Compression therapy is the most common treatment method used by vein doctors. It can help with various diseases such as varicose veins or lipedema. But it is also being used more and more in other areas. But what are the advantages of compression therapy?
The function of the human blood circulation
Our blood circulation has the task of supplying all cells with nutrients and oxygen. The central point is our heart. From it, the blood flows away through the arteries and the veins lead it back to the heart.
Due to various diseases or long working hours in standing position, the blood sinks into the legs. The speed of blood circulation is thus reduced.
Maybe you have noticed yourself after a long and tiring day, how the blood feels to flow more strongly as soon as you put your legs up. This is not just a feeling. The blood can actually flow better this way. It is not for nothing that it is often recommended to put your legs up in a lying position. This facilitates the work of blood circulation and increases its speed.
Although the same applies to the arms, the legs are more affected. This is simply because they are further away from the heart. The journey from the feet to the heart takes longer than the one from the fingertips to the heart. So the veins in the legs have a much harder job.
Just like elevating the legs, compression therapy has a positive but even stronger effect on the transportation of blood.
The lymphatic system
Next to the blood circulation, our lymphatic system is the second major circulation system in our body. It works together with our blood circulation in various areas and is considered our body's filtering system of toxins.
If this system is disturbed, various disease patterns can develop. As with the blood circulation, the transport capacity can be restricted. The lymph is then transported more poorly. Disorders of the lymphatic system can also be treated with compression therapy.
What is compression therapy?
By applying external pressure to the venous system, compression therapy promotes the outflow of blood toward the heart. In other words, the flow rate of the blood is increased. In addition, lymphatic fluid is removed more quickly because pressure is also exerted on the tissue.
There are special garments for this form of therapy. The classic is stockings, which are often colloquially called surgical stockings. After surgery, patients must wear these to prevent thrombosis. The ultimate cause of thrombosis is disruption of blood flow.
How does compression therapy work?
The pressure applied to the tissues from the outside reduces the diameter of the veins. This narrowing increases the rate at which blood flows through the veins. The same amount of blood has to flow through the vein and this makes this process happen faster. At the same moment, the blood pressure is lowered. In this way, the blood in the veins does not clot so easily and storage is prevented.
When is compression therapy used?
Compression therapy is used by doctors for a wide variety of conditions. These include varicose veins, lipedema or lymphedema. Lymphedema and lipedema often require lifelong compression therapy.
However, compression therapy is not only considered as a treatment method for an acute disease. It is also used preventively and prescribed by physicians. People in the catering industry are also recommended to wear appropriate stockings during work. Athletes, especially runners, have also discovered them in recent years. They stabilize the calves during training and promote regeneration.
In the past, elastic bandages were also used for treatment. Today, however, these are rarely used. Actually, they are only used to remove fluid accumulations. Apparent compression is also suitable for this purpose. Compression is produced by air chambers that are pumped up and down by machine to generate pressure.
The advantages of compression therapy at a glance
#1 Minimal impairment
Wearing compression garments and using a device for lymphatic drainage do not restrict you at all or only very minimally. They can also be a good support after surgical procedures such as pulling varicose veins or liposuction for lipedema. Of course, use after surgery should always be discussed with the attending physician.
#2 Precaution
Do you have a job that requires you to stand or sit at a desk the majority of the time? This can slow the circulation of your blood. If you wear compression stockings at work or use a leg massager at home for relief, you can reduce or even eliminate the negative effects.
The same applies to a predisposition to diseases such as lipedema. If this has run in your family more often, you can avoid or slow down the onset of the disease with compression therapy.
#3 Improvement of symptoms
Already suffering from a particular condition that affects the circulation of your blood? Then compression therapy can reduce your discomfort in the long run.
Wearing compression stockings or compression sleeves will stimulate your circulation throughout the day.
Especially in the case of lipedema, affected women are advised to wear compression garments permanently. This reduces pain and is easier on the joints.
#4 Increased mobility
With certain diseases, such as lipedema, mobility may be limited depending on the stage. To help affected individuals continue to live their lives normally as best they can, compression therapy is a great way to help. By wearing compression stockings and other compression garments, the strain is reduced and the mobility is increased.
#5 Low cost
Compression therapy is generally very inexpensive and risk-free to use. Of course, it cannot replace surgery if it is needed. However, it can support treatment after surgery.
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Author: Physiotherapist Marvin Seidel
Source and image: Clubsante, # 114698656 kei907 / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 2 August 2022