What is a Compression device?
• Mechanical pressure applied *Encourages venous & lymphatic system return from the extremities
• Nylon appliance is applied to a body part & is connected with hoses to a unit
• Air flow through the appliance
• Sequential or Circumferential
Sequential vs. Circumferential Compression
Sequential
o The appliance is divided into various compartments. o Compartments are filled distal to proximal.
Circumferential
o The appliance is filled simultaneously. o Equal amounts of pressure are applied to all parts of the extremity. o Pressure rises with ON cycle & drops with OFF cycle.
Cold & Compression
• Devices can utilizes cold and compression therapy together to treat an injury
• Can use intermittent circumferential or sequential
Circumferential can be used to prevent the formation of edema
• Can use continuous cold therapy units
Useful in preventing edema
Injury Response Process - Effects
• Movement of fluids is caused by various pressure gradients
• Two pressure gradients are being utilized
External compression causes the gradient between the tissue hydrostatic pressure and the capillary filtration pressure and reduces the pressure
• Encourages reabsorption of interstitial fluids
A gradient is also formed between the distal portion of the extremity (high pressure) & proximal portion (low pressure) because the tissues are being compressed
• Forces fluids to move from high-pressure to low pressure area
Mechanical and biochemical effects of IPC on a vein
Injury Response Process – Effects
If the extremity is elevated, both gradient pressures are enhanced by gravity, encouraging a speedier venous drainage
Low pressure (35-55 mmHg) have shown to increase venous velocity 175%
Because debris is removed from area, fresh blood flow is increased significantly to the area following treatment
During ON time - the blood flow to the area is decreased because of