situation, a healthcare professional can help identify the right usage duration and frequency.

It’s vital to remember that not everyone should use compression therapy. Use may be prohibited in patients with vascular disease, congestive heart failure, or other diseases.

Conclusion

Compression therapy can be an effective treatment option for a variety of conditions, but it’s important to understand when it should be used to maximize its benefits.

The more activity you have, the more recovery you need. In most cases, you’ll want to use the compression after a workout, rather than before.

That said, not all stress is athletic stress. If you’re someone who’s on your legs a lot—like a waitress on a later shift, then using them can be helpful in refreshing your legs.

Numerous health conditions could improve by using compression therapy.

If you have issues with blood flow, or any of the above, visit the nearest Restore Hyper Wellness and let us help you out.