In this article, we’re going to take a look at pneumatic compression therapy and how it can benefit the general population. We’ll investigate how the therapy works, what the aims are and what the science behind it says.
We’ll make suggested use cases for the treatment based on a range of desired outcomes.
WHAT IS PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION THERAPY?
First things first! Pneumatic compression therapy is a rhythmical massage generated by the cyclical filling and emptying of air chambers in specifically designed clothing.
The person undergoing treatment wears boots or an arm/ jacket that contains various air chambers. The garment is then connected to a compressor, and the chambers fill and empty in a pre-determined fashion. The effect of this movement of air is a passive massage, helping to stimulate blood flow, lymph drainage and relaxation.
It’s a non-invasive technique and is suitable for almost anyone.
DOES PNEUMATIC COMPRESSION THERAPY WORK?
Absolutely!
There is a strong body of research showing the benefits of the treatment across a wide spectrum of outcome measures…
LYMPHEDEMA
The technology is used to successfully stimulate lymphatic drainage in lymphedema sufferers. A long-term study (data collected over three years) showed that pneumatic compression therapy was both safe and effective, leaving researchers to conclude that it ‘can be safely be recommended to patients with lower limb lymphedema.’
Interestingly, additional research showed it to be a more effective method of lymph drainage than the manual approach.
VARICOSE VEINS
One of the problems with varicose veins is the compromised blood flow through the damaged vessels. Left untreated this can cause pain and discomfort, impacting on the quality of life for the sufferer.
In an experiment published in 2016, patients in the experimental group received sequential pneumatic compression therapy for 30 minutes daily, five days a week for six weeks. The results showed improved maximum and mean blood flow velocity, pain level, and quality of life were significantly higher in the experimental group compared with the control group.
DVT PREVENTION
For certain groups (people who travel a lot and those undergoing surgery), deep vein thrombosis is a very real risk. If you fit into one of these groups, regular pneumatic compression therapy could be a major asset against developing DVT.
Research from 2013 into the impact of pneumatic compression therapy against DVT showed it to be an effective preventative measure against the condition.
THE PRACTICALITY OF THE TREATMENT
A huge positive of pneumatic compression therapy is the practicality of it. With a unit such as the Ballancer, you can turn up, put the garments on and enjoy the effects of the treatment. You don’t need to do any prep work beforehand; you apply the garments over clothes and it’s open to most people.
For the more active users who are looking for something to drive recovery, there’s a range of products designed for the sports market. Revive Products can help to reduce the negative post-exercise effects more quickly.
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.
