Intermittent Compression for Treatment

Intermittent compression is a technique used in the treatment of a variety of medical conditions. It involves applying periodic pressure to the affected area to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and promote healing. This technique is commonly used in sports medicine and post-surgical rehabilitation. Still, it can also benefit patients with chronic conditions such as lymphedema, venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis.

How Intermittent Compression Works

Intermittent compression involves a device that applies periodic pressure to the affected area. These devices typically have an inflatable garment or sleeve wrapped around the limb or body part. The garment is connected to a pump that inflates and deflates the garment rhythmically.

The pressure the garment applies helps improve circulation by forcing blood and other fluids to flow out of the affected area. This can be especially helpful for patients with conditions that cause swelling or edema, as it can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Intermittent compression also helps to promote lymphatic drainage. The lymphatic system removes excess fluid and waste products from the body. When the lymphatic system is not functioning properly, lymphedema can occur. Intermittent compression can help to improve lymphatic function by stimulating lymphatic vessels and increasing lymphatic flow.

Conditions That Can Benefit from Intermittent Compression

Intermittent compression can be helpful for a variety of medical conditions, including:

1. Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a condition that occurs when there is a blockage or damage to the lymphatic system, which leads to swelling in the affected area. Intermittent compression can help reduce swelling and promote lymphatic drainage.
2. Venous insufficiency: Venous insufficiency occurs when the veins in the legs cannot properly circulate blood back to the heart. This can lead to swelling, pain, and other symptoms. Intermittent compression can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Diabetes is a common venous insufficiency condition.
3. Deep vein thrombosis: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein, typically in the legs. DVT can be a serious condition, as the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Intermittent compression can help prevent blood clots from forming and promote blood flow in the affected area.
4. Post-surgical rehabilitation: Intermittent compression can help promote healing and reduce swelling following surgery. It can also help prevent blood clots from forming during recovery.
5. Sports injuries: Intermittent compression can help reduce inflammation and promote healing following a sports injury. It can also help to prevent future injuries by improving circulation and reducing the risk of swelling.

Types of Intermittent Compression Devices

There are several types of intermittent compression devices available, including:

1. Sequential compression devices (SCDs): SCDs are commonly used to prevent DVT. They consist of inflatable sleeves wrapped around the legs and connected to a pump. The sleeves inflate and deflate sequentially, starting at the foot and moving upward to the thigh.
2. Intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) devices are commonly used to treat lymphedema and venous insufficiency. They consist of inflatable garments that are wrapped around the affected limb or body part. The garments are connected to a pump that rhythmically inflates and deflates the garment.
3. Compression stockings: Compression stockings are commonly used to treat venous insufficiency. They are tight-fitting stockings that apply pressure to the legs, helping improve circulation while the patient moves.