Normatec Compression Therapy

NormaTec Compression is a leader in sports recovery systems & movement enhancement technology. With NormaTec Compression, you can train harder when exercising and recover faster in between. Think of this as a personal massage therapist that reduces muscle soreness and improves circulation. Through our compression therapy services, we offer use of the cutting-edge, commercial-grade compression devices that enhance the body’s natural ability to recover.

The Benefits

Using Normatec’s full-length leg, arm, or hip compression attachments rejuvenates muscle tissue and dramatically reduces tightness and soreness. When used as part of a routine, Normatec helps to speed recovery, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction.

What happens during compression therapy?

By squeezing your lower legs, compression therapy helps the veins return blood to your heart and prevent the pooling of blood and swelling. Your healthcare provider may recommend compression therapy alone or combined with other treatments.

What are the advantages of compression therapy?

Compression therapy can improve blood circulation in the legs and reduce pain and swelling. In addition, it can help:

- Heal ulcers and wounds caused by blood pooling.
- Manage conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency and orthostatic hypotension.
- Prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Image

What are the risks of compression therapy?

Most of the problems people experience with compression therapy are not severe. They include:


  • Skin irritation.

  • Discomfort or pain.

  • Bacterial or fungal.

  • Swelling of the lower foot and toe area (where compression is usually lower).

Rarely, severe side effects can occur, such as:


  • Nerve damage.

  • Soft tissue damage.

Varicose veins

These veins are caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins look like raised, winding ropes under your skin. Compression therapy can help relieve swelling and pain associated with varicose veins.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

This is a blood clot that develops in a deep vein in the body, often in a leg. Because the clot blocks blood flow, blood and swelling can build up behind it.

Healthcare providers may recommend compression therapy for people at risk of deep vein thrombosis. Some risk factors include:


  • Carrying excess weight.

  • Chemotherapy.

  • Physical inactivity or immobility.

  • Pregnancy and postpartum, up to six weeks after birth.

If you already have deep vein thrombosis and take blood thinners (anticoagulants), then it’s reasonable to consider compression therapy. However, speak with your healthcare provider before first before starting compression therapy and see if it is right for you.

Swelling (edema) of the feet, ankles or legs

Swelling occurs when fluid becomes trapped in your tissues. Fluid has a tendency to pool in your legs because of gravity but our body is able to prevent pooling in many different ways. However, there are conditions where pooling still occurs. In your legs, ankles and feet, swelling can be a result of:

Healthcare providers may recommend compression therapy for people at risk of deep vein thrombosis. Some risk factors include:


  • Chronic venous insufficiency.

  • Congestive heart failure.

  • Lymphedema.

  • Pregnancy.

  • Sitting or standing in one place for a long time.

  • Compression therapy helps by using pressure to move fluid and prevent it from accumulating.

Leg ulcers and wounds

Ulcers are open sores. They can occur anywhere on your body but often affect the legs, ankles and feet. People with diabetes, varicose veins and poor circulation are at higher risk of developing ulcers on the lower legs and feet.

Compression therapy can enhance recovery from leg ulcers and wounds.

Orthostatic hypotension

This is a rapid drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up. Low blood pressure can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Orthostatic hypotension is due to poor blood return to your heart from your legs when you stand. Compression therapy can help treat this condition by squeezing blood from your legs back up to your heart.

Recovery from Athletic Training and Competition

Some athletes involved in endurance sports use compression therapy on their legs during or after exercise. The increased blood circulation is thought to improve muscle recovery and reduce soreness. Whether they are running, jumping or weight lifting, athletes generally do a repetitive, high-intensity activity. They may be at risk of muscle tears and sprains, muscle fatigue and lower leg and foot injuries. Compression therapy helps increase blood flow to increase oxygen to the muscles. This may reduce pain and the time needed for recovery. Some research studies support these beneficial effects.

Interested In Trying Compression Therapy?