Do you have poor circulation? Do you notice frequent swelling in certain parts of your body? Do you stand for prolonged periods of time? If so, you could benefit from a compression stocking, sock, or hosiery therapies.
While this may seem counterintuitive, compression stockings actually help to increase blood flow. Contact MedRehab Group Physiotherapy today to discover how!
How do compression stockings work?
Compression stockings are thick pieces of fabric that are designed to decrease blood flow to working muscles, in order to promote hypertrophy (increase in muscle mass) and prevent disuse atrophy (decrease in muscle mass).
The most accepted theory of why this type of therapy works is that restricted blood flow creates localized hypoxia which also results in a higher number of metabolites deployed to that area. Best of all, these metabolites are not flushed out as quickly due to decreased blood flow.
The pressure created by these compression devices is high enough to occlude blood flow at 50-80% within the affected muscles. While this may sound intimidating, the local hypoxia actually helps in accumulating more metabolites, in order to regulate the body’s anabolic response system (also known as the way in which the body gains muscle protein).
Essentially, restricting the blood flow in the affected area helps to build more muscle protein – and, in turn, helps blood flow more efficiently afterwards. Additional physiological responses to compression stockings include:
- Increased anabolic growth factors
- Fast twitch fiber recruitment
- Muscle fiber synthesis
- Heat shock proteins
- Nitric oxide synthase
- Decreased expression of myostatin
Are compression stockings right for me?
While anyone with poor circulation or swelling can benefit from compression stockings, there are certain conditions that are more commonly treated with this method. These include:
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Lymphedema
- Edema
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Phlebitis
- Lipodermatosclerosis
If you have one of the above conditions, it is likely that compression stockings will help you. However, you do not need to have one of these conditions in order to benefit from the effects of compression stockings. Your physical therapist will help you determine if this treatment method is best for your specific needs.
Our trained physiotherapists are dedicated to helping you achieve a pain-free life.
What is an orthopedic brace?
Orthopedic braces are special devices that are designed to help with musculoskeletal issues. They aid in improving alignment, position correcting, supporting, stabilizing, and protecting parts of a person’s body as it heals from trauma or an injury. Muscles, joints, and bones can benefit from orthopedic braces if they’ve been hurt.
What conditions can an orthopedic brace correct/improve?
Orthopedic braces at MedRehab can correct and improve many different painful conditions. Back supports, shoulder supports, ankle and foot supports, knee supports, hip and thigh supports, and wrist-forearm splint/supports are a few types of braces that can be given to a patient to help them maintain stability, posture, and control as they heal.
Some conditions an orthopedic brace can help with are as follows:
Many athletes can benefit from the support of an orthopedic brace. It can help to protect them from sustaining further injuries during sports activities, and it also decreases the unwanted movement of the limb or joint while they are actually on the court or field.
How can I get started?
If you think you may benefit from compression stockings, contact MedRehab Group Physiotherapy today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed Georgetown, North York, Pickering, Stoney Creek, Toronto, Vaughan, and Woodbridge physical therapists. At your initial appointment, one of our Georgetown, North York, Pickering, Stoney Creek, Toronto, Vaughan, and Woodbridge physical therapists will conduct a physical evaluation, analysis of medical history, and discussion of symptoms, in order to determine if compression stockings are right for you.
When prescribed a compression device, your physical therapist will measure the amount of pressure that is recommended for the affected area, in order for you to successfully benefit from the compressions.
The intended goal of compression stockings is to stimulate the body’s natural healing and tissue-building processes, so your blood can flow with ease throughout your body.
Contact us or schedule an appointment today to get started on the path toward pain relief, increased strength, and overall functional improvement!
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