The RICE method is one of the tried-and-true treatment methods that most medical professionals recommend immediately after sustaining an injury. It stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. And while all four treatment options are effective, compression is one treatment that can be utilized long-term for many conditions.
Compression means to squeeze together. In the world of health care, compression often refers to a garment or device placed on the body that applies pressure to the affected area to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
At REPAIR SI, we use a specific system called Normatec compression therapy to help you recover from an injury and return to your everyday physical activities.
What Is Compression Therapy?
Compression therapy is a physical therapy treatment that utilizes controlled pressure to help alleviate pain and swelling in the feet, ankles, and legs due to medical condition symptoms. It uses specialized compression stockings and bandages to encourage blood flow and prevent it from pooling in the affected area.
Compression therapy is often used to treat medical conditions that cause poor blood circulation, including:
- Chronic venous insufficiency.
- Edema.
- Leg ulcers.
The Basics of Normatec Compression Therapy
Normatec compression therapy consists of devices and attachments that massage your affected limbs with compressed air as a way to increase circulation. It’s a recovery system that’s commonly used by athletes as a way to rehabilitate their arms, hips and legs following workouts or competition.
It uses a pulsing action to mimic the muscle pump in your affected limbs to assist with properly moving metabolites and fluid out of the area. The one-way compression patterns ensure that the fluid circulation isn’t being pushed in the wrong direction.
Compression therapy is commonly used among athletes to help:
- Decrease the risk of blood clots.
- Reduce soreness after working out or playing a sport.
- Improve muscle recovery time.
- Increase range of motion.
- Boost athletic performance.
It can connect to an app so that you can set the time, pressure and targeted areas for each therapy session. People often use them for 30 minutes after a workout, and it’s safe to use every day. Your REPAIR SI physical therapist will determine how often you should use the Normatec compression therapy system as well as the safest and most effective pressure for your pain and related symptoms.
REPAIR SI Can Show You the Benefits of Normatec Compression Therapy
Poor blood flow can cause long-lasting medical issues, but properly treating your limbs with compression can help alleviate pain and swelling that can stem from a lack of blood circulation. That’s why Normatec compression therapy is worth exploring.
Whether you’re experiencing painful medical condition symptoms in your legs or you’re an athlete who wants to help your limbs properly recover after a workout, come to REPAIR SI and discover how Normatec compression therapy can help.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Normatec compression therapy at REPAIR SI, contact our team today for more information or schedule an initial appointment.