Decompress with Compression
- DRBrooksRN
- 11 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Compression therapy involves an external pressure applied to the body, using flexible boots and an air pump. The pressure generated helps to:
Improve blood circulation:
By squeezing the veins, compression therapy promotes blood flow back to the heart, reducing swelling, pain, and fatigue.
Prevent blood clots:
Compression therapy can help prevent blood clots from forming in the legs or arms by enhancing overall circulation.
Reduce lymphedema:
Lymphedema (swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid in the tissue) can be reduced as the compression helps drain this fluid, reducing swelling.
Support healing:
With the improvement of circulation, there is better flow of nutrients, blood, and oxygen. This is how compression therapy supports the healing process after surgery, injuries, or other medical conditions.
Improve athletic performance:
Some athletes use compression therapy to improve their performance by reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.
Compression therapy can be used for a wide range of conditions, including:
Varicose veins
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Lymphedema
Post-surgical recovery
Sports injuries
Chronic pain
The type of compression therapy used will depend on the condition being treated your needs. Regarding any diagnosed vascular condition or orthopedic injury, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional FIRST to determine if compression therapy is right for you and to receive instructions on how to use it safely and effectively.
Understanding Compression Therapy
How Does Compression Work?
After the boots are applied and the leg is tucked properly in the boot and the boot is zipped all the way up, the timer will be set for 15 or 30 minutes of compression therapy. The pressure will begin in the foot, and proceed through each of 5 zones up to the upper thigh. As the pressure is applied, the blood and lymph are moved progressively toward the center of the body.
Any pooled blood or swelling will be moved through the vessels toward the center of the body improving circulation and overall flexibility and movement.
Overview of Normatec Boots
Our Normatec boots have 5 zones which apply pressure in a 30 second pulse period. As the pressure moves toward the upper thigh, the pressure in the lower leg will begin to loosen.
Description of the 5 zones in the boots:
- Zone 1: Foot.
- Zone 2: Calf.
- Zone 3: Knee.
- Zone 4: Lower Thigh.
- Zone 5: Upper Thigh.
Adjusting the Compression Level
Importance of Intensity Level
It is important to understand where your intensity level is and also that one day, you may prefer a higher, or lower intensity. If you have had an increase in pain, this will make you less tolerable to discomfort, so a higher pressure may seem more uncomfortable and less productive on some days, where some days you may seem able to turn the intensity all the way up and enjoy it. Note the specifics about the intensity levels below. *According to the Cleveland Clinic, compression is rated as high, medium, and low. Low pressure is less than 20 mm/Hg, or millimeters of mercury. Medium pressure is 20-30 mm/Hg, and High is 30 mm/Hg and above. Our compression here at Balance begins at 40 mm/Hg and goes up to 100 mm/Hg.
Breakdown of Intensity Levels
Level 1 = 40 mm/Hg pressure in all 5 zones (equal pressure and movement circulation from toe to upper thigh) similar to a gentle touch or a mild, constant squeeze
Level 2 = 50 mm/Hg in Zone 1 and 5, 60 mm/Hg in Zone 2,3,4 (pressure is more in the calf, knee, and lower thigh)
Level 3 = 60 mm/Hg in Zone 1 and 5, 70 mm/Hg in Zone 2,3,4 (pressure is more in the calf, knee, and lower thigh)
Level 4 = 70 mm/Hg in Zone 1 and 5, 80 mm/Hg in Zone 2,3,4 (pressure is more in the calf, knee, and lower thigh)
Level 5 = 80 mm/Hg in Zone 1 -5
Level 6 = 80 mm/Hg in Zone 1 and 5, 90 mm/Hg in Zone 2,3,4 (pressure is more in the calf, knee, and lower thigh)
Level 7 = 100 mm/Hg in Zone 1-5 similar to a noticeable but generally painless constriction or tightness
Benefits of Compression Therapy
Boosting Recovery and Improved Circulation
The benefits of improved circulation help to improve muscle recovery by encouraging continuous blood movement, helping push blood back towards the heart. It is helpful in removing waste and allowing proper oxygen and nutrients to get to the muscle tissue. This can reduce overall muscle soreness. The veins do not become as distended because blood is less likely to pool in the lower extremities helping to prevent those conditions that are related to poor vascular health.
Enhanced Flexibility
Reducing fluid and swelling will help improve movement and flexibility.
What Does the Research Say?
Hoffman et al. found that 20 minutes of compression post athletic activity did result in immediate subjective benefits, but results were inconclusive when considering the long-term benefit. Other studies found improved flexibility/range of motion, fatigue score, pain and swelling with pneumatic compression devices. There are many studies that did not find any evidence of help, but there are many limitations, such as few participants, no control over other factors, such as recovery nutrition and supplements, all of which could help improve recovery as well. It is a great opportunity to at least try them, and make notes of how your legs feel, do they feel fatigued? Pain? How are they handling the next training workout? Keeping a workout journal that tracks your nutrition, sleep, stress, recovery methods, and training results will all help you pinpoint whether you may be seeing improvement or not.
Conclusion
I enjoyed bringing you more information about compression because I learn more about recovery with every article I write. From their ability to help with vascular flow and swelling, to decreasing pain. and improving your range of motion, come in and check out our pneumatic compression to see if they may be an addition to your recovery routine. I look forward to bringing you new information about all of our therapies here at Balance.
Call to Action
This week we have a BOGO 50% off, so schedule your first compression and get a 50% coupon when you come in! Even in the off season, it is a great time for recovery and rebuilding.
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