The Science Behind Hydrology's Compression Therapy:
Compression Therapy: Is it Right for You?
Introduction:
Compression therapy constitutes a medical intervention utilizing pressure to enhance and bolster circulation within the veins. It is frequently applied in the treatment of various conditions, including venous disorders, lymphedema, and specific forms of edema, particularly in the postoperative phase. The fundamental objectives of compression therapy encompass the mitigation of swelling, the facilitation of blood flow, and the prevention of blood clotting in the targeted area. This article aims to offer guidance to individuals considering the suitability of compression therapy tailored to their distinct needs and circumstances.
Benefits:
- Improvement of Blood Circulation
Compression therapy contributes to the improvement of blood circulation through the application of pressure to the limbs, with a particular focus on the legs. This is vital for individuals dealing with conditions like chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins, where compromised blood circulation is a concern.
Evidence:
A study conducted by Oduncu and colleagues (2004) demonstrated how in order to treat leg ulcers, compression therapy is the main approach. When managing the wound and deciding on compression, it's important to consider if leg vein issues are due to problems in deep, superficial, or perforating veins. To better understand how well compression works, it's helpful to measure blood flow in the legs.
Right now, there isn't one perfect way to measure blood flow. Each method has its pros and cons. Many studies on blood flow in compressed limbs have shown different results because of how the research is done. Ideally, we'd have a system that can measure blood flow in the whole leg and check the pressure of the compression bandage while the person is walking. This would give us more useful information.
- Prevention of Blood Clotting
Compression therapy, particularly in the form of compression stockings, can be used to prevent the formation of blood clots, especially in individuals at risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The pressure exerted by the compression garments aids in maintaining blood flow and preventing stagnation.
Evidence:
A study conducted by Appelen and colleagues (2017) states that there is some evidence, though not very strong, that wearing elastic compression stockings can reduce the chance of getting post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS) after having deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The studies found that people generally wore the stockings well, and there weren't any serious problems reported.
Thigh-length stockings don't seem to be better than knee-length for preventing PTS or another DVT. Wearing these stockings might not significantly improve your quality of life, except in the first nine days after DVT. If you're thinking about how long to wear them, one study suggests that wearing the stockings for two years might be better than just one year in terms of preventing PTS.
Conclusion:
In summary, compression therapy stands out as a valuable medical approach to enhance circulation, especially in addressing conditions like venous disorders, lymphedema, and postoperative swelling. Its proven benefits, encompassing diminished edema, enhanced blood circulation, and the prevention of blood clotting, underscore its importance in diverse healthcare settings. Opting for compression therapy should be a well-informed decision based on careful consideration of individual needs, guided by consultation with healthcare professionals to ensure both suitability and effective management of specific health conditions.
References:
- Appelen D, van Loo E, Prins MH, Neumann MH, Kolbach DN. Compression therapy for prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2017 Sep 26;9(9):CD004174. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004174.pub3. PMID: 28950030; PMCID: PMC6483721.
- Oduncu H, Clark M, Williams RJ. Effect of compression on blood flow in lower limb wounds. Int Wound J. 2004 Jun;1(2):107-13. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-4801.2004.00034.x. PMID: 16722883; PMCID: PMC7951308.
- Urbanek T, Juśko M, Kuczmik WB. Compression therapy for leg oedema in patients with heart failure. ESC Heart Fail. 2020 Oct;7(5):2012-2020. doi: 10.1002/ehf2.12848. Epub 2020 Jul 25. PMID: 32710511; PMCID: PMC7524111.