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Pneumatic Compression Therapy

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Pneumatic Compression Devices

Have you ever thought about how our blood flows through our body? I can personally tell you that is just not something that I give a second thought to. I just rely on the cardiovascular system to continue to do what it always does... send blood to the various parts of my body which allows it to do whatever it has to do and I am none the wiser for it. However something more serious could be going on inside some of us that can bring us that could cause problems. In some cases death and that is a blood clot.

What exactly is a blood clot?

What exactly is a blood clot? When the lining of a blood vessel whether in an artery or vein is damaged a blood clot has the potential to form. A blood clot can be silent killer because we never know when it is forming. Most of us will never have to worry about this but for some it could be a matter of life and death. Blood clots are not necessarily a bad thing: For instance if you cut your finger or get a bruise of some kind a blood clot forms as a way of keeping you from losing all of your blood. However one of the most dangerous places for us to develop a blood clot is in the legs.

If a blood clot develops and moves from your legs to your lungs it can cause an embolism. If it moves to your heart it could bring on a heart attack or a clot in the brain could lead to a stroke. Our bodies are designed to move and if at any time we become immobile for extremely long periods of time we're at risk for blood clots.

Pregnancy is another factor in the development of blood clots. Pregnant women have the added pressure of an increase in weight and blood flow that pushes against the veins. This could lead to circulation issues and other problems that could give way to blood clots. Knowing this is there anything that we can do? I must admit that until recently I did not even know that something like this existed and yes there is something that can be done.

There is a product on the market used with pneumatic compression therapy, called the sequential compression stockings that has been designed just for the purpose of preventing the formation of blood clots. What are sequential compression stockings and how do they aid in preventing blood clots? It depends where your purchase them. They could be like a long sock that you slip on and they go from the foot to the knee and sometimes to the top of the leg or they could actually be a stocking.

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Lymphedema Pump

Upclose picture of a lymphedema pump

The sequential compression stocking is designed to be tighter at the foot and getter looser at the knee. They're function is to reduce swelling and keep blood clots from forming in the leg. These stockings are made of extremely strong elastic material and as I stated before they have gradual pressure that starts off with tight pressure that loosens up as it moves up the leg. These stockings get the blood moving back up towards the heart and they help in blood circulation and blood flow. This process keeps the blood from collecting in the feet and forming blood clots.

What are Pneumatic Compression Devices?

Not everyone should use these stocking because of the compression factor. Who should be using these stockings? As I said before immobility is a factor, major surgery, or trauma. If you have been diagnosed with DVT (Deep Venous Thrombosis) are excellent candidates for this product. Others that might be at risk are people who stand for long periods of time like bank tellers or teachers , people who work in retail, nurses or anyone who spends a lot time on their feet can benefit from pneumatic compression stocking.

Lymphedema Related News

Obesity May Raise Odds for Painful Leg Condition: By Denise Mann WEDNESDAY, May 30 (HealthDay News) -- The health risks associated with being overweight and obese are well publicized, but new research may add another condition to this list: leg lymphedema, pain and swelling due to blockage of the ...
Obesity may raise odds for painful leg condition: (HealthDay) -- The health risks associated with being overweight and obese are well publicized, but new research may add another condition to this list: leg lymphedema, pain and swelling due to blockage of the lymph nodes in the groin area.
Spectrum Healthcare, Inc. Launches Their New Website Spectrumhealthcare.net: The compression therapy products Spectrum Healthcare, Inc offers are used by across the country in clinics and hospitals as well as in the home for a variety of patients with a broad range of conditions from chronic edema and lymphedema to chronic ...
Indian River County Community Calendar, Updated June 3: Alternative Medicine Family Care Center, 3408 Aviation Blvd., Vero Beach, 6:30-7:30 pm, June 5. RSVP: 772-778-8877; amfcc.info. Lymphedema Talk: Lymphedema Center is offering lectures on swelling/edema management. 11 am, June 5, 12, 19, 26. Lymphedema ...

Compression Stockings

Why Compression Stockings: by BauerfeindUK | video info

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Lymphedema Related Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema: Lymphedema, also known as lymphatic obstruction, is a condition of localized fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lymphedema/DS00609: Lymphedema refers to swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs.
http://www.lymphnet.org/: The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1988.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/lymphedema/Patient/page1: Lymphedema is the build-up of fluid in soft body tissues when the lymph system is damaged or blocked.

Pneumatic Compression Stockings

Veins and swelling of the legs...

This kind of standing is one of the ways that people get varicose veins and swelling of the legs. If you are suffering from deep varicose veins, pain in the legs, or swelling you might want to take a trip to the doctor to determine if you are a candidate for compression stockings. You might ask what are the risks of wearing compression stockings. From all accounts the only risk associated with wearing compression stockings is not wearing them as prescribed or not being properly fitted.

When you are ready to purchase compression stockings how do you know what to look for? Pneumatic compression stockings as they are sometimes called are manufactured and measured by mmhg (millimeter of mercury). If you only need the regular compression stocking and you buy them over the counter they come in 10-15mmhg of 15-20mmhg. If your needs are for the medium compression stocking you will have to have a prescription and the high compression stocking has to be custom made. Once you know what you are looking for there are a variety of places to purchase the right stockings that will work for you.

Some of the brands of stocking you might want to check into are Sigvaris, Medvien or Juzo. Bio compression is in the forefront in the manufacturing pneumatic of sequential compression products for over 25yrs. Their line of compression stockings provide the customer with proper support while being fashionable.

If you need prescription strength stockings try medical supply stores and pharmacies like Walgreens, CVS, or Rite-Aid and a pharmacist will be able to fit you properly. The prices vary although you might be able to find cheaper prices online. To sum it up pneumatic sequential compression stockings provide you with the guarantee and give you the peace of mind to know that you can prevent blood clots from forming in areas that can be life threatening.