Although versions of pneumatic compression therapy have been around for decades in the medical world, they’re making their way into the general wellness space now.
The proven benefits of the approach don’t just benefit medical patients. The same mechanisms by which they benefit patients will also help the general population with enhancing circulation, post-exercise recovery, lymph drainage, relaxation and injury healing.
Here’s a list of just some of the benefits of pneumatic compression therapy…
CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENT
The major benefit of pneumatic compression is the improvement in circulation. The gentle squeezing of blood vessels helps to increase venous return. This in turn increases cardiac output, meaning increased nutrient-rich blood available to the recovering body.
In a 2014 study, researchers found that the use of a pneumatic compression device caused a 51% median increase in venous peak velocity, time-averaged maximum velocity, and volume flow of blood through vessels [1].
IMPROVED EXERCISE RECOVERY
When we exercise we can sometimes experience a condition known as DOMS – delayed onset muscle soreness. This is where microtears appear in the muscles and connective tissues as a result of the exertion during the activity.
In a 2018 study, researchers discovered that the daily use of pneumatic compression devices post-exercise ‘reduce peak disturbance and recovery time from DOMS’. [2] Put simply, using pneumatic compression will get you back to the pre-exercise state faster.
FASTER INJURY HEALING
Blood flow is integral to wound healing. Blood contains many of the repair agents tissues require in order to heal properly, so by improving blood flow to an injury site, you improve the speed and depth of the injury repair.
In a 2008 study, researchers noted that compression therapy appeared to be an effective modality to enhance fracture and soft-tissue healing [3]. This is a very important discovery because it may be able to help people recover from relatively minor injuries without needing medical intervention.
PREVENTION OF DVT
The most common use of pneumatic compression technology is in the prevention of deep vein thrombosis. For people who may have to travel a lot (pilots, train drivers, lorry drivers etc), or those undergoing surgery it can be very helpful.
Research from 2013 into the impact of pneumatic compression therapy against DVT showed it to be an effective preventative measure against the condition, helping to significantly reduce the risk of developing a DVT. [4]
ENHANCED LYMPH DRAINAGE
Pneumatic compression therapy has been shown to stimulate lymphatic drainage in lymphedema sufferers. Two studies into the impact of pneumatic compression on lymph drainage show that it is both safe and effective [5] and is a more effective method of lymph drainage than the manual massage approach [6].
PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION THERAPY – LEARN MORE
At RP-X we distribute a range of different pneumatic compression therapy products that can offer your clients all of the health benefits of the treatment, improving their general wellness. Contact us to learn more about the products and services we offer and how it could be of benefit to you.
For more information on pneumatic compression therapy, pricing and the right products for you, contact us on info@rp-x.com or 01234 862762.
References
[1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0268355514531255
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5955306/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18596049/
[4] https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.113.002690
