Compression therapy

SIGVARIS® Compression Stocking Therapy

What is compression therapy?

Medical compression therapy consists of applying a type of elastic device, mainly on the limbs, to exert controlled pressure on them. By compressing the limbs or other body regions, the medical compression device squeezes the vein walls together, thereby improving overall circulation and supporting blood flow back toward the heart.

In addition, it helps to reduce swelling and formation of edema in edematous tissues by reducing the capillary leakage into the tissue and supports the lymphatic drainage of interstitial fluid. Medical compression provides significant relief of leg aching, pain, feeling of swelling and heaviness, and other venous and lymphatic symptoms.

Different materials, forms, and styles are available

Medical compression can be applied in different pressure degrees, forms, and styles and materials based on the symptoms and needs of individuals. Round- and flat-knitted garments (stockings, leggings, shorts, tights, pantyhose, arm sleeves, gloves, etc.), wraps, and bandages are available.

We have a wide range of Sigvaris compression stockings. Those include compression stockings with relatively low compression levels that can be purchased without a prescription at our Home Health Care store, as well as compression stockings with higher levels of compression that are prescribed by doctors.

Over-the-counter stockings usually come in compression levels of around 15-20 mmHg.

By “high-level compression,” we mean those that generally range from 20-30 mmHg to 30-40 mmHg; while these strengths are generally safe to wear, certain individuals may be at risk of harm due to contraindications – the oversight of a doctor is always recommended. Compression levels in even higher ranges do exist, but your doctor should tell you about those.

If you are in need of medical prescription compression stockings, then most extended-coverage insurance plans cover the expense.

Compression levels explained

What medical issues are the various compression levels used for? Here’s a guide. The severity of a certain issue will help determine the level needed.

You should talk to your doctor about which compression level is right for you.

8-15 mmHg

Mildly aching and tired legs
Support and comfort for either standing or sitting for long periods
When just a little support is needed for general health and energy

15-20 mmHg

Slightly more support, offering day-to-day relief from achy, heavy, and slightly swollen legs
Extra support on busy, active days, or when travelling
An aid for enhanced circulation, especially in the legs
During pregnancy they can help prevent varicose and spider veins

20-30 mmHg

The most commonly prescribed compression level by Doctors
Used to help a variety of minor to moderate medical conditions
Helps chronically painful and heavily fatigued legs
Helpful in the treatment of varicose veins
Relief from the swelling associated with mild edema
Used in combination with elective surgical procedures such as sclerotherapy and phlebectomy
Used to help treat orthostatic/postural hypotension, a form of low blood pressure

30-40 mmHg

Relief from moderate to severe edema and lymphedema
Helps prevent and relieve more serious cases of varicose veins
Used in the treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Post Thrombotic Syndrome
Can help heel active venous stasis ulcers
Used to treat phlebitis
Used in treating skin changes with healed ulceration

40-50 mmHg

Used as part of the treatment for chronic venous insufficiency
Used for the most severe cases of DVT and Post Thrombotic Syndrome
Used in treating severe skin changes with active ulceration

Watch the SIGVARIS GROUP movie to learn more about the beneficial effects of wearing Sigvaris compression stockings. What are venous disorders and how do they arise? What are the main symptoms, and how can Sigvaris compression stockings help relieve them?

Also you can check the catalog of all compression stockings we have available at our store.

The effects of medical compression

Effect on blood circulation

The controlled pressure exerted by medical compression stockings reduces the diameter of major veins, thereby increasing the velocity and volume of blood flow. Consequently, medical compression improves blood transport from the extremities towards the heart, reduces blood reflux and stagnation, and provides better drainage of the deep venous system, which all helps to increase and therefore improve the circulatory rate.

Effect on edematous tissue

Under medical compression, the balance in blood exchange is improved by reducing capillary leakage of fluid in the interstitial tissue. This leads to a better reduction of edema. A beneficial massaging effect of certain medical compression textiles, leading to a softening of hardened or fibrotic tissue, has been reported.

In addition, medical compression recreates conditions beneficial for the healing of chronic inflammatory disorders (e.g. cellulitis, erysipelas, venous leg ulcers, etc.), through reduced pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels and higher levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokines. Also, improved skin microcirculation has been reported.

Speak with us for more details.

Pharmasave Holistic Care