Under Pressure: How Compression Helps Relieve Inflammation
Compression therapy is the process of applying pressure to an injured area with the intent of reducing inflammation in that area. There are many different ways compression therapy can be done, from using a manual pump to squeezing the body part with a vacuum sealer. Each different application method varies in effectiveness depending on the severity of the injury and can provide various levels of relief when applied correctly.
Performed correctly, compression therapy can help reduce neuropathic pain, help improve circulation, aid in the healing process, and ease muscle strain. Many people will experience some relief from their symptoms by applying compression therapy on the injured area and heeding the usual warning signs of pain such as tingling, buzzing, or numbness.
When used incorrectly, compression therapy can do more harm than good. Over-applying compression, not following the skin color changes, or ignoring other warning signs can cause further injury and worsen the symptoms. The most important part of compression therapy is to stay with it until your pain slowly subsides over time and to check your skin regularly for any abnormal changes.
In the case of an acute injury, many different application methods can be used. The most common types of application include a manual pump, a vacuum sealer, self-adhesive wraps or bandages, and sleeves designed to offer graduated compression.
Mountain Trekking Garments
Mountain trekking garments, also known as “skinsuits” or “suitcases,” are simply a thin fabric garment that is designed to keep the user’s body temperature at a comfortable level. The garment consists of a torso and arm sleeve attached to each side of the leg. The torso portion has elastic straps on each side that are used to adjust the tightness of the sleeve around the torso and arm area. This tightness is very important so that the pressure of the compression garment does not bounce the user off of the trail and cause more injury. When used correctly, compression garments provide a very comfortable fit that allows for a better range of movement and prevents strain on injured areas.
The arm sleeve is typically made of neoprene or some fabric that is not too bulky, allowing it to be breathable and provide room for movement. The arm sleeves are often equipped with a pocket on the inside to hold a small thermal blanket or water bottle.
Many times, users will wear their compression garments at night and remove them when they wake up. This allows for a comfortable fit while sleeping, and also prevents moisture from accumulating in the garment during sleep. Another way to prevent moisture buildup is to use a regular undershirt that has 1/4 inch vents on each side of the torso portion of the compression garment, which helps to regulate heat and sweat.
Self-Adhesive Wraps
A simple and effective way to apply compression therapy for an injured area is to use self-adhesive wraps. These wraps often come in a large sheet that can be cut down to the desired size. The material of the wrap is very similar to the material on athletic tape, but it does not contain any kind of adhesive that will stick to itself or hair.
These wraps can be used in conjunction with a compression garment by placing them on top of the thigh area. The wetness from perspiration or water will be absorbed by all of the layers in the wrap, so there is no danger that it will begin to leak during sleep or while being active
Self-adhesive wraps are also great for minor strains and sprains because they are easy to apply and usually come in different colors. Once the wrap is applied, it will begin to warm up almost immediately, but should not become hot to the touch. The material of the wrap will become sticky when it becomes wet with sweat or water but will become smooth when dry. This means that if you are cold while sleeping or working out, the wrap can be left on until it becomes too hot to manage during activity.
Sleeves
When there is great pressure on a particular area, the body will protect that tissue by creating a thicker layer of skin around it. This thicker layer of skin can be irritating and interfere with normal movement during activity. A sleeve provides a better fit for small and medium-sized injuries, but can still be used on larger injuries to provide an appropriate amount of compression for the injured area.
Sleeves are typically constructed of a lightweight fabric that allows for free movement but will become warm when wet or moist with sweat. There are several different types of sleeves, including compression sleeves and graduated compression sleeves. Compression sleeves have a short length and a tight fit around the injury while graduated compression sleeves start out very loose at the top and gradually get tighter as they go down the leg (or in some cases, up the leg). Both types can be worn during activity or simply at night. Keep these things in mind the next time you are looking at diabetic socks for sale.
