Compression therapy is a treatment option for patients with venous disorders, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Compression therapy is also often recommended for patients who have had a venous leg ulcer. Despite being an effective treatment, there are many myths about compression therapy. In this article, we will debunk some of these myths.
Myth 1: Compression therapy is painful
Wrong! Compression therapy should not be painful. If you experience pain while wearing compression garments, it is likely that the garment is too tight, applied incorrectly, or the wrong size. Consult with your physician to find a compression product that is comfortable for you to wear.
Myth 2: Compression therapy is only for older people
Wrong! While many conditions that are treated with compression therapy do present at an older age, compression therapy can be used to treat patients of all ages.
Myth 3: Compression therapy is only for people with serious medical conditions
Wrong! While compression therapy is often used to treat serious medical conditions, such as DVT and CVI, it can also be used to prevent these conditions. In fact, compression therapy is often recommended for people who are at risk for developing venous disorders.
Myth 4: Compression therapy is only for people who are overweight
Wrong! Compression therapy is used by people of all sizes and shapes. That's why the Aero-Wrap™ is available in sizes small through extra-large.
Myth 5: Compression therapy is only for people who have had surgery
Wrong! Compression therapy can be used to prevent and treat venous disorders, even if you have never had surgery.
Myth 6: Compression therapy is only for people who have swelling
Wrong! While compression therapy can help reduce swelling, it can also be used to prevent swelling. In fact, compression therapy is often recommended for people who are at risk for developing venous disorders.
Myth 7: Compression therapy is only for people who sit or stand for long periods of time
Wrong! While compression therapy can help reduce the risk of developing venous disorders for people who sit or stand for long periods of time, it can also be used to prevent and treat venous disorders for people of all activity levels. If you are very active and find standard compression products to be too restrictive, there are products that are made for people with more active lifestyles, like the Aero-Wrap™ Flex.
Myth 8: Compression therapy is only for people who have varicose veins
Wrong! While compression therapy can help reduce the appearance of varicose veins, it can also be used to prevent and treat venous disorders, even if you do not have varicose veins.
Myth 9: Compression therapy is only for use on your legs
Wrong! While compression therapy is most often used on the legs, it can also be used on other parts of the body, such as the arms. In fact, post-mastectomy lymphedema is extremely common, and patients often use compression therapy on their arms for this issue.
Myth 10: Compression therapy is only for people with venous disorders
Wrong! While compression therapy is most often used to treat venous disorders, it can also be used to prevent these conditions. Additionally, compression therapy is often used in sports, as it can help prevent and treat injuries and even aid in training and recovery.
We hope that this article has debunked some of the myths about compression therapy. If you have any questions about compression therapy, or if you would like to learn more about how compression therapy can help you, please consult with your physician.