The advantage of compression therapy for athletes, those recovering from injury or surgery, the elderly, and even those who spend a lot of time on their feet is clear. From faster recovery to reduced swelling, and less soreness to enhanced athletic performance, compression therapy can help everyone. However, how can you make the most of all the compression science and tools that are now available, as well as reducing the cost and making your compression therapy sessions more convenient? Well, you can do compression therapy at home!
While we would never say that you shouldn’t see a healthcare professional first, undertaking compression therapy at home can help produce noticeable improvements with recovery and comfort, and is worth trying! This guide will explore how you can do home compression therapy and improve your day-to-day comfort.
We’ve already explained in detail what compression therapy is and how it can help you, so let’s explore some ways you can bring it to the comfort of your own home.
This is the most common and most accessible way to do compression therapy at home, and it won’t break the bank! Compression socks, stockings, sleeves and other garments all work on the same principle. They provide graduated compression up the limb, with the most compression being at the extremity, to improve blood flow. This helps improve injury or exercise recovery times, prevent DVT and other circulatory issues, reduce swelling and increase comfort for the wearer.
Compression socks and stockings come in various lengths including knee-high, thigh-high and waist-high as a pair of leggings. They are also available in various compression levels (measured in millimetres of mercury, or mmHg) depending on the wearer’s requirements. According to The National Institute for Health & Care Excellence (NICE), compression stockings are divided into three classes:
Class 1 compression socks are suitable for everyday wear for most people such as at work, during sports and when travelling long distances. Class 2 socks are better suited for injury recovery and for managing mild symptoms of conditions such as DVT or varicose veins. Finally, Class 3 compression wear is often used for serious cases of DVT, swelling, varicose veins and other conditions that require medical supervision.
For an alternative to compression socks that takes your compression therapy at home to the next level, consider a compression therapy machine. If you’re an athlete looking to improve your recovery and performance, or maybe you’re recovering from a serious injury or medical condition, you may need more customisable compression, as well as other types of therapy such as cryotherapy, thermotherapy or contrast therapy.
Home compression therapy machines can often provide a range of compression and heat levels to create customised treatments for a range of conditions and injuries. They work by inflating and deflating sleeves, wraps or other garments. This helps to improve blood by squeezing your limbs and pushing blood back towards your heart. As a result, this can reduce swelling and encourage recovery by delivering fresh, oxygenated blood to an injured area. What’s more, this circulation helps reduce the risk of blood clots developing which can be a concern for those with serious injuries or reduced mobility.
However, one drawback of compression therapy machines, such as the CTC-7 device from G&N Recovery is that they can be expensive to buy. If you’re a medical professional or a serious athlete, then the investment is often worth it. But what about if you’re not one of those
Renting a compression therapy machine has become much more popular as people realise the potential benefits that can be had over a relatively short period of time. Perhaps you’ve had an operation and need to recover? Or you’re training for a specific event? You can reap the benefits of compression therapy at home whilst also saving on the cost. However, you must work with a medical professional to ensure you use any compression therapy machine safely and effectively.
At G&N Health, we offer a rental option for CTC-7 which allows you to try the machine, as well as experience the potential benefits of iceless cryotherapy, thermotherapy and contrast therapy in one device, without the initial investment. To find out more, learn about CTC-7 or contact us with any questions.
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