Compression Therapy Benefits

Pat's guide to the compression therapy benefits of various methods of compression therapy.

In this article I am going to cover the compression therapy benefits of many modern day approaches to compression including vasopnuematic compression (eg Compression boots), compression socks, compression tights and compression bandaging. Plus, the very important point of when to avoid compression therapy. There are lots of known contraindications to using compression therapy and I feel it’s important that my readers are aware of this.

Compression therapy has been around since the stone age. Yet recently we have seen a huge increase in the variety of methods of compression therapy available, and also the demand for it. With compression used in both recovery for athletes and in the world of medicine we have seen this market segment explode in the last 15 years.

Compression therapy benefits

To keep it short and sharp the documented benefits of compression therapy are as follows:

Control, reduce or prevent swelling
Improve circulation
Promote tissue repair
Increase rate of metabolic waste removal
Prevent DVT's in immobile people
Improve chronic venus insufficiency (the bodies inability to push blood back to the heart)

As a result of these benefits we see compression therapy used as a recovery method for athletes, for lympedema patients, people suffering varicose veins or chronic venus insufficiency, patients with chronic leg ulcers, immobile patients and also those with an acute injury like a muscle tear or ankle sprain.

Vasopneumatic compression therapy eg Compression Boots

Vasopneumatic compression therapy is essentially a mechanical approach to compression. It is also referred to as dynamic compression or simply pneumatic compression. Vasopneumatic compression devices (often referred to as a VCD) uses a pump to apply intermittent force on a body part, we most commonly see this pressure applied using air compression. An inflatable space-like suit surround the area requiring compression and the air is pumped in to the device to a specified pressure for a specified time to increase the hydrostatic pressure.

Vasopneumatic compression devices used in compression therapy will use sequential compression with the strongest compression being applied to the area most distal from the body and the pressure getting sequentially lighter as it gets closer to the body. This is what improves the rate at which the blood is transferred from the limbs back to the heart or the trunk.

Compression Boots are a type of vasopneumatic compression device. Here are some recommendations for athletes and lympedema patients.

Static compression therapy eg Compression Socks

Static compression does not use pumps or any rhythmic external force. Static compression relies upon the fabric to apply a set amount of compression, based on the firmness of the garment against the body part it is being applied to. Static compression includes compression hosiery, compression pants (or compression tights depending on where in the world you live), compression bandages (like tubigrip) and compression socks.

Static compression methods can be constructed with sequential gradient compression like I have mentioned above, or it can be a simple compression with one set force or pressure applied in the whole garment.

While static compression sounds more simple then dynamic compression, if these garments are well fitted these compression methods are certainly useful ways to get the benefits of compression therapy.

Nowadays compression therapy is embraced in lots of unique ways to fit in with busy lifestyles.

Compression Bandaging - why choose compression bandaging?

Compression bandaging is generally used for an acute injury like an ankle sprain or a muscle tear. Compression bandaging is an easy way to apply a firm pressure when it is needed most. They are not typically used when long term compression is required as it is hard to apply correctly without a trained professional and compression bandaging is typically less comfortable for long periods.

Compression bandaging is a good way to reduce swelling at a specific injury site. Here’s an article on how to wrap an ankle, wrist, knees and legs. This sort of compression will also improve circulation, promote tissue repair and increase the rate of metabolic waste removal.

Benefits of Compression pants + benefits of compression socks

The interesting thing about compression pants and compression socks is that they were not originally designed to be used during activity, but rather as a recovery system for after activity.

Brands like 2Xu and Under Armour who pioneered wearable compression for the everyday athlete explain that their graduated compression will help to reduce muscle damage during activity by preventing micro tearing of the muscle. It does this by holding the muscle compartment firmly so the vibrations sent up the leg when we’re active don’t damage the muscle belly.

The benefits of compression pants and the benefits of compression socks post exercise are that they work to reduce muscle swelling, improving circulation and increasing the rate of metabolic waste removal. All of which is through to improve our rate of recovery between workouts and reduce DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).

It’s important to note that if this sort of mass produced, not customised compression does not fit well then there is no chance of the benefits of compression therapy being experienced. These brands live and die by the accuracy of their sizing systems so be sure to measure yourself as per the brands advice and sizing charts. If you are between two sizes then always go with the smaller size if you want to experience the benefits of compression pants or the benefits of compression socks.

When to avoid compression therapy

There are a number of known contraindications to using compression therapy and I feel it’s important that you are aware of these if you are considering using compression therapy.

I do not recommend using compression therapy without the tick of approval from your medical specialist if you suffer from any of the following: