What Is Compression Therapy? 10 Benefits to Know

Compression therapy is a widely used treatment that applies controlled pressure to specific parts of the body, primarily the legs. It is commonly prescribed for individuals with various medical conditions, including venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and deep vein thrombosis.¹ However, compression therapy is not limited to medical patients and has gained popularity in the general wellness space due to its numerous benefits.

What is Compression Therapy?

Compression therapy involves the use of compression garments or devices to exert pressure on the legs or affected areas of the body. The pressure helps improve blood flow, support veins, and reduce swelling and pain. Compression therapy is an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions, and its benefits extend beyond medical applications.¹

How Does Compression Therapy Work?

Compression therapy works by applying controlled pressure to the legs, which aids in improving blood circulation and preventing blood from pooling in the veins. The gentle squeezing action provided by compression garments or devices helps move blood back up toward the heart, enhancing venous return and reducing the risk of venous insufficiency.²

Types of Compression Therapy Devices

Compression therapy can be administered through various devices, each with its own specific benefits. Some common types of compression therapy devices include:

1. Compression Stockings: These elastic garments are the most commonly used form of compression therapy. They come in different lengths, such as knee-length, thigh-length, and tights, and exert pressure on the legs to improve blood flow.²
2. Compression Wraps: Compression wraps or bandages are another option for compression therapy. They can be applied to specific areas of the body and adjusted to provide the desired level of compression.
3. Pneumatic Compression Devices: These devices use inflatable cuffs or sleeves that intermittently inflate and deflate, applying pressure to the affected areas. Pneumatic compression therapy is effective for promoting blood flow and reducing swelling.³ For those wondering how often can you use a leg compression machine, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate frequency for your specific needs.
4. Other Compression Devices: There are various other compression devices available, such as velcro devices, compression stockings, and foam or rubber pads, which can provide targeted compression and aid in healing.

Benefits of Compression Therapy

Compression therapy offers a wide range of benefits for individuals with different conditions and lifestyles. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Improved Blood Flow

Similar to the benefits of using a cold plunge tub, compression therapy helps enhance blood flow by increasing venous return and preventing blood from pooling in the legs. This improved circulation can have significant positive effects on overall health and well-being, especially for those looking how to increase circulation in legs.

2. Reduced Swelling and Edema

The gentle pressure exerted by compression garments or devices helps reduce swelling and edema in the legs.⁴ Compression therapy can effectively manage conditions such as lymphedema and edema caused by prolonged sitting or standing.

3. Prevention of Blood Clots

Compression therapy is particularly beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the legs.⁴ By improving blood flow and preventing stasis, compression therapy reduces the risk of blood clot formation.

4. Accelerated Exercise Recovery

Compression therapy is widely used by athletes to aid in post-exercise recovery. By improving blood flow and reducing muscle soreness, compression garments or devices can help athletes recover faster and get back to their training routines. For those seeking how to relieve sore muscles in thighs, compression therapy can be a valuable solution.

5. Faster Healing of Injuries

Compression therapy promotes faster healing of injuries by improving blood circulation to the affected area. The increased nutrient-rich blood supply aids in tissue repair and reduces recovery time for both fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

6. Enhanced Lymphatic Drainage

Compression therapy can stimulate lymphatic drainage, making it effective for managing lymphedema.⁴ It helps reduce swelling and improves the overall function of the lymphatic system, leading to improved quality of life for individuals with lymphatic disorders.

7. Relief from Leg Discomfort

Compression therapy provides relief from leg discomfort, including pain, achiness, and heaviness.⁴ By supporting the veins and reducing venous hypertension, compression garments or devices alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.

8. Prevention of Varicose Veins

Compression therapy can help prevent the development and progression of varicose veins. By improving blood circulation and reducing venous pressure, compression garments or devices support vein health and minimize the appearance of varicose veins.⁴

9. Improved Surgical Outcomes

Compression therapy is often recommended before and after surgical procedures to promote better outcomes. By enhancing blood flow, reducing swelling, and preventing blood clots, compression therapy supports the healing process and reduces the risk of complications.⁴

10. Enhanced Overall Wellness

Compression therapy plays a significant role in improving overall wellness by promoting better circulation, reducing swelling, and providing relief from discomfort and pain. It can be beneficial for individuals with active lifestyles, those who sit or stand for long periods, and anyone seeking to enhance their overall health and well-being.

Who Should Use Compression Therapy?

Compression therapy is suitable for a wide range of individuals, including those with medical conditions like venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and DVT. It is also beneficial for athletes, individuals with sedentary lifestyles, pregnant women, physical therapy patients like those recovering from surgeries or injuries. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help determine if compression therapy is appropriate for specific needs.

Experience Compression Therapy with Lifepro Compression Machines

Lifepro Compression Machines offer a convenient and effective way to experience the benefits of compression therapy. Our compression devices provide customizable pressure settings, allowing individuals to tailor their compression treatment to their specific needs. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance recovery or someone seeking relief from leg discomfort, our compression machines offer a versatile solution for your compression therapy needs.

With Lifepro Compression Machines, you can enjoy the benefits of improved blood circulation, reduced swelling, and faster recovery in the comfort of your own home. Our user-friendly devices are designed to provide effective compression therapy and contribute to your overall wellness journey.

References:

1. Compression Therapy - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/compression-therapy 
2. Berszakiewicz A, Sieroń A, Krasiński Z, Cholewka A, Stanek A. Compression therapy in venous diseases: current forms of compression materials and techniques. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. 2020;37(6):836-841. doi:https://doi.org/10.5114/ada.2019.86991 
3. DVT Prevention: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. www.urmc.rochester.edu. Accessed September 8, 2023. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contentid=328&contenttypeid=135 
4. Compression Therapy for Medical Conditions & Athletic Performance. Healthline. Published July 21, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-compression-therapy-and-its-benefits-are 

Author

Joel Gottehrer

Joel Gottehrer is the Co-Founder of Lifepro Fitness and has dedicated his life to helping people transform theirs. With over 12 years of experience in the fitness industry as a personal trainer and owner of two personal training studios, Joel has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to helping transform lives. After suffering from physical injuries, Joel and his business partner, Abraham Brach, came together with a common goal to alleviate the pain caused by their injuries.

They continued to find themselves disappointed with the results stemming from various products promising to relieve their pain, and with that – Lifepro Fitness was born. Joel's mission is to have a positive impact on millions of lives with the Lifepro brand. Whether it's finding new and innovative ways to help people recover from injuries or developing products to improve overall wellness, Joel is always looking for ways to push the boundaries. Thanks to his commitment to help people live their lives free of pain, Lifepro has been able to do this for thousands of people since its founding in 2017.