How Compression Therapy Works

If you have a non-healing wound or a problem such as a pressure ulcer, your doctor may prescribe compression therapy to treat the problem. It can help increase blood flow to the affected area to help it heal. Typically, it involves wearing a special type of sock or stocking that exerts pressure on the area to help move blood where it needs to get. If you are preparing to undergo this type of treatment, here’s some information on what you can expect.

The Basics

When you walk, your calf muscles contract and relax. This helps the veins near those muscles move blood toward the heart. The socks or stockings worn as part of a compression therapy program act as sort of an extra layer of muscle. They help to gently squeeze the vein walls together and allow the valves to close. As the vein cavity is reduced in size, blood flow and circulation get closer to their normal state.

However, if you are wearing socks or stockings, your doctor will likely recommend that you put them on the first thing in the morning and not take them off until you are ready to go to bed. This is not only vital to the success of your treatment, it will also help prevent other circulatory problems from happening such as varicose veins.

Benefits

Your wound care specialist will determine exactly what level of compression therapy is needed in order to treat your wound. This method of treatment not only helps move blood to your heart from your leg, it will also alleviate restrictions on blood flow. In addition, it will promote faster healing of ulcers and wounds.

To schedule an appointment to determine if compression therapy will assist your wound management, get in touch with one of our Dallas area medical experts. Call either our Plano office at 972-665-6292, our Lewisville office at 972-318-2383, or our Irving location at 972-607-9643 or fill out our convenient online contact form.