what is
Compression Therapy?
The concept of compression therapy
lies on a simple and efficient
mechanical principle : the application of an elastic garment
around the leg.
By compressing the limb with graduated compression - strong
at the ankle
and decreasing going up the leg - the compression stocking
helps the
venous return, decreases venous pressure, prevents venous
stasis and
deterioration of venous walls, and efficiently relieves
aching and heavy
legs.
At Dr. Stana Djurdjevic & Associates, we help assist
you and your
prescribing physician to treat phlebitis, thrombosis and
aftercare following
surgery, sclerotherapy and any other forms of varicose vein
treatment, and
also to relieve all conditions of chronic venous disease
(heavy legs,
varicose veins, edemas, leg ulcers). Compression hose can
also be
prescribed to prevent venous troubles during pregnancy and
long distance
travel. We do all the measuring in the clinic and can provide
next day
service for picking up your prescriptive products. We also
offer a great
selection of non-prescriptive compression hose.
Depending on the pathology, medical compression therapy
can be applied
in different forms: socks, stockings, pantyhose or bandages.
The current new textures and fashion designs of compression
products
make the treatment observance much easier and efficient.
PRINCIPLE OF COMPRESSION THERAPY
1. The principle of this therapy is to exert a controlled
pressure on the
limb
Action of compression
The pressure unit is the millimeter of mercury (mmHg)
or the hecto Pascals
(hPa).
1 mmHg = 1.33 hPa.
2. The pressure is exerted by the application
of a device on the limb
Stockings or bandages are called medical devices. They
answer to specific
reglementations that fix their strict requirements. The
devices are called
orthesis meaning that their action is to support or to
reinforce a part of the
human body, and not to be a substitute like a prosthesis
does.
3. The action of the device is mechanical
It utilizes the principle of hysteresis that is defined
by the stretch-relaxation
curve of an elastic body.
The transmission of the pressure to the vascular system
by those devices
is indirect.
4. The principle stands against the
hyperpressure induced by a
defective venous system
References
: - Pollack A.A. et Wood E.H. Venous pressure in the saphenous
vein at the ankle in man during exercise and changes in
posture. J Appl Physicl. 1949,1 : 649.
Partsch H., Rabe E., Stemmer R. Compression. Chapitre
5. In : Compression of the extremities. Editions - PhlÈbologiques
FranÁaises. 2000. Paris. Pages 57-134.
5. The pressure is stronger at ankle
level
The compression device must exert a contra-pressure where
the pressure
level is the strongest : at the ankle.
The foot does not require to be tighten by the device.
6. The pressure is degressive
The direction of the blood stream must be respected. Therefore
the
pressure must be degressive. The gradually pressure decrease
is defined
in the requirements of the devices, and depends on the
compression
classes.
7. The pressure is determined by :
The
elastic recoil force of the hosiery
The
form of the leg : The pressure exerted on the leg
depends on the
curvature of the local surface (Laplace Law). Thus, a
given stocking exerts
a higher pressure above the tibial edge and the Achille's
tendon and a
lower one at the lateral aspect of the leg. Behind the
ankles, no pressure is
exerted as the garment does not touch the skin.
