If you’ve ever had an injury before, you may have come across the term RICE as it relates to recovery. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. While there have been some modifications to this methodology over the past few decades, compression has always remained an important and widely agreed-upon component of recovery.
But what exactly does compression sleeve therapy do to enhance the healing process? Does everyone benefit from this treatment, or is it only helpful for athletes? In this article, we will examine each of these questions and more.
What Is Compression Sleeve Therapy?
Compression sleeves are typically used on the legs, but with the help of special attachments, they can sometimes be used on the arms as well. Essentially, the sleeves consist of two large, inflatable cuffs that wrap around the legs and provide modifiable levels of pressure.
Depending on the goal of the treatment, and the tolerance of the patient, the sleeves can be inflated so that they are very tight, or to a lesser degree, so that they gently squeeze the legs.
How Does Compression Enhance the Healing Process?
While we may never know the exact underlying mechanisms of how compression affects the body, we do know quite a bit about the benefits inherent in the treatment.
First and foremost, compression sleeves decrease swelling and inflammation, aiding the blood in returning to the circulatory system. This is important, as swelling can often be one of the worst parts of the healing process and the factor that sticks around for the longest time.
Secondly, compression sleeves can help to relieve pain. Sore muscles and joints respond well to compression therapy, and many patients report having less pain when moving their injured limb after receiving the treatment.
Furthermore, compression sleeves can improve athletic performance. For athletes looking to get an edge over their competition, compression sleeves can provide a boost in athletic ability by helping to increase joint range of motion and improve tissue flexibility.
Compression Therapy: Is It Just for Athletes?
Many people may mistakenly associate compression therapy with only an athletic population. While compression sleeves work great for athletes of all levels, the treatment can also help anyone who has experienced an injury or is dealing with an issue related to poor blood circulation.
The sleeves use a specific massage technique to push excess fluid out of the limb and toward the heart. For this reason, it also works well for many people who suffer from chronic inflammation and swelling.
So, to answer the question at hand: no, compression sleeves are not just for athletes. They work well for anyone suffering from pain, poor circulation, swelling, and many other issues.
How Long Do Compression Therapy Sessions Last?
When you see your chiropractor, you will likely receive other treatments besides just compression therapy. For this reason, you’ll probably want to allot about an hour for each of your sessions in total.
That being said, the compression therapy treatment itself only lasts a few short minutes. The patient can often sit in a reclined, comfortable position as the machine does its work and helps to relieve the symptoms in question.
At Awaken Chiropractic, we are ready to treat any patient who walks in the door. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you should be able to complete all of your activities without pain holding you back. If you are interested in learning more about compression sleeve therapy, contact us. If you need help with any other issues and are ready to get your life back, book your appointment with us today!.
