Compression Therapy Benefits
Humans have used compression therapy to help heal wounds or inflammation since ancient times.
Today, different grades of compression stockings are available, ranging from over-the-counter support hose to prescription devices. The severity and type of your condition determine the amount of compression you need.
Compression therapy is found to be most effective when you combine it with movement.
When you walk and activate your calf muscles, compression helps “pump” blood back to your heart. This combo can reduce swelling in the legs.
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Compression therapy is well researched and has proven benefits in providing relief and preventing more serious problems. Some benefits include:
- prevention of leg swelling for people who stand or sit for long periods of time, like during a long flight
- management of varicose veins
- management of varicose veins and other leg symptoms during pregnancy
- prevention of venous thromboembolism in people who are immobile
- improved healing of leg ulcers
- prevention of leg ulcers coming back
- maintenance therapy for lymphedema
- improvement of chronic venous insufficiency and ulcer recurrence in older adults
The amount of compression can vary.
It’s important to check with your doctor to make sure that you’re using the right stockings or other medical compression device.