Compression Therapy

Benefits, Uses and How It Works

Medical compression therapy uses specially designed elastic garments to apply controlled pressure to the limbs or other parts of the body. This gentle pressure supports the vein walls, promotes healthy blood flow and helps improve circulation. Medical compression therapy also helps manage edema and creates conditions that support the healing of certain chronic inflammatory conditions.

Key Facts at a Glance

What is compression therapy? An effective treatment for venous and lymphatic conditions.

How does it work? Compression garments apply controlled pressure to help support blood flow, manage swelling and relieve symptoms.

When is it used: Compression therapy is used for a wide range of conditions, from varicose veins and edema to recovery after surgery.

Choosing the right product: Compression garments are available in different compression classes, materials and designs to suit individual needs.

Benefits: Compression therapy helps improve quality of life and plays an important role in both prevention and treatment.

What Is Medical Compression Therapy?

Medical compression therapy uses specially designed elastic garments to apply controlled pressure to the limbs and, in some cases, other parts of the body. This controlled pressure gently compresses the vein walls, helping to improve circulation and support blood flow back toward the heart.

In addition, medical compression therapy helps reduce swelling and manage edema by limiting the leakage of fluid from the capillaries into the surrounding tissues and promoting lymphatic drainage. It may also help relieve leg pain, swelling, the feeling of heavy legs, and other symptoms associated with venous and lymphatic conditions.

Medical References for Compression Therapy

Indications for medical compression stockings in venous and lymphatic disorders: An evidence-based consensus statement.

Efficacy of Class 1 elastic compression stockings in the early stages of chronic venous disease. A comparative study.

Placebo controlled efficacy of class 1 elastic stockings in chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs

Leg symptoms of healthy people and their treatment with compression hosiery.

Compression versus sclerotherapy for patients with isolated refluxing reticular veins and telangiectasia: a randomized trial comparing quality-of-life outcomes.

Available in a Variety of Materials, Styles and Designs

Medical compression garments are available in a variety of compression levels, materials, styles and designs to meet different medical needs and individual preferences.

Options include circular knit, such as compression socks, leggings, shorts, tights, arm sleeves and gloves, as well as inelastic wraps.

How Medical Compression Works

Effects on Blood Circulation

The controlled pressure applied by medical compression socks helps reduce the diameter of the major veins, increasing both the speed and volume of blood flow.

As a result, medical compression supports blood flow from the limbs back toward the heart, reduces blood reflux and pooling, and promotes drainage of the deep venous system. Together, these effects help improve overall circulation.

Effects on Edematous Tissue

Medical compression therapy helps restore the balance of fluid exchange by reducing the leakage of fluid from the capillaries into the surrounding tissues. This helps manage edema and reduce swelling. Certain medical compression garments may also provide a gentle massage effect that can help soften hardened or fibrotic tissue.

In addition, medical compression therapy helps create conditions that support the healing of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as cellulitis, erysipelas and venous leg ulcers. Research has shown that compression therapy may help reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines while increasing anti-inflammatory cytokines. Improvements in the skin's microcirculation have also been observed.