How It Works
What is compression therapy?
Compression therapy uses elastic garments (stockings, wraps or devices) that apply controlled pressure to the lower limbs. This pressure narrows distended veins and pushes blood back to the heart, improving venous return and preventing fluid pooling michiganvascularcenter.com.
Mechanism of action
Graduated compression stockings exert the highest pressure at the ankle and decrease toward the calf and thigh, which supports efficient blood return and helps prevent blood pooling michiganvascularcenter.com. WebMD notes that compression therapy “gently squeezes the leg, which helps blood flow faster and keep moving in the right direction webmd.com.
Gentle on tissues
By applying gentle pressure, compression socks prevent fluid from leaking out of small blood vessels and help your body reabsorb extra fluid webmd.com. This is why clinicians use them to control swelling during long periods of standing or sitting michiganvascularcenter.com
Edema and leg swelling
The American Academy of Family Physicians states that compression therapy is effective for most causes of edema. A vascular health article explains that compression reduces swelling by encouraging fluid drainage through the lymphatic system michiganvascularcenter.com
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and clot prevention
Compression stockings relieve pain and swelling from varicose veins and may prevent new varicose veins after treatmentwebmd.com. They are often prescribed for chronic venous insufficiency to improve venous returnmichiganvascularcenter.com
Varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency
By applying gentle pressure, compression socks prevent fluid from leaking out of small blood vessels and help your body reabsorb extra fluid webmd.com. This is why clinicians use them to control swelling during long periods of standing or sitting michiganvascularcenter.com
Post‑surgical recovery and leg ulcers.
Compression therapy is commonly used after surgery to prevent swelling and reduce the risk of DVT. WebMD notes that compression helps heal leg ulcers by improving blood flow and reducing pain, swelling and itching webmd.com
Clinicians and post‑operative patients
Surgeons and vascular specialists prescribe compression for patients recovering from orthopedic or vein surgery to control swelling and enhance circulation webmd.com
People with venous disorders
Individuals with varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, leg ulcers or lymphedema experience symptom relief and improved blood flow michiganvascularcenter.com
Travelers and sedentary workers
Wearing compression socks on long flights or during prolonged sitting helps reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clotswebmd.com
Pregnant women and athletes
Pregnancy often causes ankle and leg swelling; compression tights can alleviate discomfort webmd.com. Athletes use compression socks to support circulation and aid recovery after exercise michiganvascularcenter.com